December Central Florida Veterans Events

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

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Orlando VA Medical Center info - Before you or any groups plan to do something for Christmas for the veterans at the Community Living Center (CLC) (fka the nursing home) at the Orlando VA Medical Center, you should call first.  They ARE in the process of moving to their new location at the Lake Nona site!  Don’t miss your opportunity to spread happiness to them.  Entertainment groups in the Lake Nona area would be greatly appreciated!  There are currently 100 men and 4 women who are residents.  Also included are abandoned and indigent former warriors.  They need monies deposited into an account that provides haircuts from the traveling barber.  Contact Volunteer Services office to make a deposit or to schedule enteratinment.  321-397-6940

The residents of the Domiciliary will stay at the Winter Park area location until February.  There are 60 veterans of all ages, including 3 women, assigned to the “Dom” while receiving counseling for substance abuse and a temporary place to live.  Upon counseling completion and finding a job and permanent housing, they will need household items – new or gently used.  Contact their office at 407-629-1599 x1195 to report job opportunities and items that can be donated.

 

Saturday, December 7 is the anniversary of the 1941 attack upon military facilities at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands, a territory of the United States.  It was followed with official declaration of war and the participation in the conflicts in Europe and the Pacific.  This would become known as World War Two (WWII).

 

Military Appreciation Weekend - Sat. Dec 7 & Sun. Dec 8 –9am to 5pm both days by The Museum of Military History at Brown's Farm, 4901 Oren Brown Road in Kissimmee, FL 34746.  Food vendors, booths, military support services, PT drills, children’s activities, special inflatables and obstacle course.  Military reinactors, displays, lots to say ‘Thank you’ and enjoy!  Activities vary each day.  Free admission; $7 parking for one day, free on second day if you pick up special pass on Sat..  Follow road signs from the Museum of Military History (5210 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee) abt 2.5 miles south on Poinciana Blvd. Follow signs to Owen Brown Rd.  For more info - 407-507-3894   www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com

 

Toy Drive for homeless veterans children – Sat. Dec 7 - The Coast Guard Auxiliary in Central FL coordinates a toy drive every year called "Fill The Boat.” All the toys and clothes collected are donated to the Veterans in the SSVF (Supportive Services for Veterans Families) and HUD/VASH programs. These programs are for Veterans and Veteran families that have come on hard financial times. They all have case managers from the Homeless Services Network or the VA.  All ages of children.

Osceola Co. location: Kmart/Big Lots at 2211 W. Irlo Bronson Mem. Hwy, Kissimmee, 34741 (Just west of Thacker Ave. on US192) 10am – 4pm.

Orange Co. location: Walmart at 11250 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32817 (Btwn Rouse Rd and Alafaya Trl) 10am – 4pm.  The PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine) from the Cpl. Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam Museum (aka the Bunker) will be the holder of the toy collection here!

Seminole Co. location: Big Lots at 1101 WP Ball Blvd., Sanford, 32771 (East of I-4 exit 101 onto 417; Rinehart Rd to west on WP Ball Blvd. Marketplace at Seminole Towne Center)

Homeless Services Network (Sean Gibbs - Veterans Services Coordinator - sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org, 407-893-0133 Ext. 212)

 

Holiday Party at Air Force Base - Sat. Dec 7 –volunteers needed – donations needed - Party for 700 family members of the PAFB 920th Air Force.  Needing volunteers, treats, food, entertainers at Patrick Air Force Base, 11am – 5pm.  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. For volunteer or donating contact you MUST contact Kim of AVET Project in order to get instructions and Base entry.  kim@avetproject.org   321-373-7046 (Items – hotel rooms, gift cards, jewelry, toys, etc.)

 

Ocoee Christmas Parade – Sat. Dec 7 – 10am starting time for floats, marchers, walkers, etc. The Parade will start at the intersections of Maguire Road and Enterprise Street, and end at Municipal Lakefront Park at Ocoee City Hall. This year includes West Orange Warriors Marching Band, Ocoee High Knights Marching Band, Young Blacks in Action, and Mustang Club.  Ocoee resident Mel Jenner has been named Grand Marshall of this year’s Ocoee Christmas Parade.   Jenner served in the Army Air Corps as a B-17 Flying Fortress tail gunner on 45 missions in World War II.  After twenty-six years of service, he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  He has been decorated with two Distinguished Flying Crosses, among other medals.  And he recently celebrated his 91st birthday.

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.

 

World War II Veterans Memorial Ground Breaking Ceremony in Tampa – Sat. Dec 7 – 11am at Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 N. Highway 301, Tampa, 33619.

“The Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park Museum Committee announces that a Ground-breaking ceremony will take place of the World War Two Memorial, to commemorate the United States participation in the 20th century’s defining moment, recognizing the spirit and sacrifice of the American people in defense of freedom. The memorial will honor the 16 million who served in uniform, the 400,000 who died, the Hillsborough County men and women who sacrificed their lives, and the citizens on the home front who supported the war efforts.”

 

Merritt Island Christmas Tree event with a Military Appreciation Night – Sat. Dec 7.  6pm – 8pm at the north side of the Home Depot shopping center, 200 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, 32953.  POW/MIA table, children’s choirs, WWII Pearl Harbor survivor, Honor Flight, AVET Project, more.

 

Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes – Dec 9-12 (Mon - Thurs) returns to Orlando for their 7th annual Road to Recovery (R2R)!  This not-for-profit group with new leadership will provide more than 100 severely wounded warriors and their families with a unique all expense paid event featuring seminars, workshops and information from many sources.  Fun time will include physically challenged sporting opportunities. In some cases this is the first time a warrior and his family have been away from their healthcare facility.  There will be an opportunity for a “Date Night” – the first time spouses have been alone together since the war injury.  www.saluteheroes.org They will all stay at a Universal Studios area resort.

