March #2 notice 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! I didn’t attend nor share some recent info: I wasn’t aware of the events that dedicated portions of highways to Central FL fallen warriors; or the home that was given to a wounded warrior in Sanford. Not knowing means reduced attendance by caring communities…
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
Tonight - Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –WED. Mar 25 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 35 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 and enter the terminal area at about 10:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines #1341 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.
OR: Recent info - Three hour parking vouchers at the Airport for tonight only. Do not use your SunPass transponder – pick up a paper ticket. Parking Vouchers will be available at this event from GOAA.
FREE military admission to Rodeo – Fri. Mar 27 only – Ram National Circuit Finals, one of the largest rodeo events in the country, will be at the Kissimmee Silver Spurs Arena from Wed Mar 25 to Sat. Mar 28. Lee Greenwood performs Fri. – Patriot Night - at 7pm. $7 parking. Free admission for retired and active duty with military ID. Other ticket prices vary. See ohpark.com or prorodeo.com
Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, 34744.
Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society fundraiser – Fri. Mar 27 – Sun. Mar 29 – All persons who are eligible to shop at the NEX can assist with making a $5 donation now thru Sun. Mar. 29. In return, you will be given a coupon that entitles you to a 10% discount on NEX storewide merchandise (excluding the usual items – ie: liquor, cigarettes, Rolex, Cartier, Pandora, etc.) The coupon is valid only from Fri Mar 27 thru Sun. Mar 29. The Relief Society is nationally recognized for providing assistance in hardship situations. The Navy Exchange (NEX) still exists in Orlando 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. Say “Hi and Welcome to Orlando!” to new manager Beth Munoz, recently transferred from Charleston. 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827. www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
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 (UCF) 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 or MacDill AFB Army Retirement Services Office at 813-828-0163 or emailarmy.rso@amc.af.mil.
American Heritage Weekend – Sat. Mar 28 – Orlando Scottish Rite Masonic Center sponsors this historical military time line display. 10am – 4pm. Featuring early American to modern military living history encampments from the Civil War to Modern Day, weapons demonstrations, uniform collections, collectibles and vintage and active duty military vehicles. 1485 Grand Road, Winter Park. Admission is free, parking is $5. 321-239-2467.
Tribute to World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans – Sat. Mar 28 - 11:30am - 3:30pm. Hosted by AMVETS Post 2006 -Leesburg, 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. amvets2006.com 352-323-8750 Peggy c 407 484 2159 Sponsors and vendors welcomed!
Easter Children’s Party – Sat. Mar 28 - Easter Egg hunts, lunch and prizes for the children starting at 12 pm. Sponsored by The American Legion Family at Post 286 Pine Castle. Make your child's reservations to attend this military and family friendly fun filled afternoon. Space is limited and each child must be accompanied by an adult and register by calling 407-859-1460 by March 21st. Post address: 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809 (south Orlando area, north of Sand Lake Road.) alaunit286pinecastlefl@ gmail.com - An active and friendly post for men and women!
Wounded Officer Initiative (WOI) Fundraiser – Sat. Mar 28 - 6-11 pm Wounded law enforcement officers (LEO) will be assisted with this evening of dinner, dancing, and a Vegas-style magic show by Jeff Caprann, at Windermere Hall, 520 Main Street, Windermere, 34786. (southwest Orlando area.) $50/pp or $90/couple. Info: woundedofficersinitiative. org Tickets/info: Peter at 407-758-8526; Rick at 407-766-0125; or Scott at 407-408-3623. (Thank you for the notice, Jimmy Brown!)
Bands, Brew & BBQ – Mar 28-29 (the last weekend) - 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.
Yellow Ribbon Event – Sun Mar 29 – 10:30 am gathering; Join the Patriot Guard as they honor some Air Force members. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a cooperative network of military services, veteran service organizations, state and local government departments and other agencies that provide information, resources, referral and proactive outreach to service members and their families throughout all phases of the deployment cycle. Each event has members that are deploying within the next 120 days and those just returning from deployment.
The events focus on members and their family concerns in preparation for deployment and providing military and community resource information workshops and stress management. For those members that have returned from deployment, the event focuses on reconnecting with family, community and employers. 10:30 am for after 11am presentation at The Hyatt Regency Orlando (old Peabody Hotel), 9801 International Drive, Orlando, 32819. Bring your 3ft x 5ft patriotic flags and meet on the back side (north east corner) of the hotel. Info: David (Flyboy) Shelton, Dshelton01@aol.com or 321-689-4699.
