Upcoming Central Florida Veterans Events

June #2 list – veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL

 

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!

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Commanders’ Call - Sat June 21 –   10am – 3pm.  A unique, fun and educational “show and tell” opportunity offered only on the third Sat. of each month at the Museum of Military History, 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.  This month:  Military re-enactors and displays include 4th Armored Div., 82nd Airborne, Civil War 2nd Light Artillery.  USMC Travelling Historical exhibit.  50/50 fund raising raffle for the museum at 2pm.  407-507-3894  sgtmccloud@juno.com

 

Family Fun Day at Lake Butler – Sat. June 21 – 12pm-4pm.  Post 9/11 military families to enjoy swimming, football, corn hole and fun games & contest for the kids. Lunch will be catered by Sonny's BBQ and there will be a fire pit for s’mores. Music will be provided by DJ Manny. Bring your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and beach chairs!  12302 Summerport Lane, Windermere, 34786.  Sponsored by Camaraderie Foundation.  Register online or 407-841-0071.

 

Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. June 21 – Greeters needed 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.  Bring your flags and signs to the airport — It makes a difference to the Vets!!

June 21(Sat):  25 veterans, 25 travel guardians (some of them veterans) and Honor Flight medical personnel and staff. This group of mostly WWII vets includes a Seabee, AF Col, and Maj. Gen. and several military retirees.   Returning to Orlando (MCO) from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) aboard Southwest Airline #4555; arrival approx. 9:30 pm.  

The greeting area is in Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.)

Before leaving home you might want to consider checking with Southwest Airlines online to see if the flight is on time.  Sometimes airport, weather, mechanical, or medical issues may cause delays.

For the Early Birds - you can wave them off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.

 "FastPark and Relax" is offering free parking for the folks who greet the Honor Flights at the Orlando Int'l Airport. It is an off-site parking facility on Frontage Rd - McCoy Rd on the curve that then becomes Frontage Rd - 7870 N. Frontage Road (almost in front of the 528/Beachline Toll plaza by the airport.) The "magic word" to tell the attendant upon arrival and leaving is "Honor Flight" or "World War 2 veterans" and it is good only for this event.  They will gladly provide you with free parking and transportation to and from the airport. (Be kind and tip the drivers!)  And the next time you travel please remember their generosity and use FastPark and Relax!

Honor Flights for the remainder of the year will be on Wed. June 25, Sat. Aug 23; Thurs. Sept 4; Two local hubs at two airports on Sat. Sep 27; Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2.  (Dates subject to change)

 

My Warrior’s Place Dedication Ceremony – Sun June 22 – 1pm.  Keynote speaker is USAF Maj Gen David J. Scott (ret.), former Deputy Director, Special Operations Command.  ‘My Warriors Place’ was founded by Kelly Kowall.  Her only son, Army Spc. Corey Kowall, was a Medic and killed on Sep 20, 2009 while on route to lend aide and support at a location by their FOB in Afghanistan where IED’s had been detected.  My Warriors Place is a Retreat Center for veterans, all military, Gold Star, Blue Star and Silver Star Families. It also offers several programs for those who have endured the death of a Fallen Warrior and/or the horrors of war. Each program offered plays an important role in the healing and coping process.  My Warrior’s Place, 101 22nd Street N.W., Ruskin, 33570 (South of Tampa/Apollo Beach, on Tampa Bay) 813-321-0880.

 

Honor Flight Welcome Home –Wed. June 25 – Greeters needed 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.  Bring your flags and signs to the airport — It makes a difference to the Vets!!

June 25 (Wed):  47 WWII, 3 Korea vets; 48 males, 2 women. 50 real heroes.  Some saw tough duty including  D-Day.  50 travel guardians (some of them veterans) and Honor Flight medical personnel and staff. Returning to Orlando (MCO) from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) aboard Southwest Airline #2036; arrival approx. 9pm .  (Flight number corrected on June 10)

The greeting area is Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.)

Before leaving home you might want to consider checking with Southwest Airlines online to see if the flight is on time.  Sometimes airport, weather, mechanical, or medical issues may cause delays.

For the Early Birds - you can wave them off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.

