More events for veterans in Central Florida

More events for veterans in Central Florida

Mid-November veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL. 

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Home At Last Fundraiser – Thurs. Nov 14 – LOBSTER DINNER!  Proceeds from the event will fund Rotary projects and Home At Last a special project of West Orange Habitat for Humanity to build mortgagee

free, disability friendly homes, for combat wounded permanently disabled veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This next home will be for USMC Sgt. Stephen Tillman of Apopka who stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan.  Join Stephen, his wife Krystina, and the other five previous recipients of homes!

Tickets may be purchased from any Windermere Rotary Club member or by going to  windermererotary.org and clicking on Lobster, Laughter and  Lend a Hand.  Individual tickets are $75;  Reserved tables of 8 are $ 800.00; Sponsors tables $1,000 - $2,500 -$ 5,000  are available.

Join us for a great evening of Lobster. Laughter, Music, Dancing, and an opportunity to bid on some unique Silent Auction items.  

 Doors open at 5:30 pm at the Pines of Windermere.  Cash bar.  Addl info contact Darrell Gardner at 407-876-8651.

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, (Contact Cathy for link), 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: (Contact Cathy for link)    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!” – Challenge your friends and work departments to some friendly competition!  The Camaraderie Foundation hosts a military-style fundraising run/walk in which participants opt for 3, 6, or 12 mileroutes 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   The Camaraderie Foundation provides mental health counseling to warriors and their families

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

Packaging Christmas for Our Troops – Sat. Nov 16 – 10am - Putting together our care packages to thank our brave men and women serving far away from home. This mailing will include NEW Christmas Cards to be sent to the troops for them to prepare for mailing back home to their loved ones. VFW Post 5405 420 N. Edgemont Drive Winter Springs, 32804. Funds to mail the packages are very welcomed!  Contact: akissfromhome@yahoo.com   321-279-6092    Kids In Support of Soldiers Inc. (K.I.S.S.) is a non-profit organization, registered 501(c)3 Charity and 100% of all proceeds go directly to supporting the soldiers.

Fund Raiser at the Bunker – Sat. Nov 16 will feature the Slick 50 Band, 6pm to 10pm. All are welcomed and there will be food provided starting at 5pm. Please let us know if you are planning to attend so we know about how many meals to have available.  The Cpl. Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum , aka “the Bunker”, 3400 N. Tanner Rd, Orlando, 32826.  www.bunkerflorida.org  po87jcb@yahoo.com   508-523-7192.

Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) –Mon. Nov 18.  Meeting at Doc’s Streetside Grille, 1315 S Orange Ave, Orlando, 32806. (Across from Orlando Regional Hospital)

Directors’ Meeting -11:00am (all are welcome to observe; only directors may participate)    General Meeting – 11:30am

 *Parking garage directions: turn down FERNWOOD ST and the garage will be immediately to the left (for 1315 and 1405 Orange Ave). ** Parking is free at the garage if you buy lunch afterwards.

Strength in numbers for all veteran (including service disabled veterans) owned businesses.  Provides networking and awareness of local and state contacts and contracts.   Contact Brian for next date, location and info: chairman@favob.org   407-374-9072. 

AUSA Sunshine Chapter – Mon. Nov 18 – Luncheon mtg - Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will feature speaker Army General Gordon R. Sullivan (four-star, retired).  He is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the National AUSA and the 32nd Army Chief of Staff.  11am registration, Citrus Club at 255 S. Orange Ave, 18th flr, Downtown Orlando, 32801.  $30 at the door (space permitting) but registration online is preferred.  Join the Sunshine Chapter and support the Army with your membership!  Info: De Voorhees, 407-620-1158   ausa-sunshine.org

Hiring our Heroes Job Fair – Wed. Nov 20 – sponsored by the Melbourne Regional Chamber, the Dept. of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), the Florida Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the US Dept of Veterans Affairs, the American Legion, NBC News, and others.  10am – 1pm, Tides Collocated Club, 1001 S. Hwy A1A, Patrick Air Force Base, 32925. (About 60 miles from Orlando) Free for employers and must have available, actual jobs.  Job Seekers (vets, active duty, members of reserve and guard components, and mil. Spouses) – register for free and guarantee admission at HOH.greatjob.net   Walk-ins welcome but space not guaranteed.  Questions:  hiringourheroes@uschamber.com    202-463-5807.

