February notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida
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Memorial Highway Dedication Ceremony USMC Staff Sergeant Michael Andrew Bock - Fri, Jan, 30 - Leesburg Community Center at 109 E Dixie Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748 4pm (I am sooo sorry that I missed the Wed. Jan. 28 Highway Dedication event for Army Specialist Alexander J. Miller in Clermont.)
Local Developing Business (LDB) and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise – Fri. Jan 30 – Learn about these programs and other opportunities. Presented by GOAA (Greater Orlando Aviation Authority) from 9am – 11:30am at Orlando Executive Airport, 365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, 32803. Info: 407-825-7133.
2015 Veterans Business Initiative (VBI) – Apply before Jan. 30 - The VBI will run for eight weeks through February and March with two sessions per day starting Thurs. Feb 5. This is a no cost program for 100 qualified veterans who are seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, employment and continuing education. The VBI will be held at the Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce (CFDC) located at the National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Dr., Suite A-120, Orlando, 32803. The VBI is sponsored by Florida Hospital, Manpower US (Central Florida), Regions Bank and the Orlando Business Journal. Partners include Disney, Rosen and Score. Info: Rogue Gallart at rogue@nationalec.org 407-420-4875 or Lisa Hancock at lisah@mnpwr.com
FOUR CHAPLAINS COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY – Sun. Feb 1 – American Legion Post 112 at 2pm - Vice Commander Jerry Dress, a Korean War vet, has worked very hard to coordinate this event with Sea Cadets and Boy Scouts. Come support good kids with your attendance! Four chaplains from several religions and denominations assisted military personnel and civilians before their ship, USAT Dorchester, sank in the Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 3, 1943. The chaplains gave up their life jackets and helped persons onto life boats. They joined arms, prayed and sang hymns before they died together. Free and open to the public. Amer. Legion Post 112, 4490 North Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, 32792
The Wall That Heals – Thurs. Feb 5 – Mon. Feb 16 - Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. A half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. There are 58,300 names on The Wall. Every single one of them has a story that you can help keep alive. The Wall That Heals will be on display for at least a week at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North, Tampa, 33680.
Fundraiser for Aubrey Clark – Sun. Feb 8 – Aubrey Clark, daughter of an Osceola County firefighter, was hit by a vehicle and has severe head injuries. (See below in Because You Care.) Mulberry Street Bar and Grill, 12 noon – 6pm. 3831 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, 32828. osceolafdbenevolent.org
Villages Honor Flight fund raiser – Mon Feb 9 – Only at Bob Evans Restaurant, 2199 Parr Drive, The Villages is hosting a dine in event for the benefit of VHF. Present a special coupon when you pay your bill and they will donate 15% of the sale to Villages Honor Flight. Funds go to take WWII, Korean War and ill veterans to Washington DC to see their war memorials. This one restaurant is the only participant of this offer. Contact: 352-432-1382 newsletter@villageshonorflight.org
5th Annual Cocktails for a Cause - Wounded Warrior Outdoors – Thurs. Feb. 12 – University Club, 5:30pm – 8pm. Hosted by Club Member Cole Whitaker. Wounded Warrior Outdoors (WWO) is a non-profit that was founded to provide wounded transitioning servicemen and women with therapeutic outdoor adventures (fishing, hunting, etc.) It gives them the opportunity of a lifetime in the wilderness location of their choice – an adventure enabled. University Club of Orlando, 150 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, 32801. RSVP by Email:Membership@UClubOrlando.com Limited Parking Available: visit www.ucluborlando.com for more information or call 407.425.2514. Contact: Ron Raboud, 407.654.0069 ron@woundedwarrioroutdoors.com
Operation Love Letters – Sat. Feb. 14 – 3rd year that this event has been hosted by Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) in conjunction with the Gold Star (GS) families. Gold Star families have lost loved ones serving in the military and they gather to remember their fallen and to release balloons. Free and open to the public. Opening ceremony at 11am. VFW Post 2093, 4444 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 32804
Office: 407-296-2553
Valentine’s Day Dinner and Day – Sat. Feb 14 – sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 11488 and a portion of proceeds will benefit Home At Last that assists wounded warriors with local specially adapted homes. Tickets/information available by contacting Jim McQuillan at 407-877-2149. Also available after the Masses at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, 32819. (Southwest Orlando.) Obtain your tickets early, this event has sold out in previous years. Event will be in their St. Patrick Social Hall. $25 Prime Rib dinner and dance from 6pm – 11pm. Flyer available. dad@mcquillanfamily.com
Valentine Dinner Dance – Sat. Feb 14 - East Seminole County VFW Post 10139. $25 a couple, $15 for single. 300 Lake Mills Ave, Chuluota, Florida 32766 (407) 359-5020
Valentine‘s Day Dance and Concert – Sat. Feb 14 - Sons of the American Legion Squadron 347 are sponsoring a dance/concert featuring Patrina for the benefit of Villages Honor Flight (VHF.) Details are on the attached flyer. This fun event sells out quickly so get you tickets as soon as possible..
