October list #1 – veteran, military and patriotic events in Central FL
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Get your Veteran’s Day event information to me ASAP! Others cannot attend your event if they do not know about it! When planning, please consider adjusting the date and time so that it will not conflict with others who have already submitted their Veteran’s Day event. More people and the media can attend these events if they do not overlap each other.
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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
Air and Space Show – Sat., Sun Oct 4-5 - Melbourne Int'l Airport -US Air Force Thunderbirds to perform - Gates open at 9AM Daily -Tickets available on line for General Admission or Flight Line VIP Clubhouse -Photo Pit and Photo Tours. www.airandspaceshow.com
Dedication and Memorial Ceremony – Sun., Oct 5 – American Legion Post #6 in DeLand is being renamed to honor Sgt. Adam Quinn. A local resident, Sgt. Quinn grew up in the community and gave his life in the Afghanistan conflict nearly seven years ago on October 7, 2007. He served in Headquarters Company, 82nd Airborne located in Fort Bragg, was posthumously promoted to Sergeant, and awarded the United States Army Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. Patriot Guard and motorcycle escort from Post to Oakdale Cemetery for ceremony around 11:30am – N. Clara Ave, DeLand, 32720. Back to the post for the dedication 12:30/1pm with the VFW band from Post 2093, Orlando playing a concert for us outside in the front yard. New sign will be unveiled. Seats are available and the music fantastic! Then inside for a celebration of life with a live two piece band and Free Food for all. American Legion Post 6, 1087 Biscayne Blvd, Deland, 32724. (386) 740-0622
'Rope Yarn Sunday' (RYS) – each Wednesday - on the Patrick Air Force Base (Brevard County) in Marina Tiki Bar, 1630-1900hrs. (4:30 – 7pm) The focus of the weekly gathering is to provide support for past & present military members and their families. During the Month of October, RYS will be raising ideas and funds to benefit the programs & services offered at no cost by AVET Project, Inc. PLEASE come out and show your support! 876 Marina Rd on Patrick Air Force Base, 32925. (321) 494-7455 If you can't get on Base let us know we can get you on, WELL that's if we know YOU otherwise you will have to get base clearance. kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046.
Free Legal Seminars – 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. Oct 9 in Viera: “Homeowner’s Association laws.” 6pm-8pm. Provided/coordinated by Space Coast Community Law School, at Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Jury Assembly Room, Viera, 32940. Info and list of future topics: spacecoastcommunitylawschool.com 321-269-6833
2014 White Cane/Guide Dog Awareness Day – Fri. Oct 10 – 11am to 1pm. Public is invited to this Annual Proclamation ceremony observance that will be held by The National Federation of the Blind of Central Florida, Greater Orlando Council of the Blind, Lighthouse Central Florida, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Commissioner Tony Ortiz, Orlando Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Central Florida members of the Blind Veterans of America and the National Association of Blind Veterans will be in attendance. This event reaffirms Central Florida’s commitment to improving access to basic safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Within the veterans and military community, vision may become impaired during or after service by situations like explosions, chemicals or diseases like diabetes, etc. Event location is the Intersection of Orange Avenue and Church Street, Downtown Orlando, 32801. Info: Dani at 407-898-2483 x 235 lighthousecentralflorida.org or Sherri of Central Florida’s National Federation for the Blind at 407-312-4821 slmom2006@gmail.com
Military Support Awareness Event – Sat. Oct 11 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am at St Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, 32819 (Southwest Orlando.) This free in the St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall is open to all active, reserve, and veteran service members along with their families and anyone interested in supporting our armed forces! The keynote presentation will be given by the Camaraderie Foundation. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Carol Crowley at 407.876.4991 x262 orccrowley@st.lukes.org by October 7.
Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. Oct 11 - Sponsored by American Legion Post 55 Clermont with the Help from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, JROTC, and First Responders. 8:30 am events start. Veterans marching and in wheel chairs in the Parade at 9am. Please bring any worn flags to be included in the formal retirement at 11am. Food will be provided. City of Clermont Community Center 620 W Montrose St, Clermont, 34711. (352) 394-6767
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 Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) – Wed. Oct 15 – This revitalized gathering of military veterans from all branches is meeting at 7pm at the Elks Lodge, 12 N Primrose Dr., Orlando, 32803. Open to all interested persons, especially those from the recent wars. Info: Commander Michles michles@cfl.rr.com 407-382-9737.
