July/August+ – veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL from Cathy Haynes
Please share these events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
Don’t miss the “Extras” section at the bottom.
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Defend Freedom Tour– Fri. July 25 – Sponsored by Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) The tour features a variety of nationally syndicated military speakers (Past events included New York Times Bestselling Author and Army Ranger, Captain Sean Parnell; Gold Star Mother, Karen Vaughn; Former CIA Directorate of Operations, Gary Berntsen; and CVA CEO & Fox News Contributor, Pete Hegseth.) The tour will also feature complimentary food, drink, and beer in addition to live music from America's most patriotic rock band, Madison Rising! At 6:30-9pm, Orlando Harley Davidson, 3770 37th Street, Orlando, 32805 (South Orlando - West of John Young Parkway along I-4, Exit 79) FREE EVENT - RSVP requested at summertour2014.com Info relayed by Dave Matthews.
Honoring our Military – Now thru Sat. July 26 - Lake Mary Historical Museum - 158 N. Country Club Road, Lake Mary. 10 am to 3 pm Tuesday and Saturday. Noon to 8 pm Wednesday and Thursday, through July 26. Numerous military artifacts are included in the display. Free; 407-585-1481. Source: Orlando Sentinel
Orlando Harley-Davidson's Veteran Appreciation Ride and Rally – Sat July 26
Operation Giveback fundraiser – Sat July 26 - Rick Brumby (of the Museum of Military History) will be conducting a 15 mile/50 lb. Ruck in boots and fatigues to raise money for Operation Giveback. Rick will start at Orlando Harley East at 7am and walk to Orlando Harley Historic with the goal to make the trip in four hours. Fun events are planned and donations will be accepted at Orlando Harley Historic. Orlando Harley Davidson, 3770 37th Street, Orlando, 32805 (South Orlando - West of John Young Parkway along I-4, Exit 79) Museum: 407-507-3894
Korean War Remembrance - Sat July 26 – Tampa. The Korean War Veterans Association, Lt Baldomero Lopez, M.O.H.Chapter 175, Inc., Tampa, FL in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the Museum and Parks Committee, Inc. will conduct a Korean War Remembrance. The Patriot Guard Riders has been invited to stand a flag line at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 3602 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, 33619. The 11am ceremony will honor all of those Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service men and women who served during the Korean War and United Nations personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice or were missing in action and/or unaccounted for. Bring your 3’x5’ American Flag to stand with them.
Yellow Ribbon Program event – Sun July 27 - The Hyatt Regency Orlando (old Peabody Hotel), 9801 International Drive, Orlando, 32819. The US Air Force has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their Yellow Ribbon Program event with a Flag Line. Bring your 3 x 5 flags to this awesome event, as this is an opportunity for us to honor and support several hundred patriots and their families at one time. Staging: 11am, Briefing: 11:15 by ride Captain David (Flyboy) Shelton. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a cooperative network of military services, veteran service organizations, state and local government departments and other agencies that provide information, resources, referral and proactive outreach to service members and their families throughout all phases of the deployment cycle. Each event has members that are getting ready to deploy within the next 120 days and those just returning from deployment. Ride Captain David (Flyboy) Shelton - Dshelton01@aol.com (c) 321-689-4699 Come learn about Patriot Guard and Riders and you can join with us!
Note: For parking, from I-Drive, go East on Convention Way which is to the right side of the Hyatt as your facing it from the road, go to the back of the hotel and parking will be on your left. A Flag Bike will be parked at the entrance to parking to help guide you.
Coast Guard Family Day Picnic - Sat Aug 2 – Volunteering opportunity and sponsors needed to honor Port Canaveral Coast Guard/families. Not open to the public. Static Displays, food donations (burgers, hotdogs, fresh fruit/veggies/chips), entertainment services and gift Items welcomed. Contact Kim before July 25 at 321-373-7046 kim@avetproject.org Memo: Coast Guard AVET Project is 501(c)3 not-for-profit.
