UPDATE
While all veterans are important, and some have lasting impacts, there are some who touch lives and make a true difference in our communities. May we all have such an effect.
The veterans’ community has been deeply saddened with the loss of the former long time Manager of Orange County Veterans Service Program. Mike Dixon, a retired Navy LCDR with service in Vietnam, died on Monday morning, 23 September.
The following are some of the best, yet still understated, descriptive quotes: “Mike had the reputation of being able to make things work for the veterans and people who had not had any success before found that Mike was able to resolve their issues.” And “He always seemed to think that your problems were more important and his problems remained in the background.”
As a result of Mike’s efforts and those of the VSO staff, they were able to assist over 11,000 veterans or their families a year, and over $10 million of earned benefits recovered for just Orange County veterans. It was not unusual for his expertise and resources to cross county and state lines and even after normal business hours.
The following are the arrangements to celebrate and honor his life:
Visitation: Sat. Sept. 28 10 – 11am at Baldwin/Fairchild Funeral Home in Oviedo, 501 East Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo, 32765.
Service begins at 11am.
Social Reception and Post-Everlasting Ceremony, open to all: American Legion Post #112, 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.) on Saturday after the Oviedo service.
Light refreshments starting 12:30pm; Ceremony after 1pm. All are invited.
Interment: Mon. Sept 30, 11am at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW. 102nd Ave. Bushnell, 33513. Cemetery office: (352)-793-7740. The cemetery is about an hour and a half drive from Orlando.
Paying it back or passing it forward…Please consider donating a unit of blood and/or blood products in memory of Mike. It may help a veteran or someone that a veteran loves.
September/October 2013 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida
If you wish to be removed from the email list, just let me know.
Please share with your friends and interested others. Post where appropriate.
I need Veterans’ Day weekend events info ASAP!
Orange County Stand Down
Ride to the Rock for the Stone
Space Coast Honor Flight
Bicycle Warrior Grind-Fundraiser ride
The Bunker Karaoke and dinner
Gold Star Parents luncheon
Gold Star Mothers and Families ceremony
Deadline for Orlando Veterans Day Parade entries
Car Wash fundraising
Flag Retirement
Villages Honor Flight
Operation Giveback Golf Tournament
Navy League Golf Tournament
238th Navy Birthday Ball
Villages Honor Flight Golf Tournament
Museum of Military History Golf Tournament
Commander’s Call
Cadet Recognition Day
Honor Flight charter trip of two hubs
Veterans Home Service Project
Halloween Party
Community Legal Services
On the Horizon
Extras of Interest
Sat. Sept 28 - 2013 Veterans Stand Down in Orlando - 9am – 3pm at Downtown Orlando Recreation Center, 649 W. Livingston St., Orlando, 32801 – within easy walking distance from the Lynx Bus Terminal. Volunteers needed! Donations welcomed! This event provides services to all veterans (particularly the homeless veterans) with medical care, dental screening, haircuts, clothing, VA benefits and info, food and more. Color copies of the information flyer will provide FREE bus transportation to the Lynx Bus Terminal for this event. (Bus drivers will only accept COLOR copies.) Make and give the copies to homeless veterans so that they can receive help. Over 300 persons received assistance last year. Info: Sean Gibbs of the Homeless Services Network at sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org standdownvolunteers@gmail.com 407.893.0133 x107 or x212 or Orlando VAMC coordinator Ken at 407.631.7228. (Cathy can also provide the color information flyers by email.)
Sat. Sept 28 - Ride to the Rock for the Stone, benefitting the Bradley Summersill Foundation. The foundation provides grave site markers to families who have lost a child and cannot afford a marker. Three sign up locations at 11 AM – your choice: Rock Springs Bar and Grill in Apopka, or “The Bunker” in Orlando, or the Winter Garden VFW Post 4305. The cost is $5 per person, all vehicles welcome - you ride where you want and then meet up at the Rock Springs B & G at 3pm. Entertainment starts at 3:30PM by Nora Ricci and Bubba. Rock Springs B & G (family friendly!) – 4939 Rock Springs Road, Apopka, 32712; “The Bunker” (Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum) - 3400 North Tanner Road, Orlando, 32826; VFW Post #4305 – 1170 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, 34787. Info: bradsummersill@aol.com 407.256.9360.
