May - Veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
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Please share these events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
If you want people to attend your events, you might try to attend some of theirs first! By networking you may find some great future members for your group. There is strength in numbers!
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.
Army Reservists of the local 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) will be returning to Orlando very soon. They have been in Afghanistan or Kuwait since last summer. It is very doubtful that they will return in a large group, but instead will be in multiple small to medium size groups. If you are interested in possibly welcoming them home at the airport please let me know. As OPSEC permits and information becomes available I will let those interested persons know. Cathy Haynes chaynes11629@yahoo.com
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USMC Combat Correspondent's Association Florida Chapter Golf Tournament – Fri. May 9 - This national organization with a foundation provides assistance to Marines who are in the public affairs field and other benefits to both active duty Marines, Reserve Marines, and Marine Veterans. Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport, near I-4 and Hwy 27. Ceremonies begin at 8 am. Tournament fee of $65 entitles you to golf, cart, lunch and all the free Heineken product you can handle. Info: www.usmcccaonline.com email James “Red” Carpenter atJCar1@tampabay.rr.com.
Baby Bird Shower – Sat. May 10 – See non-releasable and orphaned raptors – includes eagles, owls and hawks. Special events and activities for Mother’s Day along with educational opportunities and activities. Admission is FREE with a baby shower gift that can be used to care for the young birds. Call for a detailed list of items or visit fl.audubon.org to see the “Wish List”. Audubon of Florida’s Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, 32751. 407-644-0190. Your in-kind gifts greatly help offset the cost of operations, especially during baby bird season.
Non-releasable adult bald eagles can be requested to appear at events – nice touch for a patriotic event. Nominal charge is requested which is used to care for injured birds. Contact the office.
Military Retiree Appreciation Day – Sat May 10 – 9am at the Venue at UCF Arena, N. Gemini Blvd, Orlando. Hosted by the Fort Stewart Army Retirement Services Office. The event is open to all military retirees and their family members from all branches of military service. Guests will have the opportunity to present issues and discuss challenges that impact the military retiree community. Registration begins at 8am. Speakers will include Commanding General, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield; Garrison Commander, Fort Stewart; Director, Military and Annuitant Pay, Defense Finance and Accounting Service; and Director, Human Resources, Fort Stewart. Free. 912-767-3326.
Nam Knights of America and Semper Fidelis of America 3rd Annual Fund Raising Dinner – Sat May 10 – A 3 course dinner professionally catered by Le Cordon Bleu with live music. $100 per couple. 1451 N. County Rd 13, Orlando/Bithlo, 32820. (East side) Proceeds go to Homes For Our Troops – this year for USMC Sgt Anthony McDaniel www.nkorlando.org and www.semperfidelisamerica.org
Fallen Floridians Memorial Cross Tribute – Fri May 16 - 385 crosses, one for every military member from Florida who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, will arrive on the grounds of the Lawton House in Oviedo. Larger crosses will collectively honor those who gave their lives in previous conflicts. Each cross will hold a wreath created in 2013 by Eagle Scout 17-year-old Conner MacFarlane and refurbished by his 14-year-old sister, Chloe. One of the crosses is in honor of their father who died in Afghanistan in 2012. Chloe and fellow Girl Scouts from the Oviedo area will lay the wreaths. There will be a special flag raising, wreath laying ceremony and prayer vigil that evening to honor our fallen military members. The event starts at 6:30 PM and will be held at the Lawton House, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. From May 17 - May 27 the public is invited to walk the grounds of the Lawton House from 10AM to 8PM daily to see the crosses and pay tribute to these brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Veterans Empowerment Summit – Fri, May 16 – 8am – 5pm at National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, A20, Orlando, 32803. Provides connections for financial tools for veterans, maximizing military benefits, discovering resources to start a business, and making your military skills work for you.
Sponsored by Wells Fargo; Hosted by Goodwill, Consumer Debt Counselors, Career Source Central Florida and the Center. Free to attend, RSVP requested, free lunch. Register at www.veterans516.eventbrite.com 407-379-9485. National EC.org 407-420-4848
Armed Forces Day – Sat. May 17. Fly your American and service flags proudly! And thank an active serving regular, reservist, or guardsman!
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
Military Appreciation Day and 5K Run/Walk – Sat. May 17 – 7am-5pm at Searstown Mall, 3550 South Washington Avenue (US Rte 1), Titusville, 32780. Bands, displays, exhibits, veterans benefits evaluations, mall discounts for veterans and active military. Free admission, must see website schedule of events to appreciate the impressive generosity of vendors and sponsors! www.spacecoastmilitaryappreciation.com 321-543-1608. 5K Run/Walk race staging out of the Mall. Generous prizes donated by businesses as “Thank You’s.” There is no admission to the event and proceeds from contributions from vendors and sponsors will be donated to the Junior ROTC units on the SpaceCoast.
Charity Challenge XXIX – Sat. May 17 - Florida Citrus Bowl, Downtown Orlando. Operation Safety 91 (OS91) is again participating in the Charity Challenge XXIX raffle (www.charitychallengeinc.org) to raise funds to reach more First Responders and military with Psalm 91. Each ticket is a $1 donation. To date, Charity Challenge has raised $5.2 million for Central FL charities. Or donate directly to OS91 at www.OS91.com/donate or send a check to: Operation Safety 91, 13750 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 350, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Honor Our Veterans Dinner Dance – Sat. May 17 – Sponsored by the Italian American Club and open to the public. At the St. Gabriel Life Center across the parking lot from the Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Rd, Altamonte Springs, 32714. Three senior veterans will be honored – two were involved in the Normandy invasion and one served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. $25 per person, doors open at 6:30pm, dinner starts at 7pm followed by live dance music. Contact Lou at lprainone1@gmail.com.