Back to School Back Pack Party – Sat. Aug 2 – 12-2 pm. Sponsored by the American Legion Family (Legionnaires, Auxiliary Unit and Sons of American Legion squadron) at Post 286, 529 E. Fairlane Ave., in Pine Castle area of south Orlando, 32809. (Half block west of Orange Ave.) Over 100 back packs with school supplies to be provided to students made possible thru member donations. Also: games, lunch and school safety tips by the City of Orlando Police Department. Each child must be accompanied by an adult and register by July 26th by calling 407-859-1460. RSVP’s please!!! “The American Legion Post 286 Pine Castle Memorial Family place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our Nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.”
Borinqueneers Florida Honor Ceremony – Tues. Aug 5 – with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. 9:15am – 9:45am - Registration/Welcome Reception. Ceremony from 10am – 11:30am. Location: Iglesia Fuente de Agua Viva (Church), 12250 South John Young Parkway (North of Hunter’s Creek), South Orlando, 32837. The Borinqueneers (originally from Puerto Rico) have been recognized for their military achievements in WWI, WW2, and Korean, and, at a later, will receive the Congressional Gold Medal-highest honor that US Congress can bestow. If appropriate, please, bring photos of fallen and departed Borinqueneers to be placed at a special Honor table. Please, provide names of Borinqueneers attending to Carolyn Vega (Staff Organizer) at RSVPOrlando@rubio.senate.gov or 407.375.2071 Open to the public. Info provided by Dennis Freytes.
Orlando Veterans Stand Down Organizing meeting – Tues. Aug 5, 2pm. Members of Veterans Service organizations, Members of Veterans Service Providers, Volunteers, non-Veterans. Basically, anyone who wants to help us make this year's event even better than last year's. It's a good opportunity to become actively involved in helping our homeless or financially challenged Veterans. Stand Downs (this year on Sat. Sep 27) provide services to veterans and their families. Services included showers, haircuts, Veterans benefits counseling, medical exams, employment counseling, rent and utility assistance, legal assistance, a warm meal, and Veteran camaraderie. Meeting location: VAMC Orlando, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803, Room C100 in building 503. (Old CLC at the Lake Baldwin Campus.) POC: Sean Gibbs, Veteran Services Coordinator, Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. (407) 893-0133 x 212 sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org
National Purple Heart Day –Thurs Aug 7 – Thank a wounded warrior today – and every day! Check out www.purpleheart.org to learn about the Military Order of the Purple Heart which has history back to George Washington and the American Revolution. There are local chapters of the MOPH.
Cornerstone Hospice Seeking Veteran Volunteers – Sat. Aug 9 - Cornerstone will offer a concentrated volunteer training class (9 am – 5 pm) for new veteran volunteers in Orlando. The 8 hour training will offer a comprehensive orientation to Cornerstone Hospice and our specialized Cornerstone SALUTES! volunteer role.: Cornerstone Hospice is currently seeking military veterans who would like to volunteer to help other vets with their end-of-life care, recognizing that veterans have the unique shared experience and understanding of what other veterans went through. Lunch and materials will be provided at the training class. For more information on the training or to receive a volunteer application: 407-206-2273 X2604. POC is Diane Klebanow.
The World's Largest Golf Outing - Mon. Aug 11 – Golf Courses across the country will be participating in this great day of golf. They will be supporting fundraising for Wounded Warrior Project for injured service members through participation in the event. All events will be a four person team, 18 hole or 9 hole (depending on course) scramble format. Registration fees based on team size (Foursome, Twosome or Single, if applicable) will include a $10 per player donation to WWP, green fees, shared cart, warm up bucket (if applicable), lunch, WLGO logo’d hat, golf ball and bag tag (if applicable), local prizes and awards ceremony following play. This event is about having a great day of golf with friends, family or colleagues while benefiting WWP. There are 17 courses in Florida – Dubsdread in Orlando, Fairways Golf Club in East Orlando, Sanctuary Ridge in Clermont, Willowbrook in Winter Haven are the closest around Orlando. Check online for other locations. Register and info at www.worldslargestgolfouting.com Info received from GolfNow Orlando.
