April - Veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
It’s SPRING! Get out of Spring cleaning and honey-do’s by attending some of these events. Goal: Try to attend at least one Honor Flight return; participate in at least one golf tournament or fund raising walk for the exercise and to enjoy the weather. Also, try at least one other fun event that supports the veteran or military persons or causes in our communities. Pay it back or Pass it forward.
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Please share these events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
Memorial Day - Groups are starting to think about planning ceremonies for Memorial Day. Please consider coordinating them together or staggering event times. Many people are interested in attending more than one and cannot because of time overlaps. More people would be able to attend – strength in numbers. Communicate your event info with your city and county veterans’ councils.
Broadway Musical “Cabaret” – Tues-Sat Apr 8-12- KC Productions will present this musical at the Savannah Center, 1575 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, 32164. The proceeds from this event will be shared with Villages Honor Flight. Savannah Center contact: (352) 753-2270. For details and ticket availability see www.villageshonorflight.org under “Fundraisers”.
Honoring Army SFC Daniel Ferguson – Fri and Sat. April 11 & 12 – SFC Ferguson was one of the casualties of the recent Fort Hood incident on April 2. He was from Mulberry in Polk County. Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) have been invited to participate in an escort and stand in silent respect as a tribute for him and as a support for the family. He served 21 years in the Army that included service in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. SFC Daniel Ferguson will arrive after 1745 hrs on Friday at Tampa International Airport and PGR will be organized in the Cell Phone parking lot. The motorcycle escort will take him to Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens in Lakeland. On Saturday an 11am service is planned at Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland. Afterwards PGR will escort him to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell where his military burial service will take place at 2:30pm. Persons may want to line the SR35/98 route with flags. Patriot Guard members often ride motorcycles but it is not required. PGR originally started as a buffer to separate mourning families from a religious protesting group. Some PGR members are veterans, they wear patriotic attire and often stage American flag lines in tribute to military service personnel and veterans. Others who wish to do the same are invited to join.
Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation Golf Tournament – Fri. April 11 - Stoneybrook East Golf Club, 2900 Northampton Avenue, Orlando, 32828. 8 am start time, lunch and more. This annual fund raiser is open to all and supports the scholarship program and military families in distress. Discounted cost if payment is made prior to April 1. Info: www.CentralFloridaMarines.org or Jim Hawn at 757-646-3937 jimhawn@tampabay.rr.com
Wounded Warrior Club Lacrosse Match – Fri. April 11 – Four high schools competing in Lacrosse game matches. The First Academy vs. West Orange High School at 5pm; Timber Creek H.S. vs. Olympia H.S. at 7pm. Special tribute at 6:45 to honor all wounded warriors and veterans. Proceeds to benefit Sgt. Stephen Tovet, USMC (See Home at Last event.) Free for veterans and military families! Payne Stewart Sports Complex of The First Academy, 2667 Bruton Blvd, Orlando, 32805. (North of I-4 exit 79, on John Young Parkway in S.W. Orlando.) 407-206-8643 or gisselvalois@thefirstacademy.org
UCF Army ROTC 1st Annual Gold Star 5K/10K Family Run – Sat. April 12 – 9am at UCF Arboretum, 5k is $25 and 10k is $30. Proceeds go to support the National Gold Star Family Registry who serve to honor the fallen and support those who fight and serve their families. Info: matt.benedix@gmail.com or 813-326-6451. Register online at:www.ucfrotc.webconnex.com/goldstar
Stand Down in Seminole County – Sat. Apr 12 - 9am – 1pm Services and information for veterans, especially homeless ones. Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County, 400 West Airport Blvd, Sanford, 32773. Volunteers, service providers and products will be needed. Contacts: Ed Burford, Sem. Co. VSO (Veterans Service Officer) at 407-665-2371; HCHV Outreach Social Workers at 407- 429-8628 or 407-234-2272; or Sean Gibbs of Homeless Services Network of Central FL, 407-893-0133 sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org
Stand Downs typically provide services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling; as well as referrals to a variety of other necessary services such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment, and more.
