This morning at the Port of Miami, under a gray sky and steady rain, I had the honor of attending a send-off that reminded me why I do what I do. Invited by Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), I joined fellow guests to witness the departure of the U.S. Naval Ship Comfort as it set sail on its Continuing Promise mission — a powerful humanitarian initiative that transcends borders, politics, and oceans.

The ship may be heading out to care for others, but the impact of this mission was already felt here at home.

As a Realtor®, regional director of the Compass Military Division, and a proud advocate for military and veteran families in South Florida, this event deeply resonated with me — not just as a community member, but as someone committed to service, purpose, and connection.

🌍 The Comfort's Mission: More Than Medicine

The USNS Comfort is a floating hospital — yes. But this morning, it felt more like a symbol of humanity in motion. Staffed with Navy medical professionals, support teams, and volunteers, the Comfort is traveling to Latin American and Caribbean nations to provide essential medical care, disaster response training, and community support.

But beyond healthcare, the Comfort carries something more powerful: hope.

At a time when so much divides us, this mission is a reminder that service and compassion are still the strongest bridges we have.

Miami’s Role: Gateway, Host, Home

There’s a reason the Comfort launched from Miami.

SOUTHCOM, headquartered right here in Doral, isn’t just a military base — it’s a strategic command center overseeing U.S. defense partnerships across the Western Hemisphere. But it's also a deeply local institution that touches our neighborhoods, our schools, our economy, and yes — our housing market.

Being present at this event reminded me how interconnected we are. When our city hosts a mission like this, we’re not just supporting a ship — we’re supporting every family that serves, every veteran who calls this place home, and every young person dreaming of a future built on purpose.

🏡 Service, Mission, and Miami Real Estate

For those of us in real estate, moments like this are more than symbolic — they are instructive.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping many active-duty military members, veterans, and federal employees find homes across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. They come here not just for assignments or deployments, but because they see Miami as a place to build their futures.

Events like this one highlight what sets our region apart: our deep ties to national service, international leadership, and global outreach.

And those ties create opportunities — not just for homebuyers, but for investors, sellers, and families planting roots.

💼 My Mission in Real Estate: Supporting Those Who Serve

As the Regional Director of the Compass Military Division, my mission is clear: to ensure that every military and veteran family who wants to own a home in South Florida has the tools, education, and support to make that happen.

Whether it’s navigating VA loan benefits, finding communities near SOUTHCOM, or educating buyers about financing options, I treat every client with the same respect and care that today’s mission reflects — because real estate isn’t just about square footage. It’s about security. It’s about stability. And for so many of the people I work with, it’s about healing from service and finding peace at home.

📈 The Ripple Effect on the Local Market

SOUTHCOM’s presence in South Florida — along with ongoing missions like Continuing Promise — boosts both our economy and housing stability. As government investment, federal staff assignments, and international diplomacy activities grow, so does the demand for safe, accessible housing.

From Doral and Downtown Miami to Homestead and Hollywood, I’m already seeing the ripple effects:

• Contractors and families relocating near bases

• Diplomats seeking rentals or second homes

• Investors prioritizing properties near government zones

If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, this is the time to learn how you can use your VA home loan to buy with no down payment, no PMI, and favorable rates — especially in a market like Miami that continues to grow in value.

🎓 Join My Free Educational VA Loan Seminar

To help you make informed decisions, I host free VA home loan seminars for veterans, active-duty military, and their families.

You’ll learn:

• How to qualify for a VA loan

• What areas are best for military buyers

• How to avoid common buying mistakes

• Strategies for building equity while serving

📅 Upcoming Seminar: Tuesday June 10, 2024
📍 Location: Shoma Bazaar  | 9420 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33178 + Virtual Option
🔗 Register Here: https://forms.gle/UJjmW57AEDJSwZQL9
🎖️ Limited spaces available! Reserve yours today.

🫶 A Closing Thought from the Heart

Watching the USNS Comfort set sail today, I was struck by this thought:

Service takes many forms.
For some, it's wearing a uniform and sailing into the unknown.
For others, it’s offering care, guidance, and stability on the homefront.

I’m proud to do the latter — to support those who serve by helping them build lives here in South Florida, one home at a time.

If you’re buying, selling, relocating, or simply exploring your options — I’m here. With gratitude, with experience, and with the same heart I saw on display today.

Because like the Comfort, I believe in missions that matter.

📲 Let’s Connect

💼 Celia Ruiz
Realtor® | Compass Military Division
South Florida Specialist
📧 celia@morethanthesale.com
📞 305.965.1882
🌐 morethanthesale.com

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