September list #2 of veteran, military and patriotic events
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance – September 11
Service to others - Pay it back or pass it forward. And at the same time remember the service of those who gave all.
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
9/11 Remembrance – Thurs. Sept 11 – American Legion Post #112 invites all to this Remembrance that coincides with 9-11 timeline events. 8am – 10am, Refreshments. 4490 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, 32792. Info: Post – 407.671.6404 or Jerry at 407.212.6587.
3rd Annual 9/11 Tribute – Thurs, Sept 11 - in Avalon Park Town Center. 4pm – 9pm. Unique Special Event honoring our First Responders, Police, Fire and Military. There will also be a Motorcade, Entertainment Show and Tributes. Free vendor spaces and for affiliated non-profit organizations. 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd. Orlando, 32828. Contact Laura Burk, Game Plan Media at 407-900-1915.
Free Legal Seminars – Weekly beginning in September – Viera and Titusville area. Free legal seminars offered to the public with the intention of providing information on a variety of legal topics for 6 weeks. Topic for Thurs. Sept 11 in Viera: “Veterans Benefits” presented by Garren Cone of AVET Project. 6pm-8pm. Provided/coordinated by Space Coast Community Law School, at Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Jury Assembly Room, Viera, 32940. Topic on Thurs. Sept 18 – “Elder Law/Medicaid Preparedness.” Titusville area seminars: Wed. Sept 17 – “DUI Laws and Related Changes” at Space Coast Community Law School Titusville campus, Brevard Room, 518 S. Palm Ave., Titusville, 32796. Info and list of future topics: spacecoastcommunitylawschool.com 321-269-6833
Pre-Ride Party for 10th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride - Fri, Sept 12 - 6pm-10pm, hosted by Orlando Harley Davidson South, Hwy W-192, Kissimmee, 34747. (West of I-4, about 4.5 miles on Hwy 192) Free food and drink, live entertainment. www.usobenefitride.com
Every Day is Veteran’s Day – Sat. Sept 13 – Special tribute to veterans from 10am-1pm. Keynote speaker will be Brig. General Wilma Vaught, USAF (ret.), one of the most highly decorated women in U.S. history. One Senior Place, 715 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, 32714. 407.949.6733 Organized by VITAS.
10th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride - Sat, Sept 13, at Orlando Harley Davidson South, 7786 Hwy 192 (aka Irlo Bronson Hwy), Kissimmee, 34747. (West of I-4, about 4.5 miles on Hwy 192) Central Florida's largest motorcycle fundraising event in support of our military personnel. (Marine Lance Cpl. Jason K. Burnett, of St. Cloud, died May 11, 2006 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Osceola County Sheriff Department Major Ron and Shelley Burnett are his parents.) 70 Mile police escorted ride. Registration 8:30 am to 1000am/ Ride departs 1030am. After party 12 - 3 pm. Silent auction, raffles, live music, lunch provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill. $25 per person - each registration covers the cost of a USO Care Package to be sent to a deployed member of the U.S. Military. Also there will be a custom car/bike show hosted by "Born To Ride". Persons interested participating in car/bike show may register day of event. usobenefitride.com 407-892-2246
Jason Burnett Memorial Texas Hold'em Tournament & Casino Games – Sat. Sept 13, 6pm - 11pm at Westgate Town Center Resort, 7700 Westgate Blvd., Kissimmee, 34747. Grand Prize is 7 day stay at Westgate Las Vegas, NV. Doors open at 5pm; Casino Games $40 entry donation ($40,000 Casino money, 2 drink tickets); Texas Hold'em Tournament $100 buy-in donation ($10,000 chips, $10,000 casino money, food, open bar - beer & wine) Register at usobenefitride.com/poker-tournament 407-892-2246
Honor, Hope and Glory – Sun. Sept 14 – Community wide prayer service in remembrance of those who died on September 11, 2001. A time to thank our first responders and military. All are invited. 4pm at Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 130 North Magnolia Ave., Orlando, 32801. Bishop Gregory Brewer will speak, St. Luke’s Cathedral Choir, Orlando Brass Quintet, and Orlando Deanery Boys Choir and Girls Choir. Info: 407.849.0680 fchandler@stlukescathedral.org
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.