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
"One Nation Under God" - multiple dates and locations - By Your Side Ministries produces this celebration of Christian Patriotism. It is a live musical Program with video and live testimonials honoring our 1st Responders and all branches of the military and veterans.
….It will be presented Tues. Oct 14; sponsored by Lakeland 9/12 Project, 3609 Century Blvd., Suite #1, Lakeland, FL (next to Lakeland, Airport) Contact Jeffrey Sanow at jeffreyssanow@gmail.com.
….Three shows in partnership with Operation Safety 91 - Fri. and Sat. Oct 17 and 18; Fri Oct 24, at By Your Side Ministries Theater, 13355 W Colonial Dr., Winter Garden, 34787 (in the strip mall behind Taco Bell.) Doors open at 6 pm. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. 50 minute program "One Nation Under God" starts at 7:15pm. Donations for the dinner will be accepted. Reserve Tickets for free dinner and program at www. byyoursideministries.com/boxoffice Operation Safety 91: www. OS91.com 407-484-4506
….Sat. Oct 25 presentation will be at the Community Alliance Church, 4815 E Lake Dr, Winter Springs, 32708.
Call Al Haslam for details at this presentation only: 407-221-4333
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Oct 18 – 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 #1866 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 – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the 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 25; and Wed. Nov 5. (Dates subject to change)
USO Volunteer Briefing – Mon. Oct 20 - 5pm-6:30pm at the Celebration Town Hall, 851 Celebration Ave., Celebration, 34747. This is the first step in becoming a USO CFL Volunteer at the Orlando Int’l Airport. Orientation Briefings will be offered several times a month for several months in various locations before and after the USO facility opens next year. This briefing, only required once, will be given by Kris Kimberly, USO CFL Events, Programs, & Volunteer Coordinator. To confirm your seat for the session, please contact: 813.401.1194 kkimberly@usocentralflorida.org
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
Rummage Sale to Light the Way for Veterans – Sat. Oct 25 - American Legion Unit 286 will be having a Rummage Sale from 8am - 1pm. The proceeds will be used toward their many patriotic veteran service programs. Check out the many treasures of this multi-family Rummage Sale by the Post at 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Orlando, 32809 in South Orlando. Info: 407-859-1460.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Oct 25 – Orlando Int’l Airport – This is the VERY LAST weekend Honor Flight mission for the 2014 year from the Central Florida area. 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 #1866 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 – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the 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.
The very last Honor Flight for the year will be WED. Nov 5. Flights will resume in the Spring of 2015.
Halloween Party – Thurs. Oct 30 - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 286 will be giving the children of our communities a treat and fun filled Pre-Halloween from 6-8 pm. At this free event, there will be costume contests, games, prizes and treats for children, who are accompanied by an adult. 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809 in South Orlando. Info: 407-859-1460.
Battle of the Branches – Sat. Nov 1 – AVET Project fund raiser for local military family, including active duty, Reserves, and Guard's morale events as well as AVET Project's PR&R (Project Recuperation & Reintegration) retreats for returning combat veterans, helping them transition back into civilian life. Counseling on VA & State veteran benefits, PTSD/TBI screening, Suicide risk assessment, alternative therapies for physical & mental issues, outdoor recreational activities, massage & hypnotherapy are but a few of the offerings during PR&R... all FREE! Sponsors welcomed. If you would like your logo on the Battle of the Branches (BOTB) t-shirts Deadline is Oct 17. Satellite Beach (Brevard County) just off A1A at Pelican Housing at Poinsettia Drive. 5k Walk/Run will begin at 8am, and Obstacle Course opens at 8:30am & THE "Pull Challenge" begins at 9am. Planning by Melbourne Regional Chamber and AVET Project. FREE Vendor spots for Military Organizations & 1st Responders; 10x10 Vendor spots start at $25 and other sponsorship levels up to $2,500. AVET Project is also looking for Silent Auction items and we would happily provide a tax-deductible donation receipt. Battle of the Branches is FREE to spectators. Sgt Jeff Barillaro aka Soldier Hard served 10yrs in the service, 3tours and suffers from PTSD will be Performing and speaking about Music Therapy and PTSD; other guest speakers, resources and even Career Source Brevard will be present helping you find a job. Come out and support our Military & 1st Responders. Info: www.avetproject.org kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –WED. Nov 5 – Orlando Int’l Airport – This is the VERY LAST Honor Flight for the 2014 year from the Central Florida area. Winter, ice, and senior citizens don’t do too well together in Washington DC. 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 9:30 pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #3303 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 – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the 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 will resume in the Spring of 2015 when the weather improves.
