From Cathy Haynes
May #1 notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida
Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!
Memorial Day events will be sent separately.
AVET Project feeding of troops – Thurs. Apr 30 – While this event is likely past by the time you read this list, over 100 service personnel of the National Guard were being treated to a nice meal in thanks for their service. You may want to be involved with future similar efforts as AVET Project honors Air Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard forces mostly on the east coast of Florida. Join in by contacting Kim at kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046 Not-for-profit website at avetproject.org
And catch their American Warrior Radio Show from 11am-noon EDT on Saturdays, radio station WMEL - AM 1300 Or thru your computer on the nationwide broadcast: www 1300wmel.com
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.
Space Coast Military Appreciation Day – Sat. May 2 - at Sears Town Mall in Titusville. 5 K race starts at 7am. The funds are raised to support 3 local school JROTC programs. Food, bands, displays in the Mall from 10am – 3pm FREE! See spacecoastmilitaryappreciation.com
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. May 2 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 50 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The local Central Florida Honor Flight hub of the nation-wide organization will 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 10pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:30 - 11pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! –Southwest Airlines # 1231 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 (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
New: Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly. Wave them off for a wonderful day!
100th Birthday reception for WWII veteran – Sun. May 3 at 12:15p after the late morning service. Public welcomed at Conway United Methodist Church, 3401 S Conway Rd, Orlando, FL 32812, in their fellowship hall around the back of the building. Mr. Barbe served from 1942 to 1945 with the 101st Airborne Division with Co. B, 327th Glider-Parachute Regiment. He made a glider landing into enemy territory and he still has the shaving kit that caught a bullet and saved his life in the air on a parachute jump. Birthday cards would be welcomed and can be mailed to the church in attention to Mr. Barbe.
County Veterans Service Offices – Mon thru Fri May 4 – May 8 – Please be advised that the County VSO offices may be totally closed or on “skeleton” staffing during this week. Every Florida county has a VSO office that provides FREE assistance and guidance for all issues pertaining to veterans’ benefits. In order to be up-to-date and consistent with changes to laws and benefits they attend an annual conference. Call ahead to your local office before leaving home. These offices work for the benefit of the veterans, they are not the Veterans Administration (VA) or any other organization.
VetBuds of Orlando meeting – Thurs. May 7 - a group of military veterans whose purpose is to provide assistance to other veterans thru personal resources - by our combined businesses, social and personal knowledge and connections. 9am at First Watch, 1414 North Mills Ave, Orlando, 32803 (northwest corner of intersection of Virginia Dr. and Mills) Purchase your own breakfast, informal and casual meeting. No dues. Info: Forrest at citrusolution91@gmail.com 407-347-6499
City of Orlando Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council – Thurs. May 7 – 1:30pm monthly meeting of numerous organizations and individuals for the benefit of local veterans and active duty personnel. Planning of functions (ie: Veterans Day parade) and awareness of events is shared. Designated representatives allow groups to coordinate efforts. If your Orlando area vet/military associated group isn’t attending, it should plan to get involved. Networking before and after the meeting. See website at cityoforlando.net, Office of the Mayor, Mayor’s Committees, Veterans. Contact Chairman Michael Waldrop at for attendance and location information. mwaldrop@blue-cord.com
Ground Breaking of home for wounded soldier – Sat. May 9 – 11am. Army Captain Robert "Bobby" Withers lost his right leg and almost the entire back of his left after he stepped on an anti-personnel mine during an attack at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. Just 10 days short of his “Alive Day” the shovel of overturned earth with start the construction on a specially wheelchair adapted home sponsored by Homes For Our Troops. 1026 E Fullers Cross Road, Winter Garden, 34787. Contact Community Outreach Coordinator Ashley Twigg at atwigg@hfotusa.org to RSVP attendance or to donate.
Baby Bird Shower – Sat. May 9 – See non-releasable and orphaned raptors – includes eagles, owls and hawks. Special events and activities for Mother’s Day along with educational opportunities and activities. Admission is FREE with a baby shower gift that can be used to care for the young birds. Call for a detailed list of items or visit fl.audubon.org to see the “Wish List”. Audubon of Florida’s Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, 32751. 407-644-0190. Your in-kind gifts greatly help offset the cost of operations, especially during baby bird season. Donations of clean towels, bed sheets, paper towels, cotton balls, swabs, etc. are needed to care for babies or injured birds.