Sat. Sept 28 - Honor Flight – The Space Coast hub will take about 25 WWII and Korean War veterans to Washington DC to visit the war memorials. They will also go to Arlington Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You are invited to welcome them home at the Orlando Int’l Airport. They will leave the Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI) and arrive at Orlando Int’l Airport (MCO) aboard Air Tran Airlines #5211 at about 10pm. Terminal A, Airside 2, Gates 100-129, in front of the Hotel/Starbucks. A grand reception is planned at the Wickham Park Senior Center at about 11:30pm, 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, FL 32935. www.spacecoasthonorflight.org 1-888-750-2522 info@spacecoasthonorflight.org For Airport greeting and free off-site airport parking info : Cathy Haynes chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468
Sat. Sept 28 – Sun 29 - The Warrior Grind-Fundraiser – bicycling for 2 Days, and 250 Miles! Raising money for Operation Restored Warrior! Operation Restored Warrior (ORW) is a non-profit organization which seeks to heal combat warriors from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicide ideations, and similar struggles. The ride event is from Longwood, Florida to Fort Pierce’s SEAL Museum (125 miles) on Saturday the 28th and back to Longwood again on Sunday the 29th. info@tridentfitness.net
Sat. 28 Sept - 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. Website at: 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.
Sun. Sept 29 – Gold Star Parents - District 18 VFW Ladies Auxiliary Gold Star Parents Program and luncheon. 1 PM at the Winter Springs VFW #5405, 420 N Edgemon Ave; Winter Springs, FL 32708 Please RSVP – Marilyn Mayo chairman 407-542-4459 or JerryAnn Henry at JHenry@itsmymaitland.com
Sun. Sept 29 - Gold Star Mothers and Families Day – Honoring and remembering the sons and daughters who died while serving our country. 3pm – 5pm, Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801. Free parking available only at City Commons Garage on SW corner of Boone Ave. and South St. Info: Stephanie at 407.691.4536 stephanie.demos@vitas.com
Mon. 30 Sep –Orlando Veterans Day Parade – the last day for entries in Florida’s largest Veterans Day Parade on Sat. Nov 9. http://www.cityoforlando.net/elected/mayor/veterans/events.htm
Sat. 5 Oct - Fundraising Car Wash - Boone High School Naval JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) car wash is at the Navy Exchange (NEX) 11am – 3pm. NEX is located west of Orlando Int’l Airport, about 1 mile south of the Beachline Expy/528 on Tradeport Dr. 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827.
Sat. 5 Oct. - Flag Retirement - Fleet Reserve, Sanford, 11:00 AM: Do you have an American Flag that is tattered and torn? Don’t know the proper way to dispose of it? The Fleet Reserve, located on SR 46 Sanford, is having a Flag Retirement Ceremony. Drop off your battered Old Glory for proper disposal anytime before or bring it with you and observe this moving ceremony. The public is invited to attend.
Sat. 5 Oct. - Honor Flight - About 25 WWII veterans from the Lady Lake area of Villages Honor Flight will take a day trip to Washington DC to visit the war memorials. They will also go to Arlington Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You are invited to welcome them home at the Orlando Int’l Airport. They return from Reagan National Airport (DCA) aboard USAir #1876 at about 8:30 pm – Terminal B, Airside 3, Gates 30-59 (NOT the hotel end.) Or you can welcome them home to American Legion Post #347 where entertainment will start at 9:30 pm with Diamonds and Spurs. The Village Cheerleaders, Twirlers and Clowns will be there to greet the buses and vets when they arrive, about 10:30 pm for a rousing patriotic event. American Legion Post 347 at 699 W Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Info contact: (c) 352-391-0548 JohnDriscoll7656@comcast.net www.villageshonorflight.org For Airport greeting and free off-site airport parking info : Cathy Haynes chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468
The next hub flight will be a joint charter flight by Space Coast Honor Flight and Honor Flight of Central Florida on Sat. Oct 19 at SANFORD’s airport.
Fri. 11 Oct – Operation Giveback Golf Tournament – Champions Gate International Course. All proceeds will benefit Operation Giveback Section 60 program that assists children who lost a parent in the recent wars. In 2012, Operation-Giveback (OGB) helped over 110 children have a better Christmas, birthday, and/or special occasion. This year the goal is to assist 200 children – with your help. Cost per golfer is $100 and includes golf, range balls, lunch, prizes, contests and more. Sponsorships are welcomed! OGB – a 501c3 non-profit - has wounded warriors who are giving back to others. Info: Jeff@operation-giveback.org Champions Gate (minutes from Disney) - 1400 Masters Blvd,
ChampionsGate, FL 33896 (Don’t recall ‘Section 60’? Think of Arlington Nat’l Cemetery’s Section 60.)