Central Florida Veterans Job Fair – Fri. Nov 7 – The UCF College of Business Administration and Wells Fargo host this second annual event. 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. 100% of the employer registration fee will go to help our returning service men and women through a scholarship benefiting the local Camaraderie Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project – thereby also increasing the quality of employers participating. Easy to pre-register online. 10am – 3pm at the Venue on University of Central Florida Main Campus. 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, 32816. Info: Tiffany at 904-509-0599 Tiffany.Hughes@ucf.edu
Golf Tournament – Sat. Nov. 8 - American Legion Post 286 Family invites all to participate and assist in our Mission “Service not Self” in enhancing the lives of local veterans. Hunters Creek Golf Course 8 am Shotgun start, 4-person teams – Best Ball Scramble $55 per player includes door prize, drink & meal tickets; Prizes: Closest to the pin Ladies and Men; Longest Drive – Ladies and Men. Sponsorships available: Hole $50 each; Deadline to sign-up Nov. 3rd. Information call 407-859-1460
This active and involved American Legion Post 286 Family (Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and S.A.L Members) is located at 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Pine Castle, 32809, in South Orlando.
Orlando Veterans Day Parade – Sat. Nov 8 – Downtown Orlando at 11am – 1pm. Free! Military bands and equipment, ROTC and JROTC units, floats, pipe bands, high school marching bands. Gold Star Mothers are the Grand Marshall’s this year. Begins at Robinson St., south on Orange Ave., east on Central, the north on Rosalind Ave. Info: 407-246-3104 cityoforlando.net/veterans
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
"Walk a Mile in Their Boots" - Camaraderie Foundation’s 3rd Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Nov 15 – at Medical City in Lake Nona. This year there will be 3, 6, & 12 mile courses to challenge you. You can walk, run or RUCK as a Warrior with a 35 lb. ruck sack or backpack. The goal is not only to raise awareness about Camaraderie Foundation’s mission of helping to heal the invisible wounds of war for our Military Service Members and their families, but to raise funds to help implement our counseling scholarships and programs for them. Register yourself or your team by visiting www.RuckSackMarch2014.kintera.org. Receive $5 off registration when you use the code ‘camaraderie’. We have great prize incentives for the top Warriors, top Runners and top Fundraisers which include 2 roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines, SeaWorld & Disney tickets, Gift Cards, and MORE! Contact Jackie at 407.841.0071 camaraderiefoundation.com
5th Annual Orlando Wreaths Across America – fund raising begins now on this tribute to local veterans. Just like at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, evergreen wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans at the city's Greenwood Cemetery on Sat. Dec. 13 at 12 noon. Wreath sponsorships are available ($l5 each) and so are organization participation opportunities. The Marine Corps League (Cpl. Larry E. Smedley Detachment #64) leads the way in this Orlando area event. Contact: Bob Noble at 407-380-2771 bob@noblevoices.com
ONGOING FUNDRAISING PROJECTS:
Home at Last Project fundraising - building a home for another disabled veteran and his family proceeds with the sixth house built by the Home at Last Project. The 2014 project will be honoring Marine Sergeant Stephen Tovet (ret) & wife Krystina. He is a combat-wounded veteran of the military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan after he enlisted in the Marines in June 2006. Stephen and Krystina were high school sweethearts, attended Apopka High School together, and married in 2010 when he came home on leave. He was wounded from an IED blast while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, by a buried pressure plate on May 30, 2011. The explosion severely injured his left leg, left hand and right lower leg. The injuries required amputation of his left leg above the knee, part of his left hand, and the surgical reconstruct of his left hand, lower right leg, ankle and foot. The injuries put him into a coma for about a week. They are currently living in old modular house that is in disrepair and difficult to navigate his wheelchair.