VA Benefits Seminar – Sat. Aug 16 – 9am-2pm at Double Tree Hilton in Cocoa Beach. Free assistance provided by AVET Project for you to get your DD214, service medical records and awards. Hotel at 2080 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, 32931. Info:kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046
Wills and Directives legal assistance - Sat. Aug 16 –Free help for veterans in preparing wills and advanced directives provided by various Brevard County legal resources. Death is inevitable but you can have some control. 10am – 2pm; Double Tree Hilton in Cocoa Beach. Pre-register at 321-631-2500 x14. Info: brevardlegalaid@yahoo.com.
Teen Challenge, Commander’s Call - Sat. Aug 16 - Museum of Military History - 9am – 3pm. Skills offered in a combination of class room and field training for ages 12 to 17. Presented by veterans knowledgeable in both fundamentals and application. A five block series of skills includes Basic First Aid/CPR; Compass/Map reading; Health/Physical Fitness/Basic Self-Defense (no hitting, sparing, contact); Field skills and Knot tying; US Military History. $20 fee includes 1 MRE (lunch) and dogtag with double chain and silencer. Limited enrollment. Call 407-507-3894 for further information. 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com Commander’s Call is a continuing education and sharing project provided by the Museum.
FAVOB – Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses – Mon Aug 18 – 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
Honor Flights have paused until August 23. It is too hot and humid for senior veterans and guardians to comfortably visit the memorials in Washington DC. Mark your calendars to resume the “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports for 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) Information will be upcoming. The WW2 and Korean War veterans truly appreciate the flags and patriotic signs – It makes a difference!
Ocoee Military History show – Sat. Aug 30 – (Labor Day Weekend) - A “show and tell” of artifacts and interests from Seminole War to present. 8am – 5pm at the Tom Ison Center, 1701 Adair Street, Ocoee, 34761. Military History buffs: Come share your items and knowledge! Space is limited but there are still tables available inside. No sales – just displays. There is ample room outside for vehicle displays and tents. Admission will be free, donations gladly accepted. Event POC: Glen Richardson at 407-877-7472 cappouch@aol.com
TEACHERS – Schools start again in mid-August. Please consider extra credit for student attendance at this History event!
On the Horizon – Mark your Calendar – more info to come
Sep 6, Sat - Stick Marsh Veterans Bass Challenge - Fishing teams of up to 3 (1 military veteran or active, 1 Municipal Leader, plus 1 Boat Captain) at The Stick Marsh, 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach. Bragging rights and prizes will be awarded afterwards at the Bass Challenge BBQ hosted
at Bass Pro Shops. Sponsorship opportunities at multiple levels are available. Contact Justin at 321-724-5400 ext. 233 orJustin@MelbourneRegionalChamber.com
Sep 6, Sat - Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk –– Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs. Commemorative 9/11 run/walk. More info to come. Contact Race Director Kyle Albano at kylealbano@gmail.com (c) 407-383-1992 www.t2trun.org Event info relayed by Mark Owens.
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 – see Sept 26 event.
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 26, Fri - Orlando City Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will host a POW-MIA recognition ceremony in Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 10am. Local WW2 and Vietnam POW’s will attend.
Sep 27, Sat - Orlando Veterans Stand Down – providing services to veterans, especially homeless vets. Volunteers, sponsors and supporters welcomed. Sean Gibbs at 407-893-0133 www.standdown.HSNCFL.org
Oct 3, Fri – Central FL Navy League Golf Tournament fundraiser – open to all. See website for participation and sponsorship info. Proceeds go to scholarships and support of area youth groups.
Oct 4, Sat – Navy Ball – sponsored by Central FL Navy League. Open to all interested persons. See website for ticket info and sponsorships.
Nov 1, Sat – Battle of the Branches – Satellite Beach. Sponsors welcomed. Planning by Melbourne Regional Chamber and AVET Project. Info: www.avetproject.org kim@avetproject.org
Nov 7, Fri –The UCF College of Business Administration, Wells Fargo, and OrlandoJobs.com will host the second annual Central Florida Veterans Job Fair. Matching motivated veteran job seekers with top employers from around the region. Join us now in our efforts to register 100 legitimately hiring employers (no scammers) to meet more than 1,000 job seekers to achieve our goal of raising $25,000 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit veterans-service organization.
