Central Florida Veterans Events Part 2

From Cathy Haynes

February list #2 of veteran, military and patriotic events in Central FL.

 

*Event list #1 was sent on Jan 28.  If you did not receive it, ask for a re-send. (Address below)

*This is a list of unique events in Central Florida – events that have been shared with me. 

*Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!

*Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend.  Post where appropriate.

 

NEX Event - THIS FRIDAY, February 5 - Sweetheart Shopping event where NEX associates can assist you in finding that perfect gift for your special someone.  Offering personalized shoppers throughout the day, complimentary gift wrapping on purchases from 10-4, product demos and food & beverage tastings.  (Eligible persons are all branches of active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents – I.D. IS checked.)  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

 

Orlando Solar Bears Recognition – Multiple dates.  Military persons are needed for Orlando Solar Bear recognition at home hockey games!  If you know of a veteran to nominate or if you want to nominate yourself (don’t be shy!)  send in contact information.  This includes veterans, active military, reservists and national guards.  Time is always sectioned out at home games and needs to be filled. The chosen willing veteran should wear something that represents their proud service branch (uniform or shirt and ballcap, etc.) and will receive 4 tickets and free parking in the Geico garage.  Wheelchair seating available upon request. Discount for add’l tickets. Don’t delay – Available FEBRUARY home games are Sat 6, Fri 12, Sat 13, Sun 14, Wed 17, Thurs 18, Sat 20, Fri 26, Sat 27, Mon 29.  MARCH home games:  Thurs 17, Sat 19, Sun 20, Wed 23, Wed 30; APRIL home games:  Tues 5, Thurs 7.  You MUST be chosen and receive contact back from the Solar Bear office before you attend the games in order to be recognized and receive the tickets. Info:  Taylor Bartz, Community Relations Coordinator at 407.951.8200 x124,  tbartz @orlando solarbearshockey .com  

 

Four Chaplains Commemorative Ceremony – Sun. Feb 7 – Presented by the Orlando Young Marines at 11am, Azalea Park United Methodist Church, 50 Willow Dr., Orlando, 32807. Come support good kids with your attendance!  Free and open to the public. Info from one of the adult leaders:  SgtMaj John Gionet, USMC (ret.) sgtmajgna @earthlink .net   

     On Feb. 3, 1943, four chaplains from several religions and denominations assisted military personnel and civilians before their ship, USAT Dorchester, sank in the freezing Atlantic Ocean after it was torpedoed.  The chaplains gave up their life jackets and helped other persons onto life boats.  They joined arms, prayed and sang hymns before they died together. 

(NOTE:  This group of Young Marines, Orlando Devil Dogs unit, received the prestigious NATIONAL Unit of the Year for 2013-2014.  The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8-18 through the completion of high school.  The organization promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. )

 

Villagers for Veterans – Wed. Feb 10 – Fundraising event that will provide a track-chair for Marine Cpl. Justin Gaertner.  He lost both legs above the knees and has a severely damaged left arm from an IED blast in Afghanistan during his third deployment. The track-chair is an all-terrain device that will allow him greater mobility outdoors and independence.  While this 6:30pm musical event at the Lake Miona Rec Center in The Villages in Sumter Co., is Sold Out, (320 tickets) additional donations towards the track-chair would still be very welcomed.  Contact Marie B. at 516-220-5068 villagersforveterans @gmail .com 

 

Attention all Veterans Service Organizations:

Veterans Resource Fair – Wed. Feb 17 - The UCF Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) hosts this event to provide awareness of service organizations.  11am to 2pm located in the Cape Florida Ballroom (Room 316) Student Union on the UCF Campus.    Each participant will be provided a 6 foot table and two chairs at no cost.  It is requested that if your group participates to please donate an item that could be won as a door prize.  The closest parking garage is Garage H, there is $5 daily rate and less than 5 minute walk to the Student Union.  Free parking can be access in Garage F (Behind the CFE Arena), but is a 10 minute walk to the Student Union through the CFE Arena and walking past Memory Mall area.  Over 1300 veterans are UCF students but the same day, downstairs, is the UCF Major’s Fair.  Spillover traffic is expected.   Great opportunity to share awareness, gain members and volunteers!  Contact   joshua.johnson @ucf. edu  no later than 5pm Fri Feb 12.