To succeed, this special project needs the support of local citizens, clubs, corporations, businesses, churches, civic groups and organizations. If you have been wanting "to do something" for our troops but haven't figured out exactly what that "to do" is, you need look no further, for this is it! This is a way to honor our troops who have sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom and safety. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Home at Last Project, Inc. and mailed to PO Box 884, Oakland, FL 34760. Donations can be also made via the HomeatlastHomes.org web site. A 501(c)3 nonprofit application has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service and donations will be tax deductible. All donations will be acknowledged with a receipt. Please direct your comments and/or questions to the project chairman Bill Criswell by phone at 407-876-2472.
"From Horror to Healing: PTSD Exposed" - film fundraising campaign – This is a film for and about the veterans who have served their country in battle, but emerged isolated and emotionally scarred for life. It is a film about the wounding of their families who have to pick up where they left off with the warrior, but not recognizing who he/she has become. It is a film about their healing and rebuilding their shattered lives and reconnecting with their soul through traditional and alternative healing strategies. It is a film that takes the viewer from horror to healing.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) devastates the returning soldier and their family. It is a disorder that left untreated, destroys the lives of these brave individuals and those closest to them, affecting intimacy, trust, finances, health, and career.
Info: Dr. Linda Levine Silverman, Founder and Director, Center for Personal Excellence, Emotional Wellness and Personal Growth Consultants, and Executive Producer of the film. healthylivingorlando.com, 321-945-1153
Lone Sailor Monument - The Central Florida Council of the U.S. Navy League is leading a campaign to build the Lone Sailor Navy Memorial to recognize and preserve the rich Navy history in Central Florida. The Orlando Naval Recruit Training Base was the start of over 650,000 people’s Navy service years and careers, including the only recruit training base for women after 1973. The statue features a sailor hunkered into his peacoat with his seabag nearby and will be placed on the old base “grinder”. The last graduating class was in 1998 following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission orders to reduce the number of military facilities in the United States. As part of the casting process, the bronze for the Lone Sailor will be mixed with artifacts from eight U.S. Navy ships provided by the curator for the Navy in the Naval Historical Center of the Washington Navy Yard. About $250,000 remains to be raised. Contact the project chairman Mike Phillips at 407-616-3829 lonesailor@cfnavyleague.org
EXTRAS:
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
U.S. Flags - Orange County Public Schools will be going to using only U.S.A.-made outdoor American flags on school properties. The nation's 10th-largest school district, which had been buying flags made in China, changed its policy after an inquiry from local Ax the Tax founder Doug Guetzloe. Over the past two years, the district's central warehouse has sent out 167 Chinese-made American flags to district schools. The district had been buying Chinese-made flags from a vendor in Illinois for about $10.50 each. School officials said the U.S.A.-made flags costs about $16 each. Well worth the price – and not just in money.
LOCAL LINKS TO NATIONAL SITUATION:
C-SPAN – Wednesday morning Oct 1 – Florida Marine - House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing about the South Florida Marine imprisoned in a Mexican jail for over six months. Guest speakers before the panel were his mother, Jill Tahmooressi; Montel Williams (yes, the talk show host who served in the US Marine Corps and was former Navy Lieutenant Commander – over 11 years of military service); Pete Hegseth (CEO of Concerned Veterans for America and had an event in Orlando on July 25, 26 at Orlando Harley-Davidson) and others. They discussed concern of the care for Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi as well as other veterans.
Jill Tahmooressi is a nurse and Director at Miami Children’s Hospital. Andrew Tahmooressi served two tours of duty in Afghanistan in the Marine Reserves as a section lead for the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. He had enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Last month the National Commander of VFW, a non-profit service organization with posts in Central Florida, encouraged members and concerned others to communicate with the White House and the Mexican Embassy in Wash.DC to stress the desire of release of Marine Sgt. Tahmooressi (pronounced TAM-mor-EE-see) from the Mexican jail. “Bring Andrew home.”
White House telephone Comment Line: 1-202-456-1111, during business hours. Please be respectful and polite to the person who actually answers and documents your call, and in all recorded messages. Embassy of Mexico in Washington at 1-202-728-1600. And let your U.S. House and Senate officials know of your support also.