Home at Last Ground Breaking – Sat. April 12 - 10am. The location is on North Cross St and Briley Ave. in Oakland, 34760. (West Orange County) This will be the sixth Home at Last project honoring a combat-wounded veteran of the military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Marine Sgt. Stephen Tovet and his wife, Krystina, will receive a specially planned home from the West Orange Habitat for Humanity special project Home At Last. Sgt. Tovet was born in Orlando, FL and grew up in Apopka. Stephen and Krystina were Apopka High School sweethearts. An IED blast during his Afghanistan service in 2011 resulted in loss of his left leg, part of a hand and multiples surgeries to reconstruct the hand and his lower right leg. Fund raising efforts will continue thru the year. Checks or money orders should be made payable to West Orange Habitat for Humanity and mailed to: P.O. Box 38, Oakland, FL 34760. Please be sure to indicate your contribution is for "Home at Last 2014." POC: Bill Criswell - 407-876-2472 wccriswell@earthlink.net.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (Seabee’s) event and Reunion – Sat. April 12. A special framed SEABEE pride poster donated by the NMCB-14 Alumni Association to the Orlando detachment and each of the other NMCB-14 drilling detachments. It's intended to boost the visibility and pride of the drilling reservists at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, 9500 Armed Forces Reserve Center Drive, Orlando, 32827 (near Orlando Int’l Airport.)
Speakers and unveiling 11-11:30am in Reserve Center auditorium; Memorial to Fallen NMCB-14 members; Photo opportunity with Fighting Seabee outside Reserve Center until 12noon.
Orlando Detachment reunion from 12:30 to 4:30pm at Casselberry Veterans Club, 200 Concord Drive
Casselberry, 32707. Open to Seabees, their families and all interested and supportive persons. RSVP requested for refreshment planning to: EOC Normand Dupuis, normandchf@aol.com 407-877-2161.
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. April 12 – After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korea return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:45pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #1205 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
President’s Speakers Series - Mon, April 14 - Guest speaker Jason C. Redman, highly decorated former Navy SEAL and author. He will be spreading his message of life, inspiration and shedding light on the sacrifices that enable the freedoms of our country. Hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President and CEO, Dr. John P. Johnson. 7pm at Lemerand Auditorium, Willie Miller Instructional Ctr., 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, 32114. 386-226-6350 for more information. Free and open to the public.
Veterans Appreciation Day – Tues. April 15 - Celebrating veterans at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Ceremony at the West Lawn 11:30 - 12:30. Formation by Embry-Riddle ROTC units, Opening remarks by Dr. John P. Johnson, University President/CEO; Keynote Address by Jason C. Redman, author and former Navy SEAL. Missing Man Table Ceremony, Free BBQ lunch following the ceremony; Parking in the Armstrong/Falcon Lot. 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, 32114. Contact Embry-Riddle Military & Veterans Enrollment and Transition Services at 386-226-6350 for more information. Free and open to the public.
VetReady Resource and Career Fair – Tues. Apr 15 – 11am – 2pm at Holiday Inn, 5750 T.G. Lee Blvd, Orlando, 32822. Companies hiring as well as educational institutions outreaching to the military veterans. Bring plenty of resumes and dress professionally. Pre-register for the event at www.vetready.org. Info: Catrina Turner at catrina@vetready.org 1-800-235-2732 ext.803 (Personal note from Cathy: I am unsure about the history of this organization as they function across the nation, or if they have been in Orlando before. If you attend and are pleased, let me know if they should appear in future email lists in order to help others.)
Student Veteran Resource Fair – Wed Apr 16 – 10am – 2pm, Student Union, Market Day Area at UCF. 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, 32816. Hosted by Student Veterans of America at the University of Central Florida. Includes Orlando Vet Center and the Mobile Vet, Orlando VAMC VITAL Program, UCF PTS Clinic, Veteran Academic Resource Center, Florida DVA Veteran Service Officer to answer Benefits and Claim questions.
Fallen Heroes Memorial – Wed. April 16 – 10:30am – 12:30pm. Honoring and remembering the first responders who have died in the line of duty. Traditional law enforcement processional to the monument in the Garden of Fallen Heroes. Music will be provided by the Pipes and Drums of Orange County Sheriff’s office and Cindy Clark. Lunch will follow ceremony, reservations requested for planning NLT April 9. Free. Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2400 Harrell Rd., Orlando, 32817 (North of Colonial Dr/50, east of Goldenrod, west of the 417.) 407-671-3919.