Non-releasable adult bald eagles can be requested to appear at events – nice touch for a patriotic event. Nominal charge is requested which is used to care for injured birds. Contact the office.
Central Florida Navy League luncheon and meeting – Wed. May 13 – All persons who support the sea services, whether civilian or military, are welcomed to attend this gathering on the 2nd Wed. of each month. 11:30 – 1pm at the Radisson Hotel (near UCF), 1724 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32826. Interesting speakers and networking potential includes the simulation technology businesses. $20 with RSVP or $25 at the door. 3rd largest Navy League in FL. Contact Bob K. (Membership Chair.) at navleaguecenfl@juno.com 407-977-7575
Armed Forces Appreciation Night – Wed May 14 – The Citrus Club in conjunction with the AUSA Sunshine Chapter, the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation and the Central Florida Navy League host this event to honor our military service members. (Air Force – why didn’t you join? Maybe next year? But AF people will NOT be turned away!) 6pm – 8:30pm at the Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave. (18th Floor), Orlando, 32801. Hors d’doeuvres served. No cost to attend but RSVP’s required toelcy.hernandez@ourclub.com Add’l info: Jan Drabczuk at 407.448.5369
Sunshine Chapter of AUSA Scholarship Golf Tournament - Fri, May 15 – Local chapter of Association of the United States Army sponsors this event at Timacuan Golf and Country Club, 550 Timacuan Blvd, Lake Mary, 32746. 8am Shotgun Start; Check-in starts at 7am. Lots of special fun! $75/pp Golf & Texan BBQ Lunch and more. Sponsorships welcomed. Register early at website of ausa-sunshine.org Info: Delloyd Voorhees at 407.541.4121 delloyd.voorhees@GDIT.com ; or Jeff Moss at jeffery.moss@gdit.com 407.541.2178.
Interested in becoming an AUSA member? Sunshine Chapter has flexible general meeting dates. See the website or contact john.reams@zeltech.com 407.571.9920
Volunteers needed - Florida's Fallen Hero Cross Tribute –Fri May 15 – 390+ crosses, one for every military member from Florida who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, will arrive on the grounds of the Lawton House in Oviedo. Larger crosses will collectively honor those who gave their lives in previous conflicts. Each cross will hold a wreath created in 2013 by Eagle Scout 17-year-old Conner MacFarlane and refurbished by his 14-year-old sister, Chloe. One of the crosses is in honor of their father who died in Afghanistan in 2012. Volunteers are needed to unload, clean and set up the crosses with their pictures – from 9am to 12noon. There will be a special flag raising, wreath laying ceremony and prayer vigil that evening to honor our fallen military members. The event starts at 6pm – 7:15pm and will be held at the Lawton House, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. From May 16 - May 26 the public is invited to walk the grounds of the Lawton House from 10AM to 8PM daily to see the crosses and pay tribute to these brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day ceremony Mon., May 25 at 9am. Media/Event contact: Jovanna Nelson (Gold Star Mother of SPC Brenden N. Salazar, OEF KIA 7-22-12) jovanna@g2gevents.com 407.375.9728
Armed Forces Gala – Fri. May 15 at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 411 Mercy Dr. Orlando, 32805. 6PM - 10PM. Proceeds will support The Military Edge Scholarship Program, and career workshops. More details can be found on armedforcesgala. eventbrite.com. Contact Nik Patterson 513-898-9097 npatterson@themilitaryedge.com. Sponsorships welcomed.
Armed Forces Day Celebration – Sat. May 16 – 6pm-9pm, Free to attend at Cocoa Beach Country Club – military speakers, food, music, resources for PTS/TBI/MST coordinated by the not-for-profit AVET Project. Wear your patriotic colors. RSVP requested due to limited space at 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd,
Armed Forces Day – Sat. May 16. Fly your American and service flags proudly! And thank an active serving regular, reservist, or guardsman!
Support Blue Star Families by shopping – Week of Sun. May 17 – Mon. May 25 – Macy’s offers 15%-20% discount in return for a $3 donation made at the register. Proceeds benefit “Got Your Six” and “Blue Star Families” programs and events for military families.