YOU SAW LITTLE TO NO COVERAGE OF THIS IN THE MEDIA:
Villages Honor Flight had their first Flightless Mission on Sat. Sept. 27. This mission was designed for vets who for various reasons - mostly medical issues - cannot fly, but none-the-less have earned our respect and admiration for their selfless sacrifices. The 15 WWII veterans and 15 guardians assembled at the American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake. They were greeted by the real TSA Honor Guard and pass through a simulated TSA security check. They were seated on their “plane” by real representatives of Southwest Airlines and flew a simulated video flight to DC. After an airport greeting, the mission boarded their “bus” for a tour of the War Memorials – especially the WWII Memorial and it was led by Major Bob Mebane, US Army Ret. who has been the local guide on every Villages Honor Flight trip to DC. Lunch was provided at our stop at the “Air Force Memorial” a traditional stop, followed by a visit to Arlington National Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown, always a moving experience.
Upon completion of their “travels”, they were led by a bag piper and the dismounted motorcycle group Villages Nomads to their bus for their return trip home, simulating the welcome home experienced at Orlando Int’l Airport. The Nomads then escorted the veterans back to the American Legion Post 347 where about 300 persons were waiting to “Welcome them Home.” It was a near duplication of the day long Honor Flight trips, except compacted into 5 hours and didn’t even leave the ground. It was an event appreciated by all of them!
Orlando Business Journal held their first annual Central Florida Veterans of Influence Awards luncheon and celebration on Thurs. Sept. 25. Military veterans who have made a significant achievement in their careers in the past year, have a strong record of innovation or outstanding performance in their work and are actively involved in our community were honored. Of the nominations made this year, the following were selected:
2014 Spirit of America Award Honorees: Thomas Equels of Equels Law Firm; and Michael Waldrop of Blue Cord Design & Construction LLC.
2014 Veterans of Influence Award - 25 Honorees in alphabetical order:
Thomas Baptiste of National Center for Simulation; Dick Batchelor of Dick Batchelor Management Group; James Bissett of Pathfinder Professional Solutions; Homer Boone of CareerSource Central Florida; Tommy Boroughs of Holland & Knight law firm; Henry “Hank” Coates of Aerosim Flight Academy; Buck Connor of Calytrix Technologies; Carol Craig of Craig Technologies; Eric David of Expedia Local Expert; James Dubea of Canaveral Port Authority; Thomas Equels of Equels Law Firm; Christine Falkowski of The Transition House Inc.; Mark Hertling of Florida Hospital; Warren Hudson of Lake Highland Preparatory School; Jim Jardon of JHT Inc.; Steve "Snak" Nakagawa of NAWCTSD & NSA Orlando; Jovanna Nelson of Good2Go Event Management Inc.; Jerry Pierce of Restaurant Equipment World; Kevin Seidl of American Road Group; Barbara Stankowski of Amtis Inc.; Michael Waldrop of Blue Cord Design & Construction LLC; Mark Waltrip of Westgate Resorts; Todd Wilcox of Patriot Capital LLC / Patriot Defense Group LLC; Neeld Wilson of Gator Engineering & Aquifer Restoration Inc.; and Anthony Zupo of Tijuana Flats Burrito Co.
Centurion Battalion Sea Cadets of Orlando received a national award - the John J. Bergen Trophy for being the most outstanding NSCC Unit in the nation last year. This group of fine cadets, young men and women from ages 11 to 17, come from Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Volusia counties. Cadets normally meet for drill one Saturday and Sunday each month during the school year. They generally meet at the American Legion Post 112, 4490 North Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, 32792, but they do meet at other locations for special events. Cadets also participate in one or two week trainings during the summer months that may occur on an active military base. You do not see photos or stories of these young future leaders – especially not amongst those of trouble-makers in our community. Send your words of support to co@centurionbattalion.org There are also other Sea Cadet groups in our communities who would appreciate reinforcement.
The Orlando Devil Dogs unit was the National Young Marines Unit for the year 2013-2014. They were also the proud two-time recipient of the Department of Defense’s Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence, and other national awards. The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for young men and women, ages 8 through completion of high school. The group promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members and focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. They are NOT taught weapons, tactics or warfare operations. Past activities included participating in the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack in Hawaii. Car washes, candy sales, and flag sales assist with funding their community involvement – especially as they plan to meet with Navajo Code-Talkers next summer in Arizona, and hope to be in Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary. Again, you do not see photos or stories of these young future leaders, and they are certainly not amongst the trouble-makers in our community. Words of support can be sent to: sgtmajgna@earthlink.net
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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 comprehensive list of groups that will allow interested persons to contact you and perhaps they will 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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