4th Annual VFW District 18 Golf Tournament – Sat. April 19 – All are welcome to play which provides financial resources for the valuable Youth, Educational and Patriotic programs. $100 hole sponsorships available. District 18 covers 9 posts in Orange and Seminole Counties and Clermont. The cost is $55/player, 4 per team, shotgun start at 8am at Sweetwater Country Club, 2700 Sweetwater Country Club Dr, Apopka, 32712. A steak lunch is included and will follow at the Longwood VFW Post that 1.5 miles away. Also included are prizes and good times! Contact OIF Iraq veteran Terry Guthrie at 407-473-2507 or dist18cmdr@flvfw.org
Dinner honoring recent Congressional Medal of Honor Award Recipient Melvin Morris – Sat. April 19 - Melbourne Regional Chamber and Veterans Resource Committee host this dinner to salute Congressional Medal of Honor Award Recipient Melvin Morris, retired Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army. This resident of Port St. John in Brevard County was the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor - the country’s highest military honor – awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. More than four decades ago, Morris received the Distinguished Service Cross (the Army’s second-highest commendation) for courageous actions on Sept. 17, 1969, while a staff sergeant during combat operations in South Vietnam. After a 2002 congressionally mandated review to ensure that eligible recipients were not bypassed due to prejudice, President Barack Obama awarded the Florida resident, now 72 yrs old, and 23 others including 2 other living warriors, the Medal of Honor at a special White House ceremony on Tuesday, March 18. 6-9 PM at Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne, 32901. $35 to Active Duty, Retired and Veterans with ID card or DD214; $40 All Others. Please RSVP ONLINE under the Events Tab at: www.MelbourneRegionalChamber.com For Sponsorship Opportunities, Contact Justin Anderson at (321) 724-5400 x233 or justin@melbourneregionalchamber.com.
Warrior Aviation making Arlington Cemetery Fly over – Tues. April 22. Warrior Flight Team flyover at 1pm in Washington DC area will consist of 4 Tactical Jets and 4 Historic Warbirds of the WW-II, Korean War Era flying in 2 four airplane divisions. All the airplanes have been donated by the owners with the flying pilots (all veterans themselves) donating their time as well. Proper waivers, flight plans, and clearances have been obtained from the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service and FAA to perform this most honorable mission in this highly controlled airspace. Budget cuts now require this honor to be performed by public instead of military resources. Donations gratefully accepted to defray costs. This event in particular honors the interment of USMC fighter pilot, Lt. Bruce A. Guetzloe, a warrior from WWII and Korea and father of local Orlando resident Doug Guetzloe. www.warrioraviation.org Also see: fundly.com/warrior-aviation-arlington-flyover Info: guetzloe@aol.com
FAVOB meeting – Wed. April 23 – Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) at 4:30-6:30pm at Doc’s Streetside Grille, 1315 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, 32806 – across from ORMC hospital. Director’s meeting begins at 3:30pm – all are welcome, only directors may participate. General meeting begins at 4:30 in upstairs/private dining room. Networking, information. Info: Annie Artis, Secretary@FAVOB.org
RAFMAN Annual Fish & Chicken fry – Sat, April 26 - 12 noon - 5:30 pm. Retired Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy group holds this famously delicious fund raiser for scholarships at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Blvd, Orlando, 32805. (North of I-4, exit 79 on John Young Pkwy, west of Columbia, south on Bruton.) $10 per person. Donations appreciated! Contact George Jordan at 407-841-8378. www.rafmanclub@bellsouth.org
Honor Flight Central Florida Welcome Home – Sat. April 26 – After a day spent in Washington DC, a LARGE group of 75 veterans of WWII, Korea and other service eras return home thru SANFORD Int’l Airport – north of Orlando. The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:40 pm. This is a chartered flight thru Allegiant Airline and it may arrive slightly early. The VFW band (26 pieces) will play patriotic music beginning at 9pm. Come welcome these former warriors home in what can be described as an indoor ticker tape parade! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Sanford Int’l Airport: 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, 32773.
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sun April 27 – After a day spent in Washington DC, a large group of 50 veterans of WWII, Korea and other service eras return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:00 pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #4092 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - 407-239-8468 chaynes11629@yahoo.com
USO Supporters Meeting – Mon April 28– 5-6:30 pm. Continued updates on the new USO facility to be at Orlando Int’l Airport. Opening is scheduled for this October 1. These meetings discuss fund raising and the significance of USO. Meeting at 851 Celebration Ave, Celebration 34747.
