February notice #2 of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida
From Cathy Haynes
Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!
Commemorative Dates:
Feb 23 – Flag Raised on Iwo Jima 1945
Feb 27 – Battle of Java Sea 1942.
Mar 3 - Navy Reserve Birthday
Pine Castle Pioneer Days – Sat. Feb 21 – Sun. Feb 22 – Annual event promotes the living history of the area with demonstrations and fun events. Pioneer crafts, historic military encampments and reenactments, traditional music, quilting, basketry and storytelling. Parade at 9am on Sat. Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave, Orlando. $3 per person or $5 for families. 407-427-9692.
St. Cloud Heritage Museum 10th anniversary – Sat. Feb 21 - 10am - 3pm. Sons of the Union Veterans will spotlight our heritage. Look for the tent! Try some Civil War food. Roger Heiple, a Son, will share some pieces of his extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia. Photo-ops with Lincoln and Grant. Learn about the Sons and Daughters of Union Veterans and Confederate veterans. Few people know that there was a Union Veterans Home for the elderly and injured in St. Cloud. 1012 Massachusetts Ave., St. Cloud. For questions about the museum or to donate or loan items related to the history of St. Cloud and its citizens, stop by the museum during open hours or contact Olive Horning, Curator. 407-414-2682 0horning@aol.com
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
FREE UCF Basketball tickets – Sun. Feb 22 – This game only. Military appreciation basketball game at 2 PM – UCF vs. Memphis. All military personnel, veterans and their families are invited to come cheer on the Knights. Please let your guys and gals know that this is going on to honor them. It's a great time and free, what's better than that? Tickets are free to all military personnel and veterans. Register online at UCFKnights.com/Promotions for your free ticket. GO KNIGHTS!
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.
Get out of the house and into your community…
· Silver Spurs Rodeo – bull riding, steer wrestling, etc. One of the largest rodeos east of the Mississippi. Today thru Sunday. Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee. silverspursrodeo.com 407-697-3333.
· Central Florida Fair – Feb 26-Mar 8. Central Florida Fairgrounds on West Colonial Drive, Orlando. centralfloridafair.com Founded in and one of the largest in the state.
· Florida Strawberry Festival – Feb 26 – Mar 8. 303 Lemon St., Plant City. flstrawberryfestival.com Started in 1930 (except for WW2 years) with entertainment and lots of strawberry shortcake, etc.
· Grant Seafood Festival – Feb 28 – Mar 1. 4580 First St., Grant in Brevard Co. grantseafoodfestival.com Free admission; activities and lots of food.
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 and 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 vintage scrs, Motorcycles & Trucks; Tours of the New VA Hospital & Clinic; Raffle Prizes; Fun for the Entire Family.
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
“One-Day” Hiring Event – Wed. Mar 4 – 100’s of immediate Central Florida jobs- especially for reservists, guardmen, veterans and their spouses. Sponsored by Florida Hospital and Hero2Hired. Orlando Fern Creek National Guard Armory, 2809 South Fern Creek Ave., Orlando, 32806. Starts at 8am, bring your resume’, references, diplomas/certifications. Info: Mitchell Kittinger at 407.200.4619 mitchell.kittinger@flhosp.org
Orlando Marathon – Sat. Mar 7 - Sponsored by Help The Vets, Inc. and the City of Orlando. Harbor Park, 4990 E. New Broad Street, Orlando, 32814 - south side of Lake Baldwin. Get the word out about your organization with a free table (cannot sell anything) and meet Veterans and runners in the Orlando area – 7am – 11am. 500+ runners and their families expected. VFW band will play for 2 hours starting at 7:30 am with the flag ceremony. Contact Neil at 407-376-7000 omarathon.com
Bands, Brew & BBQ – Mar 7 to Mar 29 (Every Sunday, Saturday) - USO Central Florida has partnered with Sea World Orlando for military and veteran appreciation. Event proceeds will support our local USO Central Florida. Special discounts and offers for all actives, reservists, retirees and veterans from the military. Live concerts from top classic rock and country bands and artists, the tastiest BBQ from the area's best local smokehouses. 7007 SeaWorld Dr., Orlando, 32821.
Golfing with Heroes, and a benefit by Roy Michaels – Fri. Mar 20 – Fundraiser to sponsor golf outings for wounded veterans. Sponsored by Villagers for Veterans and American Legion Post 347. $12.50 pp from 6pm-9pm at the Post, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Contact Marie for info and tickets at 516-220-5068. villagersforveterans.org
On the Horizon – mark your calendars –
Lakeridge Wine and Seafood Festival – Mar 20-22. 19239 Hwy 27, Clermont. Art, music, free winery tours and tastings.
