November events - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida
This DOES NOT include Veterans’ Day/weekend events. They will be in a separate email.
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.
Operation Gratitude – A dentists’ office is paying for/collecting excess HALLOWEEN candy from kids to ship to troops overseas. See Sat. Nov 9 event.
Indian Association Pow-Wow – Fri, Sat, & Sun Nov 1-3 – Central Florida Fairgrounds at 4603 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32808. This event is free for military members in uniform and has a wonderful history of thanking those who have served (as many Native Americans are veterans.) This 27th Annual gathering of all tribes features arts and crafts, entertainment, native dancing and clothing, more. Fri 1-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am – 5pm. Sunday is Girl Scout and Youth Day 10am – 1pm. Grand Entry/parade of nations: Fri 7pm; Sat 1pm and 7pm; Sun 1pm. $6 adults, $3 children and seniors. 407-474-0018
FL Int’l Dog Surfing Championship - Sat. and Sun Nov 2 and 3 – Watch these canines catching some waves and watch the World Famous Frisbee dogs! Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, Coordinated by AVET Project; Groups/supporters of veterans and military can set up a FREE booth on the beach. Contact kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046 Lori Wilson Park - 1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 32931. Additional info & schedule: www.ficsc.com Some limited free parking nearby.
Osceola County Stand Down Event – Sat. Nov 2 – Assistance to homeless vets and all vets. info (9am – 1pm) Osceola County Veterans Service Offices, 330 N. Beaumont Avenue, Kissimmee, 34741. Info: www.hsncfl.org/veterans-stand-down/osceola-county-veterans-stand-down Call for registration or volunteering: 407-893-0133 Ext. 107
Honor Flight – Sat. Nov 2 – Villages Honor Flight takes 25 WWII veterans to Washington DC. This is the LAST Honor Flight from our area until next spring. They will visit their war memorials as well as watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. Among these veterans are three women – two served as WAC ‘s and one in the Navy Hospital Corps. Others include a B-17 pilot, a tail-gunner, and a Seabee. The group will return to Orlando Int'l Airport (MCO) from DCA (Reagan Airport) on US Air Flight 3409 due to land at Orlando International Airport about 8:25 PM. (give or take) You and your group can greet them at Terminal B area, Airside 3, Gates 39-50 - it is the west end - the opposite end from the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Bagpiper David will be escorting them from the tram into the Terminal.
Special free off-site parking arrangements have been made. Contact Cathy (below) for information.
For the Early Risers who like to wave them off in the morning, the Flight will process thru security about 5:00 AM, same area as above.
For the Early Risers who like to wave them off in the morning, the Flight will process thru security about 5:00 AM, same area as above.
OR – you can welcome them home at American Legion Post #347 at approx. 10:30pm with the Diamonds and Spurs, The Village Cheerleaders, Twirlers and Clowns and others in a rousing patriotic event. However, the bus will stop and 88 yr old WWII veteran “Dixie” will exit and ride HER motorcycle with the other motorcycle escorts in the last 10 miles of the trip! 699 W Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Info contact: (c) 352-391-0548 JohnDriscoll7656@comcast.net www.villageshonorflight.org ;
J.O.S.H – Just Our Shoulders Helper, Inc., Golf Tournament - Sat. Nov 2. JOSH is a local organization which sends care packages to our troops who are in harm’s way, particularly to the troops who are in the front/at the outposts/forward operating base where a shower is a seldom experienced luxury or a candy bar is a real treat. JOSH is a non-profit and all proceeds go to the purpose. Sponsorships are available. Timacuan Golf and Country Club, 550 Timacuan Blvd, Sanford/Lake Mary, 32771 Registration and info at: www.joshgolftournament.com. ; JOSH info: www. justoursoldiershelpers.org.
Space Coast AUSA Golf Tournament - Sat. Nov 2 – Space Coast Chapter of AUSA (Association of the United States Army) theirmain mechanism to provide for the needs of the JROTC/ROTC, wounded warriors, homeless veterans, national guard at home and abroad, reserves, etc. Golf Carts Unlimited of Melbourne has generously donated a new Golf Cart for anyone making a par 3 hole in one.
For info contact David at 321-784-7362, Joan at 321-720-5919, ausascgolf@gmail.com, www.ausaspacecoast.org.
