October Central Florida Veterans Events

Reminder from me,
Orlando Nam Knights Biketoberfest kicks off tomorrow with the memorial ceremony at 3:00

Oct 15th-Orlando Nam Knights Biketoberfest Party and Eternal Chapter Ceremony will be Saturday, October 15th at the clubhouse. We will be serving pulled pork, baked beans, chips and coleslaw. Party starts at 1300 hours with the Eternal Chapter Memorial Ceremony at 1500 hours.

This is from last year


These Are From Cathy Haynes
Voter Registration was extended in Florida to Oct 18 due to the hurricane situation. If you moved to different housing, make sure that you have updated your registration.

October is Agent Orange Awareness Month. The organization Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) encourages your education and support of the Federal Toxic Exposure Research.

Volunteering - Would you have liked to be able to help senior veterans, active military and veteran families after the hurricane? You still can, and it doesn’t require damage from hurricanes.

Hands On Orlando - Volunteer Central Florida - Brittany@ HandsOnOrlando .com 407.740.8652 (c) 407.375.9389 The Mission Continues - Orlando 1st Platoon –Daniel Kalagian at dkalagian@ missioncontinues .org or Eric Weiss, 2nd Platoon Leader Orlando eweiss@ missioncontinues .org Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) – Sherrie LaBarre at sherrie.labarre@gmail.com

October 13 – Happy Birthday, United States Navy! Established in 1775.

Orlando Navy Recruit Training Center Reunion – Wed –Sun Oct 12-16 – Former Orlando Navy boot-camp recruits and personnel are invited to come back to Orlando. Reunite with other former recruits, celebrate your service, recognize the company commanders who shaped recruits into Navy sailors. Tour the city park named after the former training ship. Yearbooks no longer wanted are welcomed. Over 600,000 lives were changed on this site. From 1968 until October 1994, NTC Orlando was also the sole location for providing recruit training for female enlisted personnel. Info: Tracey Tillman or Renata Cannon at rtcorlandoreunion@ gmail. com Check info online. Local: Brian.Warner @fla-intl .com 407-374-9072

Central FL Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) – Fri. Oct 14 – Event at Frogger’s Grill and Bar. 4:30-7pm at 27 Alafaya Woods Blvd, Oviedo, 32765. There is a nominal admission fee which covers beer and wings for yourself. This is a fund raising event for the chapter and a 50/50 raffle is held to provide funds for the chapter Scholarship Fund. Info: cflquada. blogspot. com 407-381-5311

Second