Melbourne Air and Space Show Flies Over Florida - Mar 21-22. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) featuring the USN Blue Angels.
Charity Golf Tournament PVA of Central Florida – Mon. March 23 – Fund raiser for both Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Central Florida and The Disability Wellness Center in Sanford. PVA assistance includes spinal injury and neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. There are 27 known veterans with ALS in Central FL. Tournament will be held at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes in Longwood, 32779. Flyer available. Sponsorships welcomed. To register or for more information contact: John DeMauro, 407-328-7041 cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com
Military Retiree Appreciation Day – Sat. Mar 28 – 9am – 4pm. Sponsored by Army/Fort Stewart but all military services are welcomed to this great event which will provide retired Soldiers and their families the latest information on the current state of the military, benefits and entitlements, and the future outlook for defense programs supporting retirees and pay. TRICARE/Delta Dental, Public Health, American Legion/VFW; briefings from: Defense Accounting and Finance Service (DFAS) VA State Veterans Office, AAFES/Commissary, ID cards, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) /ROA. University of Central Florida campus at The Venue Auditorium , CFE Arena. 12777 Gemini Boulevard, Orlando, 32816-8041. Info: 912-767-5013 or 912-767-3326 or email the Ft Stewart RSO at usarmy.stewart.usag.mbx.dhr-retirement-services@mail.mil, or MacDill AFB Army Retirement Services Office at 813-828-0163 or email army.rso@amc.af.mil.
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. Sponsorships welcomed.
Florida Women Veterans Conference – Apr 17-19 - a first ever weekend conference open to all women veterans of all eras. Sandcastle Resort in Sarasota (1540 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, 34236) The website provides full information including the agenda, registration and hotel: www.flwvc.org
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 Sponsorships welcomed.
3rd Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament - Mon. July 20. Central Florida Navy League, a large active group composed of civilians and veterans supporting all sea services. (USN, USMC, USCG, and Merchant Marines.) This golf outing honors a long-time CFNL member, Robert "Bob" Bret - Proceeds go to support NJROTC scholarships and the Welfare & Recreation fund for USCGC Cutter's Vigilant and
Shrike, (based in Port Canaveral) crew & families. Tournament at The Golden Bear Club, Keene’s Point in Windermere. Corporate sponsors welcomed. Contact Brian Holmes at 407.252.3008 bholmes@aegistg.com
Misc. Info
Employment Workshops - sponsored locally by the VA. Dates and Times vary based upon location at the VA facilities: Orlando – Fridays, 10am – 11:30 am; Viera – Tuesdays, 1pm – 2:30 pm; Daytona – Thursdays, 10am – 11:30. Please call to RSVP limited seating or for more information - Ellamay "Annie" Artis, CESP, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, Orlando, 32803. 407-629-1599 x1846.
Spread the word - Seeking members of the World War II 384th Bomb Group to sign a Commemorative wall panel. ASAP. During WWII, the 384th Bombardment Group was part of the Eighth Air Force and was assigned to the Grafton Underwood Airfield in England. Today, the 384th Bomb Group Commemorative Wing Panel Project provides those veterans a chance to sign their names on a genuine wing skin panel from a WWII B-17G. The panel travels all over the United States for interested 384th veterans to sign. A volunteer for the group, Keith Ellefson, will be touring Florida later this month with the wing panel. Email him at B-17WingPanel@384thBombGroup.com, or call Keith Ellefson at (334) 733-4353.
A roster of members of the 384th Bomb Group and a record of their service in the 384th can be found atwww.384thbombgroup.com
Mentors needed - Orange County Veterans Court IS succeeding! Longer term success is possible with community mentors. Be a “battle buddy” or “foxhole buddy” by assisting someone with life challenges. No proselytizing – just non-judgmental caring. Most of the offenders are DUI or possession. If you have experienced substance abuse – although not required - and came thru it, you may be very helpful to someone else. If you are interested in participating as a mentor, know someone who is interested, or are a part of an organization where Mentors can be recruited, contact Beatrice Brown, the Coordinator. She or Judge Brewer have graciously offered to visit various groups and organizations to keep the mentor program in use. It does make a difference and you can too….. Contact Beatrice Brown at 407-496-1307 wellsbrownlawgroup@gmail.com
INFO to keep and share:
Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, #1.
Or: Website at www. veteranscrisisline provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance;
Or: text 838255 for 24/7 confidential assistance. They are there because they care….
Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for warriors and their families. It works. It has saved lives, marriages and families. Contact Steven 407-841-0071
Operation Homefront assists military families during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance. www.operationhomefront.org
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. And coming soon to Seminole County.. www.vetcenter.va.gov/
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
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