12th Annual Founders’ Day Festival Poker Run - Sat Nov 2 - hosted by City of Ocoee Police Department and Founders’ Day Festival Committee - Registration will start at 9:30 am at Sandwich Shoppe, 1113 S. Clarke Road Ocoee, 34761. This event will feature motorcycles, classic cars, and hot rods. Participants will ride to five stations to collect playing cards. The participant with the best poker hand at the end of run wins. The cost will be $10 a participant and $5 dollars for each additional hand. The first 100 participants will receive an event t-shirt. Additional prizes will be award at the event The proceeds from this event will benefit the City of Ocoee Police Department’s “Holiday Toys for Kids in Need Program”. New toy donations are welcome. To make a donation or to find out more about this event, contact Sgt. Scott Nylander at the City of Ocoee Police Department at 407-905-3160 ext. 3315 or at snylander@ci.ocoee.fl.us. More Founder’s Day events at www.ocoeefoundersfestival.org or call Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at 407-905-3180.
Poker Run for Support of the Museum – Sat Nov 2 – The Cpl. Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum , aka “the Bunker”, 3400 N. Tanner d, Orlando, 32826. Motorcycles not required. Registration at 10am. $10 for riders, $5 for passengers, $5 extra Poker hands. Kick stands up at 11:30 am; 1ST stop – Geneva Tavern, 3391 E. State Rd 46, Geneva (No one under 21 allowed); 2ND stop – Gators Riverside Grille, 4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford; 3rd stop –Shotz, 167 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., Debary. Last stop at the Bunker at 3pm. Raffles and 50/50. Food available at reasonable price; Entertainment by Bubba starts 3pm – 6pm. www.bunkerflorida.org 508-523-7192.
7th Annual Veterans Salute, Ride and Tribute to Support Disabled American Veterans – Sat. Nov 2 - Beginning at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson (2480 U.S. 27, Clermont, 34711) with a motorcycle registration at 9:00am. First 300 registered will receive a free pancake breakfast prepared by Central Florida Pediatric Therapy, OJ from Cutrale, and coffee from Starbucks. The program includes the National Anthem, Bag Piper, VFW Local 5277 Honor Guard, Clermont’s City Council Member and Veteran Ray Goodgame, and retired ARNG BG Timothy Sullivan. At 11:30am the Lake County Sheriff’s Motor Unit will escort the motorcycle ride to Gator Harley-Davidson (1745 U.S. 441, Leesburg, 34748) where the recognition will continue. The Village’s Cheerleaders and Leesburg Academy will cheer the motorcyclists into Gator Harley-Davidson. Military guests include Am Vets and Honor Guard of Mount Dora, Table of Honor performed by the Mount Dora High School AFJ ROTC, Col. Harry Lumpkin, President of the Viet Nam Veterans Chapter 1036 of the Villages, currently holds the National Viet Nam Veterans Chapter of the Year! Lt. Col David Moseley, and Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Don’t miss Schneider Trucking’s Ride of Pride, Military wrapped 18 wheeler cab, attends Washington’s Rolling Thunder Rally yearly. Cliff Walker Auctioneer with live auction of donated items. Event benefits Disabled American Veterans, assisting Veterans since 1920. The famous Doc Holiday and the Elgin Hooper Band entertaining, great food and beverages available from Bob Evans Restaurant and Al’s Landing. Harley’s Heroes Van (D.A.V.) on site 11:00am till 3:00pm assisting Veterans with their benefits. Everyone is invited to join the activities at both locations. Contact 352-787-8050 x21 www.gatorharley.com or www.stormyhillharley.com
Seminole Cyclefest - Bicycle Enthusiasts – Sun. Nov 3 - the Seminole Cyclefest launches from Fort Mellon Park, 600 E. 1st Street, Sanford, 32771. You can register either on line at beta.active.com /sanford-fl/cycling/seminole-cyclefest-2013, or at Fort Mellon Park on Sat. Nov 2. This is the 4th year for Cyclefest and the second year it has started from Fort Mellon Park, a safer and more organized ride for all experience levels. This year proceeds will be donated to www.kidshouse.org, along withwww.wiredathletes.org and www.seminoleheroes.org/index.html. ; The event consists of two different distances/routes, that are escorted by the ‘Seminole County Sheriff Deputies' and the rides are open for all levels of cyclists who are capable to participate. The event is known locally for ‘No stop signs, no stop lights, no unclipping until the SAG’! It is a really fun ride for all experience levels! And there are two different distances. A share of the proceeds will go to the Seminole County Hero’s Memorial to be constructed in front of the Seminole Criminal Justice Center on 17/92. (Notice courtesy of Seminole Co.VSO.)