NEW EVENTS ADDED:
9/11 Candlelight Vigil – Thurs. Sept 11 – Windermere Mayor Bruhn will lead this Remembrance beginning at 7pm. Elsie Cintron-Rosado, who lost her daughter Maria due to the NY attacks, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. 520 Main Street, Windermere, 34786. Info: 407-876-2563.
The Patriots Day Remembrance and Special Tribute – Thurs. Sept 11 – Tampa. This event will also recognize the four brave Americans killed on Sept 11, 2012, during a terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya and includes a memorial plaque remembering them. There will be on display a piece of steel girder from the fallen World Trade Center. Ceremony starts at 11am at Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 US Highway 301 N, Tampa, 33619. Sponsored by Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, Inc., the Hillsborough County Government, and Veterans Museum & Parks.
“Camo the Complex” and “Military Appreciation Night!” - Fri, Sept 12 - Ocoee High School Varsity Football game vs Winter Park HS, 7:30pm. Past and present military service men/women can get into the game free if they are in uniform and/or show their valid military id (active, veteran, and/or other sources “DD214”). Wear your uniform, camo, and military shirt/hat!!!! 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Pkwy, Ocoee, 34761. Contact: Ocoee H.S. Athletic Director and USMC Veteran Steven McHale at 407-905-3006.
Welcome Home Army Reservists of the local 143rd ESC - Sun, Sep 14 – 10 am (prompt) at David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center, Armed Forces Reserve Center, 9500 Armed Forces Reserve Drive, Orlando, 32827. This local unit of 250+ warriors came home in small groups from Afghanistan and Kuwait over several months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The community is invited to welcome them back at this Uncasing the Colors of the Command to signify the unit’s return from the yearlong deployment. Brig. Gen. Francisco A. Espaillat, the new commanding general of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will preside. In addition, Lt. Col. Christopher E. West, the new 143rd Public Affairs Officer, will be welcomed. (He replaces Maj. John Adams in the position.) Plan to arrive early. Due to security concerns, have photo ID available. Info: 1LT Nicole Rossman, Commander of 204th Public Affairs Detachment, 407- 446-1673 nicole.a.rossman.mil@mail.mil
FAVOB – Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses – Mon Sept 15 – 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
USO Volunteer Orientation – 3 dates - Interested in helping at the new USO at Orlando Int’l Airport? While it won’t open until after the beginning of the new year, you will first need attend one of the New Volunteer Orientation sessions to learn more about USO Central Florida and the volunteer opportunities available (i.e. USO Welcome Center, Special Events, etc.) Orientation sessions: Wed, Sept 17 -8:30 am, at Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803;
OR: Fri, Sept 19 -1pm at Museum of Military History, 5210 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.
OR: Wed, Sept 24 -4pm on the 2nd Floor at 1420 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, 34747.
Please RSVP your attendance to Kris Kimberly, the Events, Programs, and Volunteers Coordinator of USO Central Florida, 407-766-2821 kkimberly@usocentralflorida.org
POW/MIA Day – Fri. Sept 19 – Official day that remembers the military POW’s (prisoners of war) and the MIA’s (still missing is action) - see Orlando event on Fri. Sept 26.
