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Friday, August 15, 2014

Central Florida Veterans Events Features Fundraiser for Sgt. John Peck

Always something for veterans to do in Central Florida but this one needs a bit of special attention:
Benefit Concert for Marine Sgt. John Peck -  Fri Aug 29 - Marie Bogdonoff of The Villages has organized a benefit concert for Peck at American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Singer Roy Michaels will perform his “music of our lives” show from 6pm to 9pm. Four years ago when Peck was 24, he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. The Marine, who also served in Iraq, lost both arms and legs. That made him the third quadruple amputee of the Afghan and Iraq wars.  Peck is currently a candidate for a potential double-arm transplant surgery in early November. The cost will be close to $500,000. Some of the surgical and other costs are being donated but Peck is facing a dire financial burden.  He has to travel to Boston, MA. for the surgery. Then he will face about three years of rehabilitation in Boston. He must have a caretaker with him at all times. Hotel, travel and food costs will be staggering, not to mention the physical toll of surgery and recovery. His home is in Virginia but he certainly has friends in Florida!   Info:  Post #347 at 352-750-2099.  Or to mail donations contact Rob at 516-521-5925



August list - veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend.  Post where appropriate.
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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'.

“Veterans of Influence” nominations – deadline Fri. Aug 15 - Orlando Business Journal has a new award this year for which they are holding a luncheon to honor those nominated.  Go to the website before to nominate veterans that you know who deserve to be honored. www.bizjournals.com/orlando/nomination  Contact Denise Hicks (herself a Marine Corps vet!) of Orlando Business Journal at  407.241.2893  dhicks@bizjournals.com 

"One Nation Under God" - A Celebration of Christian Patriotism – Fri Aug 15 and Sat Aug 16.   Operation Safety 91 (OS91) promotes this dinner and program as a stirring live Musical and Visual Christian Patriotic presentation to honor our Veterans and 1st Responders, and to spread the message of OS91. Doors open at 6 pm. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. followed by the 50 minute "One Nation Under God" program.  Donations for the dinner will be accepted.  BYSM Worship Arts Theater at 13355 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, 34787 (in the strip mall behind Taco Bell.)  Also presented nightly on Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd, Fri 29th, and Sat 30th.  Reserve Tickets for free dinner and program at  www.byyoursideministries.com/boxoffice   Info:  Dave Gillum at: dave@byyoursideministries.com   321-305-1111

Air Force Sergeants Association National Convention – Sat. Aug 16 – Wed. 20th in Jacksonville, FL   www.hqafsa.org 

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.

Copout Adventures TV Show Fundraiser – Sat Aug 16 – A fun night of food, drinks, silent auction and raffle at Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grille, 5pm – 9pm; 610 Glen Cheek Drive, Port Canaveral, 32920.  Portions of all food and drink purchased go into this fundraiser. Copout gives away (as in completely free) fishing trips for wounded law enforcement officers (LEO) and other first responders as a way of saying thank you for their service. This event will help cover the cost of these trips. The show can be seen on the World Fishing Network and coming soon to Destination America.  Auction items include a foursome round of golf at Grand Cypress Resort; A 3 day 2 night stay (with all taxes and gratuities included) at the beautiful Abaco Beach Resort; a box each of Montecristo, Rocky Patel and Romeo cigars, and more! Do you know of a LEO who deserves a trip?  Nominate him/her on the website!  copoutadventures.com   Contact:  Jeff at 407-810-3474   jeff@copoutfishing.com   

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. ALL Veteran owned businesses are welcome!  Small businesses run by Veterans don't have the same status when competing against other small businesses in regards to bidding and vendor status. Visitwww.FAVOB.org to learn more.  chairman@favob.org

Cocktails for a Cause – Thurs Aug 21 – Fundraiser to benefit Heroes' Commons at Jefferson Park.  Sponsored by Florida Real Estate Foundation, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  $50 per person Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction to include heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at The University Club of Orlando, 150 E Central Blvd, Orlando, 32801.  Heroes' Commons at Jefferson Park is located in Orlando's historic Parramore neighborhood.  The housing village will feature six detached, single-family homes that offer flexible floor plans designed to accommodate veterans and their families as the homeowners, including those with physical challenges. Register at  www.floridarealestatefoundation.com  or contact marym@orlandorealtors.org   407.513.7277.

Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat Aug 23 – The WW2 and Korean War veterans truly appreciate the “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports with the flags and patriotic signs – It makes a difference!  After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.  The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.  This group will return at about 9:35 pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home!  Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #1867 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.  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.

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

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!

Orlando Veterans Stand Down Organizing meeting – Tues. Sep 2, 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 

Honor Flight Welcome Home –THURS Sept 4 – The WW2 and Korean War veterans truly appreciate the “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports with the flags and patriotic signs – It makes a difference!  After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.  This group will return at about 9:05 pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home!  Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #130 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.  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.

