Mission Vivere: Honoring a great man and making a difference for military personnel

Anthony David Starace had a last wish a few months ago, knowing his days on earth were limited: “Get this thing going!”

And so, his family did. They rallied around Anthony’s wish and has paid it forward, making  it a goal for Mission: Vivere to succeed.

“We want to continue his legacy,” said Brittany, his sister. “Anthony had such a big heart and always saw the best in people and always wanted to help. He, fortunately, was touched by so many people that helped him along his journey, so we wanted to make sure that we continued that. Anthony helped us create the foundation for us.”

So, here Team Vivere is, making their effort a good one as they prepare to participate in the 41^st El Tour on Nov. 23.

It’s all in the name and thoughts of Anthony, who passed away on May 7, 2024 after a 3 1/2 year battle with brain cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2020.

The purpose of the nonprofit is to help former or current military individuals. He had just gotten out of the military when he was diagnosed.

Initially, the mission is to help Northern Arizona ROTC, something Anthony was a part of while in school. They are also hoping to help the VA and other endeavors, as well.

According to the family, Anthony served in the Army, making Captain. He served in the 101st Airborne division at Ft. Campbell in the 1-75th Cavalry Regiment. He also served at Camp Casey in Korea in the 2nd Infantry. Finally, at Ft. Myers Virginia as the Logistics Officer for the 3rd Infantry Regiment for Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Serving his country and his fellow service members was profoundly meaningful for him.

“We created this, a mission to help people, and specifically veterans … future military leaders, making sure that they got up on the right foot in ROTC,” said Michael, his brother. “And, the influence that they had all the way through after service. He wanted to be able to have an impact on them, sharing his story.”

He had a major impact. Not long ago they had a VA walk in Florida in Anthony’s honor.

He shared his story here in Southern Arizona as well. It was about getting the word out.

“It’s to never give up – that bad things can happen in your life, that you can be impacted in a variety of different ways, but you can’t give up,” Michael said of the message. “The meaning of Vivere is to live. It’s about impacting people and to touch people in different ways and pay it forward.”

Michael said Anthony was “so profoundly impacted by the ROTC program, the Army, the care that he got at the VA that he wanted to do his part to continue to continue that (love).”

What could the impact of Mission: Vivere have?

Michael said – no limit.

“It’s been hard because it’s pretty fresh,” he said of Anthony’s death.

But in a few short months they’ve raised over $20,000 from those who help support the mission.

Now, more than 30 people – family and friends – have banded together to get tattoos sporting Vivere.

“If he couldn’t continue to physically be here we all want to continue his legacy,” Michael said.

To contribute to Mission Vivere or to join the team visit: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/80091/Charity/27807