Black History Month Recognition – Sat. Feb 21 – Museum of Military History 10am – 3pm. Buffalo Soldiers, first responder displays, military reenactors, USO, and more. 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746. Office: 407-507-3894 sgtmccloud@juno.com
Daytona 500 volunteers for AVET Project – Sun. Feb 22 – 50 volunteers over age 18 to help with concessions at the race. 7am - ? Contact AVET for details. Kim at kim@avetproject.org AVET Project is a not-for-profit working primarily on the east coast of Central Florida; provides assistance to veterans with benefits, PTS counseling, activities and assistance for active duty Air Force and Coast Guard, etc.
UCF Men' Basketball Military Appreciation Game – Sun. Feb 22 - 2pm All military personnel,
veterans and their families are invited to come cheer on the Knights. Tickets are free to all military personnel and veterans. Register online at UCFKnights.com/Promotions for your free ticket. Info: Matt Poulton at 954.803.4520 mattpoulton@ucf.edu
Super Job Fair – Thurs. Feb. 26 - 10 am to 2 pm, Goodwill Industries, 4516 W SR 46, Sanford, FL. Professional dress required. Bring your resume'.
Welcome Home at the New Orlando VA Medical Center, Lake Nona! Sat. Feb. 28 - The Orlando VA Medical Center presents its 2015 Welcome Home and Cruisin' Event, at the new Lake Nona VA Hospital & Clinic, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. Make plans to attend on Sat. Feb. 28, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event will host Employers & VA Resources; a display of Cars, Motorcycles & Trucks; Tours of the New VA Hospital & Clinic; Raffle Prizes; Fun for the Entire Family. Additional information will be provided as available. (Shared by the Seminole County Veterans Service Office.)
Honor Flight Flightless Mission – Sat. Feb 28 – This unique event takes WWII and Korean War veterans on a Virtual trip to Washington, DC. Usually the Honor Flights will physically take senior veterans to see the war memorials. But sometimes there are vets who are physically unable to make the trip. So this mission, specially planned by Villages Honor Flight, duplicates the trip without leaving the ground. You can be a part of their “homecoming” in the afternoon when they return to the American Legion Post 347. This capstone event is the joyous tribute that they did not receive at the end of their service. For many it is the highlight of the trip and for all it is an emotional event. For each mission they endeavor to make this event special for the vets and can do so only because of the participation of the community. Contact 352-432-1382 villageshonorflight.org
ON THE HORIZON, MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Tribute to World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans – Sat. Mar 28 - 11:30am - 3:30pm. Hosted by AMVETS Post 2006-Leesburg, FL held offsite at Rural King, 1715 Citrus Blvd (Hwy 441), Leesburg. Special guests, speakers, recognition presented by our State, County Representatives, live music, food, beverages, activities vendors, prizes, raffles , Club challenge award, Event t-shirts, and lots more. Invitations have been extended to the Governor, several Senators and Congressman, local representations, Mayor of Leesburg, Former Senator Carey Baker, Navy Band, ROTC, Boys and Girl Scouts, 4-H Club, and several more. www.amvets2006.com 352-323-8750 Peggy c 407 484 2159
6th Annual CFNL Wounded Warrior Lone Sailor 5K & 10K – Sat. April 4 - 7:30am Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave, Orlando, 32814. Join us for a run around the former grounds of Naval Training Center Orlando to honor the city's rich military heritage and support our wounded service men and women. Visitwww.cfnl5k.org for details and to register online.