 "FastPark and Relax" is offering free parking for the folks who greet the Honor Flights at the Orlando Int'l Airport. It is an off-site parking facility on Frontage Rd - McCoy Rd on the curve that then becomes Frontage Rd - 7870 N. Frontage Road (almost in front of the 528/Beachline Toll plaza by the airport.) The "magic word" to tell the attendant upon arrival and leaving is "Honor Flight" or "World War 2 veterans" and it is good only for this event.  They will gladly provide you with free parking and transportation to and from the airport. (Be kind and tip the drivers!)  And the next time you travel please remember their generosity and use FastPark and Relax!

Honor Flights for the remainder of the year will be on Sat. Aug 23; Thurs. Sept 4; Two local hubs on Sat. Sep 27 at two airports; Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2.  (Dates subject to change)

 

100^th Birthday recognition for a Gold Star Mother – Fri. June 27 – 1pm – 2pm – This centennial lady, who lost her only son in Vietnam, will be honored for her 100 years with a reception at the Museum of Military History.  Army CPL Darrell Cameron of the 1st Cav. was killed in March 1970.  Museum: 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.  407-507-3894.  Info: Fred Robinson at 407-334-9491.

 

Free Homeownership Fair - Sat, June 28 – hosted by The City of Sanford and Seminole County.  10 am to 2 pm at The Salvation Army, 700 W. 24th Street, Sanford, 32771.  Attn veterans especially:  One stop location to learn about homeownership in Seminole County.  Attendees will have the opportunity to meet lenders, nonprofit developers, housing counseling agencies, and realtors in addition to the opportunity for door prizes!  Multiple classes will also be offered to help future and current homeowners.  (Info from Seminole County Veteran Services Office.)

 

Liberty Weekend concert – Sat. June 28 – 7:45pm – Liberty weekend features a FREE unique concert of patriotic music and popular favorites by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.  Also, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will recognize a distinguished aviation veteran.  Those attending will receive three hours of free parking.  Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, 9300 Airport Blvd., Orlando. 407-825-2055.  (Info from Orlando Sentinel.)

 

Patriotic Religious Services - Sun, June 29 -  9 am and 11:15 am at Faith Assembly Curry Ford Campus, 9307 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 32825 and Michigan Street Campus, 2740 E. Michigan Street, Orlando 32806.  Both places at the same time.  America Strong is a multi-media presentation honoring God & Country with a special salute honoring service personnel from all branches of the military. This is a free event. Information can be found at www.faithassembly.org.   Info:  Sandy Tally at 407-275-8790  tallys@faithassembly.org  or Mia at 407-581-7702  angelakosm@faithassembly.org

 

Orlando Veterans Stand Down preparation meeting - Tues July 1 -  Anyone can attend, especially persons and businesses interested in assisting Stand Down events.  Stand Downs are typically one day events providing services to veterans, especially homeless veterans. Services include food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment.  Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless.  Businesses and interested persons often volunteer.
Planning meeting:  VAMC Orlando, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803.  Room C100 in building 503.  (This is the old CLC at the Lake Baldwin Campus. This building is located behind the main clinic and next to the old domiciliary.)  This year the Orlando Stand Down will be held on Sat. Sept 27.  Info:  Sean Gibbs at 407-893-0133   Volunteers:  go to  www.standdown.HSNCFL.org   to register to volunteer.

 

Salute to Soldiers and Sailors picnic – Thurs. July 3 - 11am to 3pm.  Clermont Vet Center at 1655 E Hwy 50, Suite 120, Clermont, 34711.  RSVP’s requested for planning - 352-536-6701.  Attendees are asked to bring a “pot luck” dish(es)  to share with others.  (And if it’s special, bring copy(ies) of the recipe!)  It will be a chance to interact with other veterans and families, while giving appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their family to have this special holiday.  Our Salute to Soldiers and Sailors picnic is OPEN to the public.  Invite a vet who may not be familiar with what we do and how we can help.  

 

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

 

Red Hot & Boom - Thurs July 3 - Fireworks Show that takes place at 9:30pm in Altamonte Springs at Crane’s Roost Park. Live bands sponsored by Top 40 radio station XL 106.7 play at the amphitheater leading up to the 25 minute fireworks show. Over 100,000 people typically attend the event annually.