WELCOMING – information about their arrival is pending.  Some warriors NEVER had a “Welcome Home” because they were unconscious and went immediately to hospital.  If you are interested in welcoming these families at OIA – some traveling in groups, some individually from various areas, Sat., Sun. and the majority on Monday – please contact me (Cathy) so that I can keep you informed as to times, flights, terminals, etc.       chaynes11629@yahoo.com    407-239-8468

 

“Thank-you Veterans” Golf Tournament – Thurs. Dec 12 – Veterans sign up to play a round of golf for free.  Don and Sandi Hodgskin, owners of Best Offense family of products, organize this generous annual Thank You for veterans.  “It’s truly an honor to remind the community that we don’t need a day off to say thank you to the brave men & women who fought so hard and gave so much while getting so little in return.”  (Don’s older brother, James, an Orange County resident, was an Army CWO helicopter pilot and was killed in Vietnam. Tournaments began in honor of his memory.)  Limited space for free golf, food and fun at Wekiva Golf Course!   Two rounds – 8pm and 1pm      Reservations required at www.thankyouveteranssgolf.com   407-468-3055   don@thankyouveteransgolf.com  Sponsors welcomed too.

 

PNC Father/Son PGA Tour Event - Dec 12-15 (Thurs – Sun) - at Ritz Carlton Golf Club, 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, 32837 (south of Beachline/528 on John Young Pkwy in south Orlando)

Free admission to all military (active, retired and reserve) and their families.  Show Military ID at the front gate, OR  go to the tournament website, (www.pncfathersonchallenge.com) push ‘buy tickets’ and enter the code Hero. A receipt will then appear for them to exchange at our front gate for a "Hard Ticket"

Raffle for POW/MIA Themed Rock River Arms LAR 15 Tactical Rifle.  The Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, Chapter 20-1 fundraiser with all proceeds going to support their mission to help veterans and their families.  Winning ticket will be drawn on Friday, 13 December.  It might be your LUCKY DAY!  Winner need not be present!  Background Check and Shipping are not included. Purchase your tickets online today at  www.cvmaflorida.org/raffle   Special Thanks to sponsor Twin Rivers Gunworks of Rockledge, FL. www.twinriversgunworks.com 

 

Wreaths Across America – Sat. Dec 14 – Evergreen wreaths are placed on veterans graves as a tribute – just like those seen at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.  There are 8 cemeteries within a 50 mile radius of downtown Orlando who are participating in this nationwide event.  Many have ceremonies at 12 noon, but check with them first.   wreathsacrossamerica.com

 

Fun, Food, and Friends at the Cpl. Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam Museum – Sat. Dec 14 – Community Potluck Supper with music by “Bubba” Summersill.  6pm to 10pm.  Bring your favorite dish to share with all!  The Museum (aka “the Bunker”) at 3400 N. Tanner Rd., Orlando, 32826.   www.bunkerflorida.org   508-523-7192.

 

Military Portrait Dedication – Thurs. Dec 19 – 3pm in the Main Court Jury Room of the Orange County Courthouse, 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, 32801.  A portrait of Cpl. Larry E. Smedley will be dedicated.  He was from Orlando when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966. He was killed in Vietnam on Dec. 21, 1967 at age 18, and because of his actions he was awarded a posthumousCongressional Medal of Honor.  That medal will be on display.  The portrait was made by military artist Richard Thompson, who also has his work in the Pentagon and some military bases.

 

On The Horizon

 

Cocktails For A Cause – Thurs. Feb 20 – 4th annual fundraiser for Wounded Warrior Outdoors.   Silent-auction fundraiser with thousands of dollars worth of items at the University Club of Orlando.  This not-for-profit organization takes wounded and/or transition-challenged service men/women on therapeutic outdoor adventures (ie: hunting, fishing) throughout the US.  Sponsorships welcomed. Contact Ron Raboud, 407-654-0069 ron@woundedwarrioroutdoors.com  (Wounded Warrior Outdoors is NOT connected in any way with Wounded Warrior Project organization that has the TV commercials.)

 

EXTRAS of Interest:

 

For veterans considering college, remember these 8 questions.  Hyperlink to Article Bangor Daily News:  The Federal Trade Commission advises those consumers to ask eight questions of those representing institutions of higher learning. The goal is to cull the responsible ones from the diploma mills that are most interested in getting their hands on veterans’ tuition money. Visit www.consumer.ftc.gov and search “choosing a college.”

 

It takes a Hero to ask for help!  Depression is Treatable: Take This Online Screening.  If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, visit Military Pathways to take a free, anonymous, online self-assessment for common mental health conditions such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. These conditions are treatable, and a self-assessment is not only easy but can be the first step you take toward getting the help you need. Learn more about depression and its symptoms from the below blog post we’re revisiting by Dr. James Bender.   Depression has been referred to as “both the common cold and cancer of health care.” It’s like the common cold in that it can affect anyone at any time (depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults annually). It’s like cancer because it can be deadly. Take, for example, someone who is clinically depressed and commits suicide. Depression also increases the chances of someone experiencing a heart attack.   http://dcoe.mil/blog/13-10-10/Depression_is_Treatable_Take_This_Online_Screening_Today.aspx  (Courtesy of Ed Burford,  the Seminole County Veterans Service Office)

 

·         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

 

Caring and sharing,

 

Cathy Haynes

Member/supporter of numerous veteran  and military organizations in Central Florida

407-239-8468

chaynes11629@yahoo.com