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – Apr 23 – 26, Wickham Park in Melbourne. The nation’s largest veteran reunion is very well attended; military displays, reenactments and ceremonies, old and new friends. Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall will be onsite from Apr.19 – 26. The escorted arrival is always exciting with hundreds of motorcycles and First Responder vehicles.
USMCCCA Foundation Golf Tournament – Fri. May 1. U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Foundation tournament. The proceeds go to the Semper Fi fund to help wounded Marines and their loved ones. James “Red” Carpenter at jcar1@tampabay.rr.com
BECAUSE YOU CARE:
911 for a veterans’ roof – A Leesburg disabled veteran has a bad roof that causes water collection in rooms when it rains. Volunteers needed to assist with roofing repairs/replacement. (Honorably discharged, Air Force 1955-1959) Contact Cate Montuoro montuoro@hbi.org 407.259.5069 or Jerel at JSafford@careersourcecf.com 352.360.6280 x6028
Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell) employee who works with various groups to honor veterans at burials there has lost her child. Sheila Moss’ 18 month old son, Declan, was killed by two dogs in an attack in Hernando County. The mother (Sheila Moss) is an Afghanistan war veteran. Cards of condolence by persons and groups can be sent to: Purcell Funeral Home, 114 West Noble Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513
First Responders’ daughter has serious brain injury. Her father is a firefighter with Osceola County. She and a friend were riding bicycles on Jan. 20 in Ocoee when they were hit by a vehicle. Recent reports from Arnold Palmer Hospital state that her left brain has 80% damage; her right, 20%. When she leaves the hospital, she will need 24-hour care. Limited insurance will not cover expenses by her family to and from the hospital, lost time from work, groceries, etc. Keep an eye open for fund-raisers from various firefighter groups and organizations to assist the family of 10-year-old Aubrey Clark. Donations online: osceolafdbenevolent.org
GENERAL INFO
Orlando Veterans Transportation Service. Corrected phone number. VTS is currently making daily round-trip runs from the Daytona Beach VA Clinic to the Lake Baldwin VA Medical Center with a stop in Orange City and Sanford. For more information and to pickup, call 1-800-922-7521 ext 5000. Please call 48 hours in advance of need. Please note that VTS will only make stops in Sanford when there is a scheduled pick up. (Shared by the Seminole County Veterans Service Office.)
PTS – Post Traumatic Stress –Need help? Witnessed trauma such as war? Anger, irritability and rage; feeling anxious; depression; difficulty trusting others; guilty feelings about acts you committed or witnessed or could not prevent; hyper-alertness and startled reactions; isolation from others; lost of interest; low tolerance to stress; problems with authority; don't feel good about yourself; nightmares; substance abuse; trouble sleeping? Don't want to travel into Orlando, the VetCenter is coming to Seminole County. To reach out for help call Veronica Csongradi, LMFT, CAP, Readjustment Counseling Therapist, (352) 536-6701 to set up an appointment. It takes a Warrior to ask for help! (Shared by the Seminole County Veterans Service Office.)
EXTRAS:
• Museum of Military History, 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. 407-507-3894 for further information. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com
• 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, events, and stories – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS. Go to Wounded Times
• Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center (a DOD) on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardsmen, 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
• The Navy Exchange (NEX) –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. The big white building on the west side of Tradeport - 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827. www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
• MWR / ITT Ticket Office – Offers discounted attraction tickets to active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents. It is locate adjacent to the Navy Exchange (NEX) listed above. Phone: 407-855-0116 or 407-851-4396 for details, email:mwrorl@gmail.com or Text MWROrlando to 30364 for MWR Specials.
• 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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