Mid-January 2014 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida
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2nd Annual Musical Benefit - Sat. Jan 18 - Coordinated by Mary Ingrassia and Semper Fidelis America in Orlando at VFW Post 4287, 3500 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando 32822. This year the recipient is Navy SEAL 2nd Class Bo Reichenbach, 2012 double amputee from IED in Afghanistan. Motorcycle escort from Howard Johnson Hotel located at 230 W State Road 436, Altamonte Springs, FL (407) 862-4455 at abt 2:30 pm. Color Guard and National Anthem at 4:30 pm. Speakers include Congressman Daniel Webster, Congressional candidate Col. David Smith USMC (ret.), and CDR Anthony Almon – a former SEAL. Variety Show starts at 5. Admission: $20. Info: VFW Post 4287 at 407-273-6581 or letsneverforgetthe@yahoo.com
Operation Giveback 5k Aloha Run and Keiki (kids) Race – Sat. Jan 18. Located at the University of Central Florida (main campus) in Orlando. Warriors Edition hosted by Orlando Harley-Davidson. Onsite registration and packet pickup opens at 6:30 am, the run starts at 8:00 am. This local organization helps raise awareness and resources for wounded warriors, their families, and the children of fallen heroes. Event also includes Hula contest, best Polynesian costume, best decorated flip-flops, Home Depot Kids Zone, and more. www.operation-giveback.org
Scottish Highland Games – Sat. and Sun. Jan 19 and 20 – Quite a few law enforcement and fire departments have bagpipe bands who will compete with other groups. This is one of the largest gatherings of the Clans in the Southeastern US, with traditional Scottish games, dances, food, music, herding dog demos, and much more. Quidditch games (Harry Potter fame) are new this year! Early American roots and military history are heavily influenced by the Scottish heritage. Family fun and friendly event. Online discounted tickets until Fri. 8pm. Check website for schedule of events and hours. Central Winds Park, 1000 E. SR 434, Winter Springs, 32708 (North of Orlando) www.flascot.com
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade in Ocoee – Mon. Jan 20. The parade begins at 10am at Citrus Elementary School in Ocoee, on to 87 North Clarke Road, and ends at the parking lot at the West Oaks Mall. Keynote speaker: Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Info: 407-905-3100
FAVOB (Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses) meeting – Mon. Jan 20 – Not-for-profit group that works towards increasing awareness of local, county, and state contacts and contracts that may assist veteran owned businesses, and more. 11am Director’s mtg, 11:30 general mtg at Doc’s Streetside Grille 1315 S Orange Ave., Orlando. (Across from Orlando Regional Medical Center) Limited metered parking on street or free parking in garage behind Grille with purchase of lunch. Info: Brian at chairman@favob.org 407-374-9072
VetReady’s Support Our Troops & Veterans Resource and Career Fair – Tues. Jan 21. 11am – 2pm, Nova Campus, 4850 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, 32839. (In Millenia Mall area) Contact: Kristi Tjoa, 800-235-2732 ext.812 kristi@vetready.org www.vetready.org
Documentary showing – Thurs. Jan 23 – “Service – When Women Come Marching Home.” Eastern Florida State College is hosting a Disabled America Veterans sponsored premiere of a documentary on the struggles of women veterans returning from war. 5:30 – 7pm at the college’s Melbourne Campus in the Bldg. 4 auditorium, located at 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Free but limited seating. Contact Sandy Pfrimmer at 321-433-5570 or pfrimmers@easternflorida.edu
Florida National Guard 715th Military Police Unit from Melbourne, FL is coming home in February! Info pending.
Four Chaplains Memorial Service – Sun. Feb. 2 - American Legion Auxiliary of Post 286 will hold this memorial service at 12 noon. Four United States Army Chaplains helped other soldiers during the sinking of the troop support USAT Dorchester on 3 February 1943, during World War II. They assisted others to board life boats and gave their own life jackets when the supply ran out. As a result, the Chaplains who represented four different faiths, gave their lives to save others and went down with the ship. American Legion Post 286 529 E. Fairlane, Orlando, 32809. (Pine Castle in South Orlando) Info: 407-859-1460 Alaunit286pinecastlefl@gmail.com
Super Bowl Sunday – Sun. Feb. 2 – Keep your eyes open for possible footage on television of the Welcome Home event that was produced in Winter Park! Army Lt. Charles “Chuck” Nadd of Winter Park came home to surprise that involved the Budweiser company and the famous Clydesdale horses. He was a 2007 graduate of Trinity Prep and a 2011 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has been a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. After a write-in contest and efforts that involved the National VFW and DOD (Veterans of Foreign Wars and Department of Defense), Lt. Nadd was chosen to represent all levels and all branches of the military services. Budweiser has a history of making some memorable and heart-warming commercials that involve our armed forces.
Orlando VA Medical Center Creative Arts Festival – Mon. Feb 3 – Final deadline for art entry submissions in the first Veterans Creative Arts Festival, set for Feb. 14 at the Lake Baldwin Outpatient Clinic. 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803.
The competition is open to ALL Veterans enrolled at the Orlando VA Medical Center and any one of its points of care. Competition rules and categories can be found at the Veterans Creative Arts Festival website athttp://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/caf/docs/festival.asp. The competition includes 53 categories in the visual arts division this year that range from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories in the performing arts pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, drama and creative writing.