 

Fireworks at Lake Eola – Fri. July 4 – Downtown Orlando, 9:10pm – Fireworks and choreographed LED light show with water jets from the restored fountain.

 

FAVOB – Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses – Mon July 21 – 11am-1pm.  Meeting at Doc’s Streetside Grille, 1315 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32806 (Across from ORMC Hospital)  Association developed as a 'chamber of commerce' and voice for Veteran Owned and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses in the Great State of Florida. Small businesses run by Veterans don't have the same status when competing against other small businesses in regards to bidding and vendor status. Visit www.FAVOB.org to learn more.  chairman@favob.org

 

On the Horizon – Mark your Calendar – more info to come

Aug 30, Sat. – Ocoee Military History Show – A “show and tell” of artifacts from Seminole War to present.  Tables available.  No sales – just displays.  Contact Glen  cappouch@aol.com   407-877-7472

Sep 11, Thurs. - 3rd Annual 9/11 Tribute in Avalon Park.  Free vendor spaces and for affiliated non-profit organizations.  Contact Laura Burk, Game Plan Media  at 407-900-1915.

Sep 13, Sat - 10th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride – honoring Osceola Co. Marine LCpl who died in Iraq. Sponsorships and early registrations welcomed.  www.usobenefitride.com

Sep 19, Fri. - POW/MIA Day

Sep 19, Fri  - Central Florida Building Homes for Heroes Golf Outing, Reunion Resort, Kissimmee.  Flyer available upon request. Sponsorships welcomed.  Contact Kim at 407-803-5398  kim.valdyke@buildinghomesforheroes.org

Sep 27, Sat - Orlando Veterans Stand Down – providing services to veterans, especially homeless vets.

Oct 4, Sat – Navy Ball – sponsored by Central FL Navy League.

Nov 8, Sat. – Orlando Veterans Day Parade in downtown Orlando.  Applications for parade entries can be submitted online at cityoforlando.net/mayor/events

Nov 22, Sat. - Villages Honor Flight Golf Tournament - This fun event is their major fundraising undertaking of the year.  Sponsorships welcomed.  www.villageshonorflight.org

 

Community Extras

Army Rangers and Others Breakfast - First Sat of each month local past and present Rangers, their families, and friends gather informally at IHOP located at 647 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando. (Summerlin and Colonial Dr. (CR50) just east of I-4.)   Just for friendship, laughs and storytelling mixed with a little truth!  Meals on your own.  Special Forces, Navy Seals, Force Recon, Pararescue, etc. are also welcomed.  Contact Richard Nelson for time and details - rnelson134@cfl.rr.com

 

Mentors needed - Orange County Veterans Court is succeeding!  Longer term success is possible with community mentors.  Be a “battle buddy” or “foxhole buddy” by assisting someone with life challenges.  No proselytizing – just non-judgmental caring.  If you have experienced substance abuse (ie: alcohol or drugs) and came thru it, you may be very helpful to someone else.  If you are interested in participating as a mentor, know someone who is interested, or are a part of an organization where Mentors can be recruited, contact Diana Miers, the Mentor Coordinator.  Recruiting will be held over the summer with training sometime late summer or early fall. She or Judge Brewer have graciously offered to visit various groups and organizations to keep the mentor program in use.  It does make a difference and you can too…..  Contact dsm@dianamierslaw.com 407- 603-6538

 

Speaker, author available - Dr. Du Hua escaped the communists of Vietnam and came to the United States in 1982.  His book, “The Escapes and My Journey to Freedom” tells of his witnessing the killings, brutalizing, devastation and destruction in his village and former country.  It also tells the other side of the war after the fall of Saigon.  He had attempted to escape eleven times before succeeding and arriving to freedom.  Speaking available to clubs, and churches and veterans organizations.  Contact:  theescapes81@gmail.com   954-790-7797

 

• 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) – Mgr. Jennifer McComas joins Orlando NEX as Mgr from Key West.  Stop by and say “Hi!”  NEX in Orlando is 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 FL

407-239-8468

chaynes11629@yahoo.com