Central Florida Building Homes for Heroes Golf Outing – Fri. Sep 19 - 11:30am to 9:30pm, Shotgun start at 1:30; Cocktails and dinner at 6:30 pm. Reunion Resort, 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, 34747. Flyer available upon request. Sponsorships welcomed. This organization and event builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to wounded veterans and their families. Contact Kim at 407-803-5398 kim.valdyke@buildinghomesforheroes.org
Home at Last Project/A Home For a Hero Golfing – Sat. Sept 20 – The first 60 persons to sign up can play the Disney Palm Course for a suggested donation of $35 (or more, please!) Windermere Country Club Foundation will collect in support of Home At Last, a Home for a Hero. This project raises fund to build a mortgage-free, specially designed home in Oakland for a disabled veteran. This year, Marine Sgt. Stephen Tovet, has been chosen. Shotgun Start at 8am. Contact Disney Floggers Group member Joe Gustafson, 407-654-9004
Volunteers needed for Veterans Stand-Down – Sat. Sept 20 - Titusville - National Veterans Homeless Support sponsors this event. A Stand Down is designed to provide veterans with the services they need all in one location, and at no cost. We anticipate around 150 veterans will attend this event, with the majority of them being homeless. Some of the services they will receive include VA hearing and eye tests, medical and dental screenings, information on housing and employment, showers, haircuts, supplies, and many more. Transportation and meals are also included. DAV #109, 435 N. Singleton Ave, Titusville, 32796. Pre-event training is on Tues. Sept 16 - 5:30 - 6:30pm. One final training will be held the morning of the Stand-Down Sept 20 – 6 – 7am Contact Tina Flanary tina@nvhs.us 321-208-7562
Veterans Tribute & Museum of Military History Tenth Anniversary Celebration – Sat. Sept. 20 - All day affair, 10 am Commanders Call (vendors, displays, sharing, etc.) snacks, entertainment, door prize every thirty minutes, lots of meet & greet. Commemorative coins available. 10am – Grand opening of new exhibit – Osceola Fallen Heroes. Museum of Military History, 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. (One quarter mile west of the intersection of US Hwy 192 and Poinciana Blvd.; Btwn Mile Marker 10 and 11.) 407-507-3894 for further information. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com
Veterans Town Hall meeting – Wed., Sept. 24 – sponsored by the Orlando VA and encouraged by new VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. 4 pm. to 6 pm. at the Orlando VA Medical Center (Lake Baldwin) in Auditorium A & B. Veterans and their families, congressional stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations and other community partners are invited to attend. During the town hall, VA officials will provide updates on VA operations and improvement initiatives regarding VA health care. Veterans and their families will have an opportunity to comment publicly about VA programs and services. VA Outreach services and special program representatives will also be available to assist Veterans to include VA health care enrollment and eligibility; VA benefits and claims assistance; patient advocate services and more. 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. 407-629-1599
Orlando City Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council POW-MIA recognition ceremony – Fri, Sept 26 - Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 10am. Community is invited. Local WW2 and Vietnam POW’s will attend. UCF ROTC performs Missing Man Table Ceremony; Lake Highland Prep Principal Warren Hudson, Vietnam Navy veteran, will speak, and the Lake Highland Boys Choir will give a special performance. Info: April Michael, Communications Mgr at 407.246.3720 april.michael@cityoforlando.net
2014 Veterans Stand Down in Orlando - Sat. Sept. 27 - 9am – 2pm at Downtown Orlando Recreation Center, 363 N. Parramore Ave., Orlando, 32801 – within easy walking distance from the Lynx Bus Terminal. Volunteers needed! Donations welcomed! This event provides services to all veterans (particularly the homeless veterans) with medical care, dental screening, haircuts, clothing, VA benefits and info, food and more. Color copies of the information flyer will provide FREE bus transportation to the Lynx Bus Terminal for this event. (Bus drivers will only accept COLOR copies.) Make and give the copies to homeless veterans so that they can receive help. Over 300 persons received assistance last year. Registration to volunteer can best be done online - hsncfl.org/veterans-stand-down Info: Sean Gibbs of the Homeless Services Network at sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org 407.893.0133 x615. (Cathy can also provide the color information flyers by email.)
The Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County (HHCGOC)– Sat. Sept. 27 - Hispanic Heritage Month will feature Orange Fiesta in the Park that will include a special recognition for local veterans of the U.S. Army 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers. The group will receive the Congressional Gold Medal next year in recognition for their unique military service in WWI, WWII and the Korean War. This family-friendly, FREE event starts at 11 am-3pm at Downey Park, 10107 Flowers Ave, Orlando, 32825. (located at the intersection of East Colonial Drive and Dean Road, in east Orlando.) Food truck vendors, sing and dance to live music performed by local talent, and more. Children activities. Contact: Roberto Carlos Acevedo, Orange County Constituent Relations and Hispanic Outreach, Roberto.Acevedo@ocfl.net 407-836-7370; Vendors contact: carmen.velazquez@myorangeclerk.com 407-836-2208.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat Sept 27 – Orlando Int’l Airport - 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 Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2. (Dates subject to change)
Honor Flight Welcome Home #2 – Sat. Sept 27 – Sanford Airport - After a day spent in Washington DC, a LARGE group of 75 veterans of WWII, Korea and other service eras return home thru SANFORD Int’l Airport – north of Orlando. 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 10pm. This is a chartered flight thru Allegiant Airline and it may arrive slightly early. Musical entertainment beginning at 9:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home in what can be described as an indoor parade! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Sanford Int’l Airport: 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, 32773.