Those interested in competing should contact Jenny Danieli, Orlando VAMC recreation therapist, at 407-629-1599, ext. 4205.
Orlando VA Medical Center info - Before you or any group plans to do something for VALENTINE’S DAY for the veterans at the Community Living Center (CLC) (fka the nursing home) at the Orlando VA Medical Center, you should call first. They have moved 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 entertainment. 321-397-6940
The residents of the Domiciliary will stay at the Winter Park area location until later in the month. 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 the Dom office at 407-629-1599 x1195 to report job opportunities and items that can be donated.
Book Donation and Sale – Mon. Feb 10 – Wed. 12th - Just finished your last book OR wanting to get into reading for fun...Well, this is your chance to snag that great deal on a book! Books range in genres and will be available from 7 am. to 4:30 pm. Lake Baldwin campus of the Orlando VA Medical Center, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. 407- 629-1599.
7th annual Charity Golf - Tues. Feb 11 - The Windermere Country Club Foundation, working with West Orange Habitat for Humanity Home at Last project and Orlando based Camaraderie Foundation, is hosting their fund raising event to benefit physically and emotionally disabled veterans. Windermere Country Club, 2710 Butler Bay Drive North, Windermere, 34786 (Southwest Orl.) 407-217-5926 www.ahomeforahero.org
68th Annual National PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) convention - Feb 11-14. Working towards better health care and benefits, aid in the search for a truly satisfying careers, and providing the path to adventure through adaptive sports. Also committed to ongoing care by educating families and clinicians about spinal cord injury and diseases - including Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and more. Orlando Renaissance at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando. www.pva.org Local chapter – Central Florida PVA 407-328-7041
Orlando VA Medical Center Creative Arts Festival – Fri. Feb 14 –Inaugural Veterans Creative Arts Festival at the Lake Baldwin Outpatient Clinic. Talented veterans sharing their work! 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. 407- 629-1599.
RAFMAN Club fundraiser raffle – Sat. Feb 15. Assisting with scholarships and leadership for local youth. A 50 inch flat screen TV offered by 5 tickets for $20. Drawing on Feb 15. (RAFMAN: Retired Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy) Contact George Jordan at 407-841-8378 gmagicdj@bellsouth.net.
St. Valentine's Day Dinner & Dance - Sat. Feb 15 - Proceeds benefit West Orange Habitat for Humanity /Home at Last project of a specially adapted, mortgage-free home for wounded warrior and family, and similar projects. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 11488. Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd, Orlando, 32819 (in Southwest Orl.) $25 per person. 6pm – 11pm. Prime rib dinner, music, silent auction, more. Info and reservations - Contact Jim McQuillan at 407-877-2149.
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.)
132nd Silver Spurs Rodeo – February 21-23 - a long-time Kissimmee tradition and the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi.
On The Horizon
Welcome Home Celebration and Veteran Resource Fair – Sat. Mar 1 – for returned OEF/OIF/OND and ALL era veterans. Bring your family for a FREE day (9am – 2pm) at the Central Florida Zoo, 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, 32773. Sponsored by the Orlando VA Med. Center. Info: 321-397-6116 vhaorlnewovamc@va.gov
5th Annual CFNL Wounded Warrior Lone Sailor 5K – Sat. Apr 5 – Central Florida Navy League sponsors this event at Baldwin Park, site of the former Navy Enlisted Training Base. More info to come. See www.cfnl5k.org and www.cfnavyleague.org
Stand Down in Seminole County – Sat. Apr 12 - Services and information for veterans, especially homeless ones. Volunteers, service providers and products will be needed. The date for Orange County will be in Sept. Contact Sean Gibbs of Homeless Services Network of Central FL, 407-893-0133 sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – May 1 – 4 – The nations’ largest veterans’ reunion. Military displays, military vendors, POW-MIA ceremonies, Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Wickham Park in Brevard Co, Melbourne. Take I-95 to Exit 191 or old Exit 73. Info: floridaveteransreunion.com 321-501-6896 or 321-427-2843
4th Annual Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 30, at Orange County National. Camaraderie Foundation organizes this fund raising event to assist military personnel and their families with counseling needs and transition. Marriages, families and lives are saved. Sponsorships welcomed. www.camaraderiefoundation.com 407-841-0071.
American Legion, Dept of FL Annual Convention – June 12-15 at The Renaissance Orlando at Sea World. Info: members.floridalegion.org/convention Mary at 407-295-2631 x232
EXTRAS of Interest:
As a part of the newly established Veterans Court in Orange County, military veterans are needed to be mentors to other veterans who have had some “challenges with the law.” Offenses are currently primarily misdemeanors. Attempts will be made to match officers, enlisted, branches and functions. Pay it back or Pass it Forward by making a difference. Contact Diana at 407-603-6538 dsm@dianamierslaw.com
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 cpeenterprisesllc@gmail.com so you can be contacted, screened, interviewed, etc. 321-945-1153
College Scams - For veterans considering college, remember these 8 questions. 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. Visitwww.consumer.ftc.gov and search “choosing a college.”
Depression is Treatable: It takes a Hero to ask for help! 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 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/
· 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
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