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

Central Florida Heroes on the Water – Sat and Sun Sep 6 and 7 – This group will host its monthly kayak fishing trip with a two day campout at Twin Oaks Park .  It is for "warriors" (Active Duty and Veterans) family members, Caregivers (fishing buddies also) and service dogs. We do a shore lunch and provide all of the equipment and instruction, the cost is always the same FREE. They are a 501.c.3 that operates from donations and grants and since this chapter started in Oct of 2013 have proudly served 231 warriors. There are 10 active chapters across the state and warriors can participate at any event by reserving their spot. Future local trips are Oct 4 at Ralph V. Chisolm Park East Lake Toho; Nov 1 on Shingle Creek; and Dec 6 on Lake Jackson.  Contact Tom Welgos, 407.414.8393  centralfl@heroesonthewater.org  www.heroesonthewater.org and click on the local chapter.

Stick Marsh Veterans Bass Challenge - Sat Sep 6 - 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

Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk – Sat Sep 6 -  Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs. Commemorative 9/11 run/walk.  On 9/11/2001, off-duty FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller strapped on 65 pounds of firefighting gear on his back and ran 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers where he died at Ground Zero.  Being the youngest of 7 and orphaned at the age of 10, as well as having a wife and 5 kids, Stephen was loved by everyone which is why his family and friends started the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Funds raised will go towards their many programs, including the signature program, Building for America's Bravest which builds Smart Homes for the most catastrophically injured veterans. Contact Race Director Kyle Albano at  kylealbano@gmail.com  (c) 407-383-1992   www.t2trun.org    Event info relayed by Mark Owens.

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 M’Henry” (yes – that was the original spelling!) 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.

On the Horizon – Mark your Calendar – more info to come
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 needed, 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. – Veteran’s Day Parade in St.Cloud, 10am.  Contact TJ Palmer at tpalmer44@cfl.rr.com

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.

EXTRAS
Voting - This is the only type of political event information that will be listed in these event lists. 
Florida is a closed primary state. If you wish to vote in a partisan primary, you must be registered with that particular party affiliation. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote on issues and non-partisan races. If you changed your address or want to change your party affiliation, you need to change your voter’s registration.  If you did not do that or you were not registered to vote by July 28, you will NOT be able to vote in the Primary Elections.  Primary Elections will be on Tues. Aug. 26 at your assigned polling place.  Early voting is available in each County starting Fri Aug 15 through Sun Aug 24 only at selected sites.  Absentee Ballot request deadline is Wed. Aug 20 at 5 pm and must be received back to the office by 7pm on Election night. 
The General Election for ALL registered voters is Tues Nov 4.  If you change your address, you need to change your voter’s registration.  First time voters need to register.  Voter registration deadline for the General Election is Mon. Oct 6.
If you have any questions about your registration or your polling place/time, contact your County Voter’s Registration office.
If you are eligible to vote you owe it to your community and even possibly your ancestors to do so.  Blood from military personnel and others has been spilt in the past to allow you this right. If you are eligible to vote and don’t, there are very few good excuses.  Others, including myself, then do NOT want to hear your complaints!  Get educated on the candidates and issues.  Do the correct thing and vote….. Make it count….

For veterans considering college, remember these 8 questions.  Hyperlink to Article Bangor Daily News:  The Federal Trade Commission advises those consumers to ask eight questions of those representing institutions of higher learning. The goal is to cull the responsible ones from the diploma mills that are most interested in getting their hands on veterans’ tuition money. Visitwww.consumer.ftc.gov and search “choosing a college.”  If you are using your GI Bill for schooling, make it count….
Depression - Many people have been shocked and saddened with the news of the recent death of actor Robin Williams.  It takes a Hero to ask for help!  Depression is Treatable: Take This Online Screening.  If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, visit Military Pathways to take a free, anonymous, online self-assessment for common mental health conditions such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. These conditions are treatable, and a self-assessment is not only easy but can be the first step you take toward getting the help you need. Learn more about depression and its symptoms from the below blog post we’re revisiting by Dr. James Bender.   Depression has been referred to as “both the common cold and cancer of health care.” It’s like the common cold in that it can affect anyone at any time (depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults annually). It’s like cancer because it can be deadly. Take, for example, someone who is clinically depressed and commits suicide. Depression also increases the chances of someone experiencing a heart attack.  

Veteran Owned Businesses – Coming soon:  a compiled list of 25 Veteran-Owned Businesses that will be printed.  That’s almost like FREE advertisement!  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.  Contact Denise Hicks (herself a Marine Corps vet!) of Orlando Business Journal at  407.241.2893  dhicks@bizjournals.com  or FAVOB at chairman@favob.org 

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! 

Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468

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