July – 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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Attention 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!
Mrs. Opal Shields celebrated with her 100th birthday on Tues. July 8. She served as a WAVE in WW2. After attending Florida State College for Women (now FSU!) she began teaching in Winter Garden in 1936. During WW2, she served as a meteorologist at Jacksonville Naval Station. She met Charles Lindberg there and assisted him with a weather report. Opal was transferred to Washington DC where for two years she decoded Japanese weather reports for the US troops in the Pacific area. After the war, she learned how to fly with her GI Bill benefits and received her commercial pilots license. She returned to Central FL in 1948 and resumed teaching in Taft Elementary School for 37 years. She still lives in the area and cards of well wishes and recognition can be sent to her, c/o Taft Community Center, 9450 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32824. What an accomplished woman!
TONIGHT - Neighborhood meeting regarding Heroes’ Commons at Jefferson Park. The meeting is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, July 10th from 6 - 8pm. at the Callahan Neighborhood Center. Heroes’ Commons at Jefferson Park is located in Orlando’s historic Parramore neighborhood. The housing village will feature six detached, ADA compliant, single-family homes that offer flexible floor plans. Project planned by area realtor’s to assist veterans and their families with housing in a revitalized area. Refreshments will be served. Contact Michele Alamo (Se habla Espanol) at HANDS - 407.447.5686, ext. 202. Applications for housing can be found atwww.cflhands.org.
Florida United Numismatics summer show (FUN) – Thurs-Sat Jul 10-12 - 10am-6pm, Orange County Convention Center, West Bldg. Free Admission. Parking at the CC is $9 if you mention “Coin Show”, instead of the usual $15. History loaded event of showing, buying and selling of coins, etc. Also includes lots of military and patriotic items (ie: old election ephemera) Lots of learning for all ages. Careful – kids might LEARN something during summer vacation! Free exhibit allows panning for real gold! www.funtopics.comthen Summer FUN.
The Legacy Tribute/Memorial - Fri July 18 – Honoring the founder of Operation Safety 91, Edward Ganster, who died on July 3. Henry Chapel on the Campus of First Baptist Orlando, at 1pm. 3000 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando 32805 (north of I-4, Exit 79) Ed co-founded the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, that has provided over more 673,000 Psalm 91 cards to deployed military and also honoring luncheons to military and First Responders (Firefighters, EMS, Law Enforcement, Corrections). No reception afterwards, donations welcomed that will continue his legacy. Open invitation to all who have been touched by his life and work. Contact: info@os91.com
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
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.”
National Purple Heart Day –Fri. 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.
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.
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!
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 – ceremony to be planned at Orlando City Hall.
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. Volunteers, sponsors and supporters welcomed. Sean Gibbs at 407-893-0133 www.standdown.HSNCFL.org
Oct 4, Sat – Navy Ball – sponsored by Central FL Navy League.
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 8, Sat. – Orlando Veterans Day Parade in downtown Orlando. Applications for parade entries can be submitted online at cityoforlando.net/mayor/events
Nov 8, Sat. – Veteran’s Day Parade in Kissimmee.
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
Community Extras
Not a usual inclusion – but a golden lab mix dog needs a good home now – before the weekend. He is currently in a shelter and may be euthanized before the weekend. Caretakers state that he is a loving dog but he doesn’t do well around other dogs. He would be an excellent companion in a home with NO other animals. He was originally owned by a military recruit who could not take him to Germany with him. Rescuers will deliver “Rigsby”; he is 6-8 years old, neutered, chipped and would receive life-long vet care. Contact Rita of Support A Better Life - Pet Rescue at 407-595-7720.
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
Other areas of interest:
· Check out: hiredbyfriday.com and iamveteran.com. Both sites are for veterans and hiredbyfriday.com is a site for Veterans to upload their resumes and employers can look for skilled veterans there.
· 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 to www.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
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