Orlando Predators - Free Tickets for Veterans – Sun Mar 29 only - Partnering with the USO Central Florida, the Orlando Predators (Indoor football) are giving away 1,000 free pairs of tickets to military veterans in recognition of the bravery and dedication of the valiant men and women who are serving or have served in the U.S. Military. Predators vs. Philadelphia. Tickets are good for the first home game of the team's 2015 season at the Amway Center in Downtown Orlando at 7 p.m. Go to: orlandopredators.com, call 407-355-2200.
Orlando VA Medical Center Town Hall Meeting – Mon Mar 30 – Come share your VA healthcare experiences. Speak directly with the leadership and providers about how we can make those experiences better. VA resources will be available. 2:30pm – 4:30pm at the Viera Outpatient Clinic (Brevard County), 2900 Veterans Way, Viera, 32940. Info: 407-599-1301.
Job Hiring event – Wed. Apr 1 – No fooling! 1pm -4pm at the Orlando VA Medical Center, Lake Baldwin site, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, 32803 in Auditoriums A and B. Business attire recommended. Info: 800-922-7521 x1846. Businesses include Loew’s, Home Depot, Florida Hospital, and more. (This is NOT an event for hiring for VA jobs – the job fair is only located AT the VA facility.)
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 on the former grounds of Naval Training Center Orlando to honor the city's rich military heritage and support our wounded service men and women. Visit cfnl5k.org for details and to register online. Sponsorships welcomed.
Veteran Town Hall Meeting and Information Seminar – Sat. Apr 4 – Sponsored by Commissioner Samuel Ings (Distr. 6) the RAFMAN Club (Retired Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy) and Dept. of Veterans Affairs. 10am until complete at Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Blvd, Orlando, 32805. Info: Contact Edwin Johnson at 407-599-1487 or edwin.johnson2@va.gov.
ON THE HORIZON – mark your calendar
Orlando VA Annual Golf Scramble – Sat. Apr 11 – North Shore Golf Club, 11507 N. Shore Golf Club Blvd, Orlando, 32832. $60 pkg includes cart, green fees, BBQ lunch. Contact Edwin Johnson at 407-599-1487 or edwin.johnson2@va.gov. (This event is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.)
Florida Women Veterans Conference – Apr 17-19 - a first ever weekend conference open to ALL women veterans of ALL eras. Noted speakers. Sandcastle Resort in Sarasota (1540 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, 34236) The website provides full information including the agenda, registration and hotel: flwvc.org
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Apr 21 – 10am at the American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810.
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.
Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Brevard Co. – Sat. Apr 25 – located at National Guard Armory, 308 N. Fiske Ave., Cocoa, 32922. 8am – 2pm providing free services like medical, dental, hearing and eye exams, VA claims services, Legal assistance, haircuts, food, clothing and more. Donated bicycles to be given away. Free SCAT bus service. Contact Bill at 321-431-0364 or Kim at 321-704-6712.
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.
The Jerry Dugan Memorial Charity Golf Tournament – Mon. May 18 - Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)Central Florida at the Heathrow Country Club, a private golf course in Heathrow. Sponsorships VERY welcomed! Cost for non-veterans is $125 and $100 for veterans and includes 18 holes of golf, unlimited drinks during play (beer, soda and water), a lunch buffet, a goody bag worth approximately $50 and a 60” golf umbrella. Hole in one prizes, on designated holes, include a 2015 Mercedes Benz, and an EZ GO Golf Cart. Prizes (gift cards for each team member) will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as closest to the pin and a raffle of over 40 different items as well as a silent auction with over 20 items. For more information call PVACF office at 407-328-7041 or emailccentralflorida16@cfl.rr.com
(PVA assists vets with 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.)
Golf Outing - A Villagers for Veterans Event – Tues. May 19 - Bonifay Country Club, The Villages Fl. Come and meet SSGT. Brian Mast, a true hero. Brian lost both his legs and a finger while clearing for bombs in Afghanistan during one of his tours. Brian recently returned from Israel, where he volunteered for the IDF.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, June 25 -28 - 96th Annual Department Convention at Renaissance SeaWorld in Orlando.
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 at 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
Civil Air Patrol – Wanted: Youth and adults who have a passion for aviation, space, the military or leadership and want to learn to fly, lead, hike, camp, get in shape and push themselves to new limits. Details: 407-600-8596. capsmkin-sey@gmail.com or fl259.org
INFO to keep and share:
Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, #1.
Or: Website at 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 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. 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.. vetcenter.va.gov/
ADDITIONAL of interest:
• American Warrior Radio Show from 11am-noon EDT on Saturdays, radio station WMEL - AM
• WoundedTimes.blogspot.com - Veterans News Service covering news that matters to veterans
and their families. Local, state and national news and events – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.
• Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardmen, 100% service connected disabled, and retired military personnel and their families. Go towww.shadesofgreen.org for information. Special discounts for rooms may be available based on occupancy levels, and special ticket rates. (407) 824-3400
• 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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