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. Check on line for schedule of events. Info: floridaveteransreunion.com 321-501-6896 or 321-427-2843
Medal of Honor Recipient Recognition – Fri. May 2 – Sponsorships Welcomed! WWII Marine veteran Hershel Williams and recipient of Medal of Honor will be recognized in our community. He was involved in the battle on Iwo Jima that earned him the MOH – he is the last surviving recipient from the service on that island. In addition, he is one of only 2 WW2 MOH Marines living. The other noble Marine is in very frail health. Plans for the day include a law enforcement escort from Orlando Int’l Airport to a Meet and Greet at the Museum of Military History. 12 noon – 1pm at 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746. The evening highlights with a fundraising dinner (6pm – 10pm) and 40 minutes of Mr. Williams speaking. Other MOH recipients are attending. Cocktails, live entertainment and catered dinner at The Pines in Windermere. Special commemorative cigars to be made on site. $150 per plate with proceeds going to several organizations - including the Hershel "Woody" Williams Foundation that will build a monument in honor of Gold Star Families. (FYI - Before his enlistment, at age 15 Mr. Williams drove a taxi that also delivered telegrams from the War Department to casualty families. It left him touched with what happens on the porches of the home front.) Tables/sponsorships for the dinner are available. Event flyer is available. Contact Ron Mathis 407.894.5740 rdmcms001@gmail.com
Win This Gun Fundraiser – Drawing on May 3 – Only 1000 tickets to be sold at $10 each. Prize: AR15 style 5.56mm semi-automatic rifle which comes with one (1) 30 round magazine and a 6x32 scope by UTG. Sponsored by Caretakers ME (501(c)(3))for assisting various organizations. Past assistance given to Kid’s House of Seminole, Boys Town of Oviedo, Sentinels of Freedom, KISS (Kids In Support of Soldiers), Korean War Veterans, JOSH (Just Our Soldiers Helpers) among others. Tickets on sale from any Caretaker member, call/text Magi at 407.340.9780 or Shaun at 407.312.3754 for further info. Drawing will be held the day of our Poker Run (fun motorcycle and other vehicle ride) - May 3rd - American Legion - Post 183 - 2706 Wells Ave., Fern Park. Winner need not be present to win.
Armed Forces Day – Sat. May 17. Fly your American and service flags proudly!
The Military Edge Inaugural "Armed Forces Day" Golf Tournament – Sat. May 17, Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club, 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819 Fundraising event to benefit scholarship program, job expos, youth programs, and veteran projects . Please contact Nik Patterson for additional details 513-898-9097 npatterson@themilitaryedge.com; www.themilitaryedge.com
Armed Forces Day Golf Tournament – Sat. May 17 – 8am start at Wekiva Golf Club, 4100 Wekiva Club Golf Drive, Longwood, 32779. $65 entry, lunch included. Entry deadline May 13; send payment and list of players to Orlando VA Medical Center, Attn: Christine Breeze, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, 32803. (Note: this event is not sponsored nor endorsed by Dept. of Veteran Affairs.) 321-397-6068
7th Annual Memorial/National Armed Forces Ride and Event – Sat. May 17 – Motorcycle/vehicle ride starts by Police escort at American Legion Post 101 and goes to the National Cemetery in Bushnell in commemoration of Armed Forces Day. 9am Registration ($15Driver or Non-rider, $10 Passenger.) Legion breakfast available. Ride ends at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, 2480 S Hwy 17, Clermont. Activities, Big engine, Food, entertainment and more! Everyone is welcome to the event! Proceeds benefit Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and First 200 registerd receive “Freedom Isn’t Free” event T-shirt, lunch ticket, event bag, and raffle ticket. Registration online at www.stormyhillharley.com Sponsors , Vendors, or Info POC: Peggy 352-787-8050 x 21 gatorharleyevents@gmail.com
Memorial Day (Mon. May 26) and weekend event notices are pending.
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
Flag Day – Sat. June 14. Fly your American flags proudly. Retire your faded, torn, or tattered flags, and replace them with flags made in the U.S.A.
Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. June 14 at the Orlando Scottish Rite Center. Info pending. Gather your neighborhood retired flags and bring them for proper disposal.
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
This is from the Flag retirement from last year
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