ChampionsGate, FL 33896 (Don’t recall ‘Section 60’? Think of Arlington Nat’l Cemetery’s Section 60.)
Fri. 11 Oct - The 1st Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament – Sponsored by the Navy League of Central Florida. 8am Shotgun start, Four-person scramble $70 per person, including lunch and range balls $50 for active military. Sponsors welcome! Proceeds benefit local JROTC’s, scholarships. Contact Brian Holmes 407.252.3008 Flyer available.
Sat. 12 Oct - 238th Navy Birthday Ball – “Call it Courage” Sponsored by the Navy League of Central Florida. Hyatt Regency at OIA. Dinner, dancing, ceremony and special guest speaker. Info: www.cfnavyleague.org or Mike at 407-600-5395. Flyer available.
Sat. 12 Oct - Villages Honor Flight Inaugural Golf Tournament - Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club, Summerfield, FL. Fundraising and honoring veterans with scramble golf, prizes, games and lunch. Price is $60 with the field limited to 256 players. Info contact: (c) 352-391-0548 JohnDriscoll7656@comcast.net www.villageshonorflight.org
Sat. 12 Oct – Golf Tournament in support of Museum of Military History. Tournament proceeds will provide funds for exhibits, artifacts, youth programs and events. Remington Country Club in Kissimmee. Registration donation of $300 per team (a corporate sponsorship of $360 per team of four players includes a one year Museum Corporate Membership) or $75 per player (includes a one year Museum membership) is requested. Golf tournament registration fee includes cart, lunch, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing and 18 holes of golf. Registration deadline is October 9th. Sponsorships welcomed! contact the museum at 407-507-3894. Marketing@MuseumofMilitaryHistory.com Museum: 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com
Sat. 19 Oct - Commander’s Call at Museum of Military History - 10am – 3pm. The “Commander’s Call” is an ongoing program held the 3rd Saturday of each month. It will include the local Civil Air Patrol, Sea Cadets and other youth organizations. The event is a family oriented program and includes military memorabilia collectors, history buffs and food vendors. The public is invited to attend. Those interested in displaying or trading their military items such as honor coins, swords, photographs, military buttons, scale model boats and planes, military art, uniforms or other equipment should register in advance by calling the museum to reserve a spot. Re-enactors and veterans are also welcome to come in uniform to add to the history and authenticity of the military experience. Call 407-507-3894 for further information or to register your table space. 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com
Sat. 19 Oct – Cadet Recognition Day – Help to honor some fine kids! Two outstanding local young cadet groups separately achieved #1 in the nation in recent competitions! Centurion Battalion of Sea Cadets Orlando Devil Dog Young Marines will be honored at 3PM at the Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road, Orlando, 32826. Entertainment will follow thru the evening; food and beverages for sale. Website at: www.bunkerflorida.org Add’l info at po87jcb@yahoo.com 508-523-7192
Sat. 19 Oct – Special Honor Flight- 75 veterans, the guardian escorts and staff of two Honor Flights make this special charter flight to Washington DC. Honor Flight of Central Florida and Space Coast Honor Flight will be using SanfordAirport instead of Orlando Int’l Airport. Waving them off for an eventful day is about 5:00 AM before security processing. Allegiant Air departs at 7am for Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI). They return to Sanford at about 9:15pm to a Welcome back reception. Come join us for the last flights of 2013 for the Central Florida and Space Coast hubs!
For info: www.honorflightcentralflorida.org ; call (407) 203-7010 honor.flight.central.florida@gmail.com
Space Coast hub has a grand reception is planned at the Wickham Park Senior Center at about 10:30pm, 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, FL 32935. www.spacecoasthonorflight.org 1-888-750-2522 info@spacecoasthonorflight.org
Tues 22 Oct - Disabled American Veterans Local Volunteer Assistance Program (LVAP) meeting – Volunteers meeting for the “Veterans Home Service Project - designed to provide veterans who are unable to physically or financially do for themselves, basic chores/minor repairs around their home. A various collection of generous businesses, veterans networks and local contractors have volunteered to make this happen for Central Fl. disabled veterans! At no charge to the recipient!
Exterior home service examples that can be provided: lawn and garden work, raking, tree & shrub trimming, pressure washing, screen door & window repair, painting, ramps/lifts, hand railings, disability access. Interior home service examples that can be provided: small handyman work around the house, painting, cleaning, and computer set-up.