Gold Star Mothers and Families Day – Sun. Sept 28 - Community is invited in this honoring and remembering the sons, daughters and other family members who died while serving our country. Please bring a photo of your loved one (it will be returned) 3pm – 5pm, Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801. Info: Jean Balderson 407.691.4548 or 407.875.0028 Sponsored by VITAS, Dignity Memorial and the City of Orlando.
Deadline for Orlando City Veterans Day Parade entries – Tues. Sept 30 – All entries must be received in order to participate in one of the largest parades of its kind on Sat. Nov 8. One of Orlando’s signature events, the parade includes 100 units consisting of local veterans organizations, members of the active military, bands, floats and more coming together to pay tribute to those who have fought for our freedom. Advertising space is also available which will appear in the Parade Program. Parade Applications and advertisement forms are online at cityoforlando.net/veterans Contact: April Michael, Communications Mgr at 407.246.3720 april.michael@cityoforlando.net
Central FL Navy League Golf Tournament fundraiser – Fri. Oct 3 - open to all interested persons. This Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament honors a veteran who for many years, donated his time and talent to organizing a golf tournament in honor of the Navy’s birthday. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy of service and devotion. Proceeds go to JROTC and Sea Cadet support and scholarships, and the Port Canaveral US Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant crew Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund. $75 per person, or $55 for active duty servicemen, includes lunch & range balls, 1pm shotgun start at Celebration Golf Club, 10350 Emerson Lake Blvd, Orlando, 32832. Sponsorships available. Contact Brian at bholmes@aegistg.com
Central Florida’s 2014 Navy Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 4 - sponsored by Central FL Navy League and open to all interested persons at the Rosen Centre Hotel on International Drive, Orlando. This year the theme is “Service, Honor and Sacrifice” of our veterans by commemorating 50 years since the commencement of the Vietnam conflict. Keynote speaker is Chief of Naval Personnel VADM William Moran. Corporate sponsorships are available. Special overnight room rates available. Proceeds from this Ball fund the work of the local Navy League, scholarships for JROTC, and the Lone Sailor Navy Memorial to be constructed in Baldwin Park on the site of the former Orlando Naval Training Base. See website at cfnavyleague.org for ticket info. Contact: Bill Reuter, 240-577-9017 roto@r-squaredsolutions.net
Orlando National College Fair – Sun. Oct 12 - Over 200 college representatives from across the country will be at the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida. The fair is open to the public, 1 pm to 4 pm and this year there are two financial aid workshops at 12 noon and 2:15 pm. In addition, a representative from the UCF – Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) will be located near the counseling center to answer questions.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Golf Tournament – Fri. Oct 17 - Stoneybrook East Golf Course, 8am start time. Proceeds benefit the JROTC Scholarship Program. 2900 Northampton Ave, Orlando, 32828 in East Orlando. Contact Dick Aldinger at 407-859-7436 famdinger@aol.com or Mike Patterson at 407-240-7609 dmphome@earthlink.net
Osceola County Stand Down – Sat. Oct 25 – Various services offered to veterans, including homeless veterans. Volunteers needed! Osceola County Veterans Service office, 330 N. Beaumont Ave., Kissimmee, 34741. Contact Tommie Maldonado, VSO at 407-742-8455, Ken Mueller, HCHV, at 407-631-7228. Register to volunteer with Chanel at 407-742-8455 cf66c@osceola.org
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 atchairman@favob.org
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Depression - Many people were shocked and saddened with the news of the recent death of actor Robin Williams, and that Joan Rivers husband had also committed suicide years ago. No one is exempt! If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, there are treatments for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. 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.
It Takes the Strength of a Warrior to Ask for Help
The journey after military service can be a difficult one.
If you are Veteran 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,
or find a Crisis Center near you at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Local resources include but are not limited to:
· 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/
· Camaraderie Foundation – 407-841-0071 during normal business hours.
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!
ALL governments and veteran/military organizations: Get your Veterans Day event information to me ASAP! Others cannot attend your event if they do not know about it!
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468
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