University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program -  The UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP) and Kauffman FastTrac are joining forces to help veterans in the Orlando area realize their entrepreneurial dreams.  We are offering the FastTrac® NewVenture™ Veteran Entrepreneur course to aspiring entrepreneur veterans who have an idea for a business, but need a plan and framework for successfully starting a company.  You will work alongside other veteran entrepreneurs and with the support network of experienced veteran entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors. 

 The course begins Monday, January 13, 2014 and concludes Monday, March 24, 2014. Classes will be held from 6 - 9pm on Mondays at the Office of Research and Commercialization facility located on 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 201 Orlando, FL 32826.

There will be a free one hour information session for all military members and veterans to provide more information on the course and answer questions next on Wed Nov 20 at 6pm. RSVP to 407-882-0888. 

The course fee is $100 for each participant and you must be a veteran, no exceptions. A copy of your DD-214 is required, as well as a registration form filled out through the website  (Link provided upon request.) Please complete the online registration no later than January 3.

ENROLLMENT FOR EACH COURSE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 20 VETERANS.

Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree partner together to help collect and distribute toys to the children of our military and veteransacross the country. This year is no exception but is looking for help and volunteers. Local Dollar Tree stores are collecting donated toys from 11/1 to 12/6.   Operation Homefront is looking for volunteers north of the Vero Beach area to be sure the donations are picked up and taken to a local military/vet  unit/base/organization.

There are a few spots around the state where they are "thin" and could use help collecting and /or distributing the toys.  Contact:Liz.Fichtel@operationHomefront.net   or Simone.Hoover@operationhomefront.net   Call 888-433-7713 or email to above. You can also visit or follow on Facebook (OH Southeast) for more information.

32nd Toy Run – Sun Dec 1 (Thanksgiving weekend) – Brevard Chapter of ABATE is gathering toys to benefit the children at Shriners’ Hospital and local Brevard charities.  Go to  abateflorida and Brevard County  or avetproject.org  for addl info.

Attention veterans - The local Center for Personal Excellence (healthylivingorlando.com) is developing a national reality TV series focusing on veterans needs, issues and treatments.  For veterans who would like to tell their story and get some help for effects of battle on their mental health. All ages and service eras are welcome, including regulars, reservists and guardsmen of all branches.  The show will initially be filmed in the Orlando Metro area.  Family participation is not required but their involvement may enhance production.  If selected, your story may help others who experienced the same or similar stressors.  Contact Dr. Linda Levine Silverman  at drlinda@healthylivingorlando.com   so you can be contacted, screened, interviewed, etc.

On the Horizon

Fill the Boat – Sat. Dec 7 – 2nd annual collection of toys to benefit local area low income and homeless veterans families.  Locations: 10am to 4pm at the Walmart on 11250 at E. Colonial Drive, Orlando; in front of Big Lots & Kmart located at 2311 West Vine St, Kissimmee.  Possible Seminole County collection site to be added.  Sponsored by the Coast Guard Auxiliary,

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. and Sun. Dec 7 and 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 

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 on www.facebook.com/ocoeelionsclub. Parade sponsored by the Ocoee Lions Club in conjunction with the City of Ocoee.

Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes – Dec 9 – 16 – The Road to Recovery (R2R) is returning to Orlando!  The educational and motivational event for severely wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families is designed to prepare them for the challenges in their lives that lie ahead.   100+ warriors will come for this all-expense paid event featuring seminars, workshops, and panel discussions with experts from government, the private sector and other veterans’ service organizations providing advice and guidance on topics such as career counseling, housing, VA benefits, healthcare and personal development.  Spouses will join with other spouses – reinforcement that they are not alone in their challenges.  Warriors and their partners will have a date night – oftentimes the first time since their war injury.     www.saluteheroes.org

January – Fund raising event to benefit severely 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 a various collection of generous businesses, veterans’ networks and local contractors are working to make this happen for Central Fl. veterans!  At no chargeto 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

Events in media - Do you like seeing heartwarming coverage of veterans or military stories on TV?  Have there been good articles of local veterans or military efforts in newspaper or social media that make you smile?  Let the writers, producers and editors know.  Send emails to them!  Thank them for the thoughtful articles/coverage and ask for more like it!

EXTRAS of Interest:

·         American Warrior Radio Show  from 11am-noon EDT on Saturdays, radio station WMEL - AM 1300    Nationwide broadcast: www.1300wmel.com 

·         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 to www.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/

·         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.  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

·         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 veteran  and military organizations in Central Florida

407-239-8468

chaynes11629@yahoo.com