To qualify to receive assistance you must be residing in or near Orange County (for the time being) and a veteran.You DO NOT have to be a DAV member. For an application to receive services, contact Ray Stone (Home Services Coordinator) 407-501-0767 furnray65@yahoo.com
One or 2 days a month will be set aside for volunteer teams to do multiple projects based from requests we receive (shut-ins will have First Priority) Committees will comprise of members from all involved entities to determine in advance which project to be done that month and call you to make arrangements for the work requested. If your project is not selected for that month, it will be placed for the following month until completed as this is an on-going monthly program as long as there is member need for the program.
Additional mtgs to join as a volunteer will be held on Nov.12 and Dec. 10. Times and locations of meetings may vary. Info: Ray Stone (Home Services Coordinator) 407-501-0767 furnray65@yahoo.com
Sat. 26 Oct – Halloween Party with costumes – 5pm – 10 pm, Adults Only, Pot Luck Dinner. Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road, Orlando, 32826. Website at: www.bunkerflorida.org Add’l info at po87jcb@yahoo.com 508-523-7192
Wed. 30 Oct - Community Legal Services in Orlando in partnership with the law firm of Baker Donelson will be available to veterans for completing simple wills and advanced directives. FREE! Pre-register by calling 1.866.428.0105 x2906 or x2913. Email: probono@clsmf.org to get list of what you need to bring.
On the Horizon….Mark your calendar
Sat. Nov 2 – Osceola County Veterans Stand Down
Sat. Nov 2 – Villages Honor Flight – final mission flight of 2013.
Sat. Nov 2 – Space Coast AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Golf Tournament.
Sun. Nov 3 – Seminole Cyclefest, Sanford bicycle ride.
Fri. Nov 8 – Ocoee’s Veterans’ Day ceremony
Sat. Nov 9 – Amvets 5k run/walk
Sat. Nov 9 – Orlando Veteran’s Day Parade – 11am-1pm, Downtown Orlando
Sat. Nov 9 – Veterans’ Day event and fireworks in Chuluota.
Mon. Nov 11 – Red Tail Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Monument dedication – 10am
Mon. Nov 11 – Dedication of the Central Florida Veterans Memorial at Lake Nona VA Hospital – 11:30am
Mon. Nov 11 – Veteran’s Day Parade in Kissimmee.
Mon. Nov 11 – Marine Corp Toys for Tots Golf Tournament toy drive at Mayfair Country Club.
Thurs. Nov 14 – Disney’s Veterans Institute Workshop
Sat. Nov 16 – Camaraderie Foundation Ruck Sack March.
EXTRAS of Interest:
The Navy Exchange (NEX) still exists in Orlando for all branches of active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents. There are some neat sales and events. It is located west of Orlando Int’l Airport, about 1 mile south of the Beachline Expy/528 on Tradeport Dr. Competitive pricing and programs. 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827. www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
American Warrior Radio Show from 11am-noon EDT on Saturdays, radio station WMEL - AM 1300 Nationwide broadcast: www.1300wmel.com
iamveteran.com - “A one stop resource for ALL veterans nationwide who are transitioning from military to civilian life.” There are resources for all veterans, postings for new benefits, jobs, and more!
WoundedTimes.blogspot.com - Veterans News Service covering news that matters to veterans and their families. Local, state and national news and events – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.
Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardmen, 100% service connected disabled, and retired military personnel and their families. Go towww.shadesofgreen.org for information. Special discounts for rooms may be available based on occupancy levels, and special ticket rates. (407) 824-3400
Vet Centers are available for combat zone veterans to help with personal and family readjustment counseling and outreach services. The nearest centers are located in Orlando, Melbourne, Clermont, and Daytona Beach. www.vetcenter.va.gov
Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to active duty, Guard and Reserve service members, and their families with comprehensive information on every aspect of military life including deployment, relationships, economics, grief, education, parenting and child care, and much more. www.militaryonesource.mil
The journey after military service can be a difficult one.
If you are a Veteran or warrior in crisis or know of one who is,
Please call the VA’s 24/7 Suicide Prevention Line at
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
To speak with a trained counselor - It’s Confidential.
Or find a Crisis Center near you at www.veteranscrisisline.net
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veterans and military organizations
No comments:
Post a Comment
If it is not helpful, do not be hurtful. Spam removed so do not try putting up free ad.