Marine Corps League Semper Fi Fish Fry – Sun, May 18 – 1-4pm at American Legion Post 183, 2706 Wells Ave. Fern Park, 32730. $10 per plate will benefit local Marines, their families and veterans in need in the Central Florida area. Color Guard to be provided by the AWARD WINNING YOUNG MARINES (2013-2014 National Unit of the Year), National Anthem sung by the local Naome Bradshaw; Installation of the Detachment Officers. Raffles, prizes, music, boat/lake access. Cpl. Larry E. Smedley Marine Corps League Detachment #64 – Orange County’s only Medal of Honor recipient (posthumous) from service in Vietnam. www.MCLOrlando.org 407-493-6968
3rd Annual Hero Fest – Sun. May 18 – Military and first responders will be honored with multiple events at Old Town, 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746. www.myoldtownusa.com
There is no cost for your organization or business to participate. Upon confirmation of participation, further instructions will be forthcoming. For more information, to reserve a space for an interactive or educational display and to participate in the Old Town Hero Parade and Cruise contact Monte Martin at MMonte@hotmail.com or 407- 341-9866 by Monday, May 12.
Appreciation ceremony at 2 pm; Interactive and educational displays begin at 3 pm; Live entertainment on stage from 3 to 11 pm; Cruise and Hero Parade start at 8:30 pm.
The event is free and the entire park will be open so visitors can also enjoy Old Town’s shopping and restaurants throughout the day and evening. Heroes and their family members will receive special discounts at select Old Town shops and restaurants.
Each Hero (retired and active duty military, law enforcement, fire-rescue, and emergency response employees) receive one free wristband ($27 value) to experience AMPventure (Zip Line, Ropes Course, Rock Wall), Ferris Wheel, Super Shot, Wacky Worm, Windstorm Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl, Quad Runner, Jump Around, Motorcycle Jump, Carousel, Flying Tea Cups and Frog Hopper. The wristband will be available at the Old Town ticket booths when showing military identification or proof of employment (badge, name tag, business card, pay stub, etc.). Additional armbands may be purchased for family members at $5 each ($27 value).
Fri. May 23 - Deadline to pre-register for Fishing Tournament – see Fishing Tournament of May 31.
Memorial Day (Mon. May 26) and weekend event notices are pending.
USO Supporters Meeting – Tues May 27– 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. the guest speaker will be Roland Emerton, USO Central Florida’s new
Executive Director. This meeting is at the Museum of Military History, 5210 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com ;
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.
Rescue Warrior 5K run – Sat. May 31 – sponsored by Duke’s Smokehouse Barbeque at 228 Hwy A1A, Satellite Beach, 32937. 8am start, registration begins at 6:30 am but early discounted fees if by May 15 and $5 discounted if by May 30. Day of Race - $30. Awards, sandwiches and After Race party. Online registration at: sceventmgt.com. Info contact Marty at 321-537-3526 or runsalot@cfl.rr.com
South Brevard Stand Down – Sat. May 31 – All veterans are welcomed to this event that has many veterans services available, especially to homeless veterans. Also includes a PTSD Forum. Located at the American Legion Post 117, 189 Veterans Dr. SE, Palm Bay, 32909. Co-hosted by the Post and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1005. Transportation Pick-up points are available at several Brevard and Indian River County sites beginning at 7am. Volunteers are needed and training is provided. Contact: Dorothy Walsh dwalsh9093@aol.com or 321-426-4920 Flyer available.
Help Our Heroes Fishing Tournament – Sat. May 31 – Sponsored by Toho Marine & Outdoors with proceeds going to Wounded Warrior Project. Time: from safe light until 3pm. Kissimmee Chain of Lakes launching from City of Kissimmee ramp at Lake Front Park. For $175 entry fee you and your partner will have the chance to possibly win $10,000! You must pre-register for this tournament by Friday May 23rd,no money will be collected at ramp and no registrations will be taken on tournament day. If you’re not fishing please join us for the weigh-in at 3pm. We will also be holding a raffle for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. 150+ boats expected. See website to impressive list of sponsors. Contact Jean Phillips at Toho Marine, jean@tohomarine.com 407-892-3200 or tohomarine website.
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. May 31– 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 - 407-239-8468 chaynes11629@yahoo.com
Model for Our Military, Family Beach Runway – Sat. June 7 – Space Coast talent and military walk the runway from 1-4pm at International Palms Resort, Cocoa Beach. Family fun. Tickets are $15 for ages up to 17, $25 for ages 18 and over. Proceeds benefit not-for-profit AVET Project that helps military families. Info: www.avetproject.org Sponsorships contact kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046
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 (Personal note from Cathy – Not all posts are like your grandpa’s post! There is a cyber-post! Check it out!)
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.
Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. June 21 and Wed. June 25 - After a day spent in Washington DC, 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. More information will be added soon – but mark your calendar to attend!
Honor Flights for the remainder of the year will be on Sat. Aug 23; Thurs. Sept 4; Two local hubs on Sat. Sep 27; Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2. (Dates subject to change)
The National Association of Blind Veterans National Convention – Fri July 4 – Opening session at Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819. www.nabv.org
Hire Our Heroes - Providing Veterans Free Round Trip Airfare Anywhere that Southwest Airlines Flies. This benefit is open to Veterans that transition in 90 days and have job interviews scheduled outside of the local area in which they currently live. For more information, please go to hireourheroes.org/free-travel or contact Dan Caporale of Hire Our Heroes at dan@hireourheroes.org
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
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