Resource and Career Fair – Tues. Nov 5 – A community collaboration from 9am – 1pm at R.E.A.L. Church, 830 Fiske Blvd, Rockledge, 32955. As the war continues to draw down there is one major issue our service members will have to face is finding careers for themselves that allow them to continue on with their lives and goals. Resources include drivers’ licenses, job development, housing services, spiritual and family support, more. Sponsored by Brevard Workforce, Goodwill Industries of Central FL, FL Dept. of Corrections. Info: contact Susan Kowalski at 321-634-3570.
New ROTC Building Dedication at UCF – Fri. Nov 8 – UCF will dedicate its newest building at 4pm. This building will house 8 new large classrooms as well as administrative and cadet spaces for both the Air Force and the Army ROTC programs. The ceremony is open to the public and will begin at the south end of Memory Mall near the Veterans’ Memorial on the UCF campus. Parking is available in lots surrounding the mall area. Following the dedication, the building will be open for tours and orientation. UCF is now the second largest college campus in population in the US! Info: Col. Todd Freece at todd.freece@ucf.edu 407-823-1247
Operation Gratitude – Sat. Nov 9 – Dentist office is collecting/buying excess Halloween candy from kids to ship to troops overseas. $1 per pound of unopened candies, 5 lb max. paid. 12noon – 3pm at Hillcrest Dental, 3600 N. Formosa Ave., Orlando, 32804. Wear your costume! Bounce house, face painting, card making for the troops. (Also collecting candies on Mon. Nov 11 thru Wed. Nov 13, 2pm thru 4pm but no bounce house, etc.) www.operationgratitude Info: 407-898-1995.
Founders’ Day 5k Race – Sat. Nov 9 at 7:30 am in Ocoee, the 3rd Annual Chick-fil-A 5k Race and Kids Fun Run – part of the City of Ocoee’s 20th Annual Founders’ Day Festival. The race will start at the Ocoee Middle School track and will end at the intersection of Bluford Avenue and McKey Street. Registration is available online at Run Sign Up runsignup.com/Race/FL/Ocoee/ go to 3rdAnnualChickfilA5K . The registration fee is $25. Proceeds from the race will be donated to S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange County. S.T.A.R.S. (Supplies to Assist Our Students) provides backpacks and school supplies to thousands of Orange County students. For more information on the Chick-fil-A 5k Race and Kids Fun Run, visitwww.ocoeefoundersfestival.org or call Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at 407-905-3180.
VETERANS’ DAY/WEEKEND EVENTS (Thurs – Mon Nov 7 – 11) - they are listed in a separate email.
The Challenges Facing our Veterans – Wed. Nov 13 – League of Women Voters of Orange County (non-partisan) will spotlight the problems (and solutions) that many military personnel experience when they return to civilian life. Several guest speakers during this 11:30 lunch gathering. Sorosis Club at 501 E Livingston St., Orlando, 32803. $25 – League members with reservations by noon Nov 11; $35 - guests and all walk-ins. leagueorangecounty@gmail.com or (407)505-1664 and leave your name and phone number.
Disney Veterans Institute’s Seminar for Small Business – Thurs. Nov 14 – (SPECIAL item mentioned at end of this entry.)Disney is offering a free ‘Veterans Institute’ Workshop to encourage and support hiring of military Veterans. Disney will share expertise of its ‘Heroes Work Here’ initiative with small- and mid-sized companies to help them build their own Veteran-hiring programs. The complimentary one-day seminar at Walt Disney World will feature an array of experts, classes from the Disney Institute and the tools, policies and networks used in the Disney Veteran program. At the close of this workshop, participants will have an entire Veteran staffing program that can be implemented immediately. Please see the attached document for additional information and use this link, www.disneynow.com/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x121544d452, for registration. Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Notice courtesy of Seminole Co.VSO.)
Special: It was mentioned in a separate notice that First Lady Michelle Obama would be giving the keynote address at this event. Mrs. Obama has long stressed the need for awareness of the strengths and unique needs of veterans and their families. Learn more at Facebook: http:// bit.ly/16FY8xw Contact: Rod Wingfield (rod.wingfield@disney.com) or Kevin Preston (kevin.preston@espn.com) about questions.
