Monday, June 05 2006
ROME, GA - A former Green Beret has brought to Rome his antiques and military memorabilia shop after running the business in California.
Octavio Pino, known as Don Pino, offers customers military items - from the Civil War through Vietnam - and antique furniture, as well as
hand-rolled cigars that he learned to make in his native Cuba.
Don Pino Militaria and Antiques occupies the former home of Rome Rug Gallery, 2432 Old Calhoun Road, where he still sells some rugs. His shop doubles as a military history museum.
"We need to teach our children about their history," Pino said, noting that many Americans have ancestors who served in the military. "There's so much ignorance."
Pino has collected military uniforms, weapons and photos through his years of military service, including duty in the Congo, Vietnam and the invasion of Cuba. He was born in Cuba to a father of Italian birth and has lived most of his life as a U.S. resident.
More information about Pino's business can be found online at www.pinomilitaria.com, or the store can be reached by phone at 706-295-2161. The store is initially open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Chris Marr, Business editor, Rome News-Tribune (June 5, 2006)