Nov 8, Sat. – Orlando Veterans Day Parade in downtown Orlando. Applications for parade entries can be submitted NOW online at cityoforlando.net/mayor/events
Nov 8, Sat – Central Florida Marine Corps Ball (Marine Corps birthday is Nov 10, 1775.) Open to all interested persons. Ticket info to be provided in future.
Nov 9, Sun - Mount Dora Patriot Cruise and Salute. Sponsors and volunteers welcomed. www.mountdorapcs.org More info to come. Event Awareness from Rozann Abato.
Nov 9, Sun - Veterans Concert –- at Trinity Prep School auditorium in Winter Park. Portion of the proceeds go to Pets for Vets – which helps heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with a shelter animal that is specially selected to match his or her personality. Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the animals and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. As seen in People magazine, CNN, NPR, etc. Timacua White House. 407-595-2713. More info to come. Event awareness from Wendy Wallenberg.
Nov 11, Tues – Veterans Day Luncheon –Double Tree Hilton in Cocoa Beach. Sponsors welcomed. Proceeds assist the Not-for-profit 501(c)3 AVET Project with continuing help for community vets and military events. kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046 www.avetproject.org
Nov 22, Sat. - Villages Honor Flight Golf Tournament - This fun event is their major fundraising undertaking of the year. Sponsorships welcomed. www.villageshonorflight.org Event awareness from John Driscoll.
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EXTRAS:
Veteran Owned Businesses - The Orlando Business Journal has weekly lists of businesses that are compiled annually into a Book of Lists. It provides a reliable and reputable source of business information and contacts. Fill out a survey and allow your business to be included. Larger businesses, including cities, counties, utilities, etc., are sometimes making provisions of contracting specifically to Veteran Owned Businesses. We hope you will help us update this important reference resource. Please complete the brief survey no later than 8/1/2014. Contact Denise Hicks (herself a Marine Corps vet!) of Orlando Business Journal at 407.241.2893 dhicks@bizjournals.com or contact me (Cathy) and I will forward the link of the survey to you.
Burn Pit Exposure Registry – veterans with service listed below should register their exposure for future possible lung and other health conditions. Research may find airborne hazards and you will want to be notified. Contact your local county or vet organization Veteran Service Officer.
Eligible Veterans include those who served in:
Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn
Djibouti, Africa on or after September 11, 2001
Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm
Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990
Modern waste contains significant amounts of plastic and other material which may emit toxic aerosol compounds and particulates when burned. In Iraq and Afghanistan the U.S. military, or its contractors such as KBR, operated large burn pits for long periods of time burning many tons of assorted waste. Active duty personnel reported respiratory difficulties and headaches in some cases and some veterans have made disability claims based on respiratory system symptoms.
Local military, veterans, patriotic and associated organizations – Please send me information about your groups. (No political groups please.) I would like to provide a future list of groups that will allow interested persons to contact you and perhaps become a new member/supporter! We get new people moving to the area all the time and existing residents sometimes want to get involved. Retirees also want to volunteer! This may be your opportunity to find new members!
Seminole County Veterans Service Officer Ed Burford shares: 2014 is the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe at Normandy, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War and the 10th anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq.
And I will add: Sept 14 is the 200th Anniversary of the writing of the poem that later became our national anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote “Defence of Fort McHenry” after witnessing the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. When renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” it later became the national anthem of the United States of America by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931, which was then signed by President Herbert Hoover.
JUST FOR FUN: August, this year, will have 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens only once every 823 years. The Chinese call it 'Silver pockets full'.
Then seriously:
The journey after military service can be a difficult one.
If you are a Veteran or warrior in crisis or know of one who is,
Please call the VA’s 24/7 Suicide Prevention Line at
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
To speak with a trained counselor - It’s Confidential.
Or find a Crisis Center near you at www.veteranscrisisline.net
A strong person will realize that help is needed,
That reaching out can and will make a difference,
And is NOT ashamed to ask for it…
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468
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