 

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Daytona Beach Chapter 1048 – Wed. Feb 17 – Join others in the general membership meeting, 6:30 pm at VFW  Post 3282  located at 5810 South Williamson Blvd.  Port Orange, 32128. There are meetings every third Wednesday.  All veterans are welcomed as we honor all Veterans and are very active in our community, teaming up with many other Veteran Service Organization's, supporter's, promoting and honoring our Veterans.  Join now by bringing your DD214 (discharge papers) or we can help you to get your papers.  Info:  vva1048 .com   Rod Phillips (USA Airborne), 386.690.9553 cobra101st @gmail .com 

 

Retiree Appreciation Day – IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFO – Sat. Feb 20 – There will be the opportunity to update ID cards/DEERS during this event.  It's RARE that this service is available on a weekend date! 

Military retirees can enjoy a variety of speakers from the Department of the Army, Veterans Affairs, MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) and others.  Special guest will be Army SMA Raymond Chandler III (ret.)  Information provided by Tricare, Exchanges from the Army, Air Force and Navy, etc.  All service branch retirees and their families are invited.  9am – 3pm at The Venue at UCF (University of Central Florida) at 12777 Gemini Blvd N., Orlando, 32816 located behind the CFE Arena.  Free parking. Sponsored by Fort Stewart.  Retirement Services Office   912-767-5013.

 

Veterans Legal Stand Down - Sat., Feb. 20 – Sponsored by Barry University School of Law, Open to veterans who are newly discharged, unemployed, disabled, or have any questions regarding legal issues. Attorneys will be present to provide free legal advice. Walk-ins welcome. Appointments are strongly encouraged. FREE!  11am – 4pm, 6441 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, 32807.  Social Security Disability, family law, wills, housing issues, employment law, taxes, expungements, and more.  Also in association with Mission United, Legal Aid Society and CareerSource, offering Resume Assistance workshops, Veterans Employment Services, and Veterans Service office.  Appointments:  407-841-8310 x3167.  Info: Jay Mobley  407-841-8310 JMobley @legalaidocba .org

Walk for Veterans – Sat. Feb 20 – Join American Legion Post 117, the Space Coast Paratroopers, and the City of Palm Bay in the First Inaugural Veterans Walk. Walk for Those that Marched For Us!  The walk will cover a 1.5 mile route starting and ending at American Legion Post 117, 189 Veterans Drive, Palm Bay, 32909. The walk begins at 10 AM.  Advance registration (prior to 12 February) is $15; forms are available at Post 117. Registration on the day of the event; starting at 9 AM at Post 117 is $20. Registration Fees include a Walk T - shirt for each participant. (If you have procrastinated about in a New Year’s resolution to be healthier this year, this is a way to catch up!)

 

Seminole County Homeless Veterans Stand Down - Sat March 12 – Volunteers and Vendor opportunities (requires registrationnow) 9am – 1pm at Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, 400 W. Airport Blvd., Sanford, 32773.  “The term Stand Down was first used during the Viet Nam War; we would come out of the jungle after searching for the enemy for weeks, we would lick our wounds, clean our weapons and get ready to go back. Today the term Stand Down is used when we bring our homeless (and precociously housed) veterans to a central location to reconnect them with the VA and other homeless service providers. Not only providers, but we will provide showers, clothing, hot meals, legal assistance, medical, dental screening, etc .  It is manned and serviced by volunteers. Last year, contrary to news reports, we had a 50% increase from the year before. Feel free to contact us directly at Seminolestanddown @gmail .com.”

 

The Central Florida Veterans Mental Health Council (CFVMHC) is recruiting new members. The CFVMHC represents an opportunity to have a real impact in mental health service delivery and help your fellow Veteran. The Council meets twice monthly for about an hour at the Baldwin Campus (call-in line is available).  More information or to complete an application, visit the Council's website at   cfvmhc .org 

 

 

Caring and sharing,

 

Cathy Haynes

Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL

407-239-8468

chaynes11629 @  yahoo .com