Homeownership Luncheon and Seminar for Veterans – Thurs. Nov 14 – 11:30 – 1:30pm (lunch provided) at VFW Post # 10147, 519 S. Central Ave, Apopka 32704. The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association invites all military personnel, veterans and their families to attend this FREE luncheon and seminar to learn about their home loan VA benefits and the programs, resources, and services available to help you navigate the process of homeownership.
Active military, reservists, military retirees, veterans and their families face many issues when it comes to buying or selling a home, finding a place to live, or dealing with home loans and they need expert guidance to help them understand their options and overcome difficulties related to homeownership. A list of REALTORS® who have earned the Florida Military Specialist Certification trained to better serve the homeownership needs of our military personnel and their families will be provided. Limited seating, call 407-513-7268, M-F 9am-5pm. Or email education@orlandorealtors.org to reserve your seat.
Ruck Sack March - Sat. Nov 16 –“Walk a Mile in their Boots!” - The Camaraderie Foundation hosts a military-style fundraising run/walk in which participants opt for 3-, 6- or 12-mile routes and have the chance to run with or without an added 45-plus pounds of gear – just like real-world military wear. The event is at UCF (University of Central Florida) campus, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Cost: $25 - $85. www.camaraderiefoundation.com 407-841-0071
Military Appreciation Day – Sat. Nov 16 – 11am to 4pm at American Legion Post #53, 2874 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 32773. (East on Airport Blvd, Left on Sanford Ave, located on Left.)To honor those who sacrifice so much, ask so little, and deserve so much more than we can ever repay. Veterans of all ages are welcomed along with their families. Bounce house, contests, award, Color Guard ceremony, Honor Flight attendees, and Food! Please RSVP by Nov 1 so we can plan for enough food. Sponsored by Pay It Forward Project, FAACES, Candlelight Catering. Call 407-466-1993 or Diana@orlando.bz
On the Horizon
Holiday Party - Sat. Dec 7 –volunteers needed – donations needed - Party for 1300 Air Force and Navy family member needs volunteers, treats, food, entertainers at Patrick Air Force Base, The base is on the east Coast of Central Florida, 3 miles South of Cocoa Beach and approximately 12 miles north of Melbourne, in Brevard County. Contact ASAP kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046 to volunteer or provide supplies.
The Museum of Military History - Sat. & Sun. Dec 7 & 8 – Military Appreciation Weekend by the Museum at Brown's Farm, 4901 Oren Brown Road in Kissimmee, FL 34746. The event will be highlighted by both WWII re-enactments on Saturday and both Civil War and WWII re-enactments on Sunday. Weapon demonstrations will take place prior to the re-enactments. The Civil Air Patrol’s 463rd Cadet Squadron and Kissimmee Sea Cadet units will be at the event to present the colors and participate in competitive events on Sunday. Also on Sunday, a special concert of WWII era music will be presented by the Bahia Dance Band. Food vendors, booths, and children’s activities will be available both days.
More info to come. Sponsorships welcomed. Contact Scott Carmean at rscarmean@embarqmail.com or 407-507-3894
More info to come. Sponsorships welcomed. Contact Scott Carmean at rscarmean@embarqmail.com or 407-507-3894
Ocoee Christmas Parade – Sat. Dec 7 – applications being taken now for floats, marchers, walkers, etc, For more details, including Parade route maps and registration information, see www.ocoeelionsclub.org/ 2013/10/preparations-begin-for-2013-ocoee-christmas-parade/. And for news about this and other Lions Club events, like the Club onwww.facebook.com/ocoeelionsclub. Parade sponsored by the Ocoee Lions Club in conjunction with the City of Ocoee.
January – Fund raising event to benefit injured Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach. Details pending. Contact Mary at asailorsmom1@yahoo.com
Local Volunteer Assistance Program (LVAP) meetings –variable times, dates and locations. Volunteers meetings for the “Veterans Home Service Project “ associated with the DAV- Disabled American Veterans - designed to provide veterans who are unable to physically or financially do for themselves, basic chores/minor repairs around their home. Volunteers along with avarious collection of generous businesses, veterans’ networks and local contractors are working to make this happen for Central Fl. 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 in Nov and Dec. Times and locations of meetings may vary. Info: Ray Stone (Home Services Coordinator) 407-501-0767 furnray65@yahoo.com
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 veteran and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468
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