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 with a Hero - 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. Afternoon Golf and Dinner - $100; Dinner Only - $25. Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068 villagersforveterans@gmail.com
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues May 19– meeting at 10am, a “Chamber of Commerce” of sorts open to all veteran owned businesses, at American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. 19 states offer contract preferences to veteran owned businesses. Florida is NOT one of them. Our goal is to change that in big business, our cities, and counties too. See FAVOB Facebook site. Info: Chairman Michael Waldrop mwaldrop@blue-cord.com
Orange County Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council –Wed. May 20 – 1:30pm monthly meeting of numerous organizations and individuals for the benefit of Central FL veterans and active duty personnel. Planning of events and awareness is shared. Designated representatives allow groups to coordinate efforts and unite for the common cause. If your Orange County /Central FL vet/military associated group isn’t attending, it should plan to get involved. Mayor Teresa Jacobs is very supportive of a veteran-friendly community. Contact Chairman Edwin Marrero for attendance and location information. emarrero81@cfl.rr.com
Indy Orchid Gala – Wed. May 20 – Sponsored by Villagers for Veterans to benefit the Independence Fund for severely wounded warriors. 6pm – 10pm, Silent Auction opens at 5pm. $50 regular for dinner, dancing, show; or $75 VIP includes full cocktails with meet/greet Fox News Correspondent Jennifer Griffin. The Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, 32162. Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068 villagersforveterans@gmail.com
Tallahassee National Cemetery Dedication Ceremony – Fri. May 22 – 1pm ceremony with VA Secretary Bob McDonald scheduled to attend. This site off of Apalachee Parkway will offer families in that area an alternative other than the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
NOTE: A second one – the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor of Brevard County, will open within the next year. It will serve more than 163,000 veterans, spouses and their eligible dependents living in the central eastern Florida area. If there are (or will be) cremains that you need to place, the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery may be closer to you than the one in Bushnell…something for you to consider…..
Lake Nona VA Hospital Open House for VETERANS – Sat. May 23 - This day is targeted to honor Veterans, Active Duty and their families. 10am to 2pm at the Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Veteran or active duty ID is needed (VA ID, DD214, Driver’s License with veteran designation, military ID, etc.) Food, tours, games, more. Public is invited on Tuesday, May 26 for the Dedication. Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.
MEMORIAL DAY/weekend events: (Mon. May 25) Detailed information about these events will be sent at a future time. Mark your calendars now.
PLEASE consider joining with other organizations, Posts, etc. to commemorate and honor the DECEASED warriors and veterans of our communities. Please consider the staggering of ceremony days and times. Joining with others and staggering of days and times allows for a larger number of persons to participate in the ceremony, a larger overall attendance, saves monies and resources, allows more media coverage opportunity, etc. I know…I frequently hear “We’ve ALWAYS done it this way for ten (or thirty, forty) years..” or “We’ve always had a standing date and time event…” But there can more awareness of the participating groups when they join together to form a larger effort. Then you might gain the interest of potential new members.
So far notice has been received for:
Fri. May 22 – 11am – Ocoee Memorial Day Ceremony, Ocoee.
Sat. May 23 - 9:30am – Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day event, Orlando.
Mon. May 25 – 8am – Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee – Osceola County Veterans Council
Mon. May 25 – 9am – Florida’s Fallen Hero Crosses at Lawton House in Oviedo
Mon. May 25 – 10am – Mount Peace Cemetery, St. Cloud – Osceola County Veterans Council
Mon. May 25 – 10am – Orange County Courthouse by the Orange County and Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Councils, and others.
Mon. May 25 – 10am – Seminole County Memorial Day ceremony
Mon. May 25 – 2pm – the first Memorial Day ceremony at the Central FL Veterans Memorial Wall located at the Lake Nona VA Hospital site.
Mon. May 25 – 2pm - Seminole County Hero's Memorial Dedication to first responders and service personnel killed in combat.
Mon. May 25 – 11am – Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell.
Mon. May 25 – 6:30pm - City of Cocoa Memorial Day Tribute at Cocoa’s Riverfront Park
Sun. May 31 – 11am – American Legion Post 112, and Sea Cadets in Orlando. (note date correction)
Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – HURRAY! This long awaited Ceremony starts at 10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending to provide the keynote address. Plan on arriving early to allow for time. The dedication will culminate a week of special events, including a day for Veterans, the media, and our stakeholders as well. Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.
Florida Governor’s Veterans Service Award Presentation – Wed May 27 - Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 South Ferncreek Avenue, Orlando, 32806. 9:30am ceremony. Monthly medal ceremonies in other Florida cities are planned, but the schedule for the remainder of the year has not been released. For more information, visit the FDVA website at floridavets.org/gvsa/ Info: Steve Murray at murrayr@fdva.state.fl.us (Thank you Charley Price!)
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Wed. May 27 – 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 hub of the nation-wide organization will 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 9:45pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:15 – 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 # 2950 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 (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
New: Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly. Wave them off for a wonderful day!
Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 29. Disney’s Palm Golf Course is the site for this 5th annual event sponsored by Camaraderie Foundation. The Foundation provides counseling resources for warriors (past and present) and their families – especially for those experiencing Post Traumatic Stress. The proceeds of this tournament assist with those resources. Sponsorships (corporate and private) are VERY welcomed. 8am Shotgun Start. Info online or to register at www ParsandStripes2015.kintera.org or contact Jackie Nelson at 407.841.0071 jnelson@camaraderiefoundation.org
South Central Florida Stand Down – Sat. May 30 – open to all veterans of Brevard, Osceola and Indian River counties. 8am – 2pm at American Legion Post 117, 189 Veterans Dr., Palm Bay, 32909. Services provided will include medical, dental, legal, chiro, PTS/TBI/MST screening and counseling, hair cuts, mani/pedis, dog grooming, food stamp and housing assistance, food, much more. Transportation can be provided. To volunteer, donate or info contact Dorothy Walsh, 321-426-6736 standown2015@aol.com
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. May 30 – 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 hub of the nation-wide organization will 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 9:00pm and enter the terminal area at about 9:30 - 10pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! –Southwest Airlines # 2642 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 (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
New: Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly. Wave them off for a wonderful day!
Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. June 13, 12 noon at the Orlando Scottish Rite Center, 1485 Grand Rd., Winter Park, 32792. Sponsored by the Knights of St. Andrews with participation by scouts and veteran groups. Gather your neighborhood retired flags, those that are torn, tattered and faded. Bring them for proper retirement and disposal. Or call for pickup – 407-657-4550. Past years have had over 4000 flags respectfully retired. Alternatively, any American Legion or VFW Post will welcome flags for retirement.
Battle of Midway Commemorative Dinner – Sat. Jun 13 in St. Augustine. The Battle of Midway was a crucial and decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Contact the Navy Leagues in Mayport or St. Augustine for info. 904-806-4712anuday00@aol.com (Note date correction.)
240th Army Birthday Ball – Sat. June 20 – The local Sunshine Chapter of AUSA (Association of the United States Army) planning committee is working diligently to ensure we recognize our Government Civilians and Soldiers with a grand celebration. Special invitations to Wounded Warriors, Soldiers, Gold Star families and our senior war veterans from Central Florida. All interested persons are welcomed to attend with RSVP. 6pm – 11pm at Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819. Sponsorships welcomed. Discounts for event and hotel room rates if registered before May 15. Info: Mike Flanagan or Tony Krogh at armyball@ausa-sunshine.org 407.277.8069, x 304, (c) 717.609.9665
Interested in becoming an AUSA member? Sunshine Chapter has flexible general meeting dates. See the website or contact john.reams@zeltech.com 407.571.9920
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
EXTRAS of interest
Home At Last fundraising – A seventh disability-friendly home built in the west Orange County community of Oakland. The not-for-profit Home at Last honors a combat-wounded veteran of the military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The family is the Wittwer's - Marine Staff Sergeant Brandon Wittwer (Ret), wife Kassandra and their three children, Kaydance, Karter & Kylee. The SSgt and his wife grew up in Kissimmee and started dating after he returned from Boot Camp. He suffered multiple spinal injuries that have ended his 12-year Marine career. Donations to build this home are welcomed and can be sent to Home at Last Project, Inc. , PO Box 38, Oakland, FL 34760. The dedication ceremony and flag raising should be later this year. Bill Criswell, a founding organizer and chairman for Home At Last as well as a WW2 veteran, is very much involved just as he was with the previous six homes. Bravo Bill! wccriswell@earthlink.net
Research Study volunteers with children needed – UCF Family Stress and Resilience Program needs several types of families for a study of biological and psychological stressors. Orlando is one of three sites (the others are Houston, TX and Honolulu, HI) for this comparison of children (ages 7 – 17) with military or civilian family stresses. Participating families will receive $100. Saliva (spit) will be collected to measure cortisol - the stress hormone – NO needles! Needed as many families as possible: Military families with a currently deployed parent; Military family with no currently deployed parent; Civilian family with parents who are divorced or separated (within past 12 months); Civilian family with two parents/caregivers in the home; Civilian family where one parent is temporarily separated from the family because of a work assignment (ie: working on oil rig.) Contact: UCF Coordinator Dr. Sandra Neer at 407-823-1668 sandra.neer@ucf.edu
Nominations Open for 2015 Class of the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame, Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame Council is currently accepting nominations for the third annual class of inductees into the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame. The nomination period is open until May 30, 2015. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature established the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame to honor and recognize military veterans for their post-military service to the state. Those nominating a veteran will need to complete a nomination packet that can be downloaded from. Nominations are based on established selection criteria including recognizing military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the state of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the State of Florida. Up to 20 military veterans can be inducted into the hall each year. (Notice courtesy of Seminole County Veterans Service office.)
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
Museum of Military History – History in Miniature special exhibit. Over 50 past and present award winning military dioramas, hand crafted tall ships, 1/72, 1/48, 1/35 scale airplane models, historical artwork and more! 5210 .comW. Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34796. Open 10am – 6pm Tues – Sun. www museumofmilitaryhistory
Work at Lake Nona -The Orlando VA Medical Center has opened a Recruitment Center at the new medical center in Lake Nona. The Recruitment Center provides a "one stop" location for potential employees to find out information about applying for jobs at the Orlando VA Medical Center. Human Resource Specialists, Nursing Recruiters, and Physician Recruiters are located at the Center and are available to provide information and assistance.
The address for the new medical center at Lake Nona is 13800 Veterans Way. Upon arrival to the medical center, park on the first floor of the west parking garage and follow the signs to enter the building. Take the elevator to the fourth floor and follow the signs to the Recruitment Center welcome desk. The room number is 4A101. Volunteers are stationed at the facility to assist with directions.
The main telephone number for the Recruitment Center is 407-631-4001.
Employment 101 – Sessions are available from the Department of Veteran Affairs that will definitely help with job seeking. There are interviewing skills including mock interviews, networking, job seeking skills, etc. – most anything that will help you rise in the eligible candidates field. Three locations with multiple dates each month for your convenience.
· Orlando – Fridays May 8, May 15, May 29, Jun 19, Jun 26, Jul 10 at 10am -12noon, Orlando VA Medical Center (Lake Baldwin) 5201 Raymond St, Auditorium A & B;
· Viera – Tuesdays May 19, Jun 2, Jun 16, Jun 30 at 1pm – 3pm, Viera VA Outpatient Clinic, 2900 Veterans Way, Saturn Clinic F535, Viera, 32940.
· Daytona – Thursdays May 7, May 14, May 28, Jun 11, Jun 25, Jul 9, Jul 23 at 10am – 12noon, Daytona VA Outpatient Clinic, 1821 Business Park Dr., Daytona, 32114.
Please call to RSVP limited seating or for more information - Ellamay "Annie" Artis, CESP, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, Orlando, 32803. 407-629-1599 x1846.
INFO to keep and share - because we care
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
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 - 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite #30, Orlando, 32822. 407-857-2800 Or 877-927-8387.
· Melbourne -2098 Sarno Road, Melbourne, 32935. 321-254-3410 Or 877-927-8387.
· Clermont -1655 East Highway 50, Clermont, 34711 352-536-6701 Or 877-927-8387.
· Daytona Beach -1620 Mason Ave., Suite C, Daytona Beach, 32117. 386-366-6600 Or 877-927-8387.
· And coming soon to Seminole County.... vetcenter.va.gov
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 Central FL rep: Chip Whiting at 407-758-0492 whiting_charles@bah.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.
• 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 towww.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
No comments:
Post a Comment
If it is not helpful, do not be hurtful. Spam removed so do not try putting up free ad.