Busy Saturday in Orlando for veterans and responders

Update from Cathy Haynes

September 2013 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida

Sat. Sept 14  -  9/11 Tribute Event – Annual Military and First Responder Appreciation Event – 11am – 5pm at Waterford Lakes Town Center (near Regal Cinemas) in east Orlando between Colonial/SR50 and the 408 on Alafaya Trail.  A FREE public event to meet, learn and say “Thanks” to our men and women in uniform.  Displays, vehicles and demonstrations from military, Orange Co. Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s Dept.  Wounded Warrior, Homes For Heroes, The Camaraderie Foundation, The Lone Survivor Foundation, AMVETS, The American Legion, C.O.P.S. and many more non-profit support organizations will be present.  Raffle tickets will be sold, silent auction proceeds benefitting several charities.

LOTS of activities and games for families at no cost - Face painting, animals to pet, a caricature artist, a magician, music, games, thousands of dollars in hourly giveaways, and Warrior Way, an intense set of inflatable’s and obstacle courses sure to entertain every age. The event’s main sponsors are Carl Black Chevrolet, Orlando Harley Davidson, Darden Restaurants, The Crosshairs, Playnation of Orlando, the Orlando Solar Bears and the Orlando Magic. Promoted by Game Plan Media and The Crosshairs; Info: Laura Burk  407.900.1915  laura@gameplanmedia.info

Sat. Sept 14  -  Borinqueneer’s Florida Honor Ceremony – The US Army 65^th Infantry Regiment heroes and Patriots gathering will be recognized by Florida Governor Rick Scott and others for their service.  The Puerto Rican group of warriors was formed by Congress in 1899 and served in WWI, WWII and Korea until it was integrated.  Thru the years they experienced discrimination and segregation without recognition.  Just as there was past belated recognition for the Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Air Force Service Pilots, and others, the Borinqueneer’s stand to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.  With many of the warriors currently living in Central Florida, this event will recognize and provide an update on the CGM process.  Event also will have health fair, veteran assistance, music. Free, 1 PM (doors open at 12 noon) at the Kissimmee Civic Center at 201 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, 34741.  Info:Bethzaida.Garcia@osceola.org  407-742-0101; or Dennis Freytes (VP for the NAUS, SE Region) atdennisfreytes@hotmail.com   407-298-1151.

Sat. Sept 14  -  Job Fair – Actual hiring businesses; Classes for job seekers in resume writing, interviewing, etc.  Classes for entrepreneurs in doing business with Orange County, federal govt,; starting businesses, loans, etc.  Free and open to all.  Sponsored by FAVOB (FL Assoc. of Veteran Owned Businesses) and the Small Biz Alliance of Windermere.   9:30am – 3pm at Faith Assembly Church, 9370 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, 32825.  Info: Dan Fanelli  407.844.7632  vicechair@favob.org   Event flyer available.

Sat. Sept 14  -  Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament – 9am start at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont.  Second Annual Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament to provide golf instruction, equipment and tee times to help disabled veterans overcome their challenges.  At least one wounded warrior will be on each team.  Info:  352-242-4653.

(Notice courtesy of Ed Burford, Seminole Co. VSO.)

  

Sat. Sept 14 – 9^th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride in Orlando. This is a 70 mile Police escorted motorcycle ride to benefit the USO Care Package Campaign.  Come to Orlando Harley Davidson South – 7786 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy/US 192, Kissimmee (4.3 miles west of I-4).  Registration: 8:30-10:00 AM.  Kickstands up at 10:45.  After ride Party: 12noon – 3pm with Live Music, food, beverage, silent auction, more.  POC: Viola Pearce at 407-892-2246, usobenefitride.com

Sat. Sept 14  - Rack Up a Victory - Trick shot (artistic billiards) professionals to recognize veterans, military, first responders and their families.  All persons are invited!  Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, Steve Lillis, and BCA Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Massey -  world champions have appeared on ESPN, etc.  1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Sebastian K Ballroom, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 32819. Sponsored by Veterans Outreach Foundation (VOF) composed of local community defense industry volunteers.  POC – Diane at 407- 437-5922.

Sat. Sept 14 and 28  -  Dinner and Karaoke - Dinner starts at 5pm and Karaoke at 6pm to 10pm.  Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road,  Orlando, 32826.  New website at:  http://www.bunkerflorida.org      The museum is a place full of knowledge, experiences, and memories. It is here that you will discover many unique and historical artifacts of the Vietnam Era.  Open to the public with FREE admission on Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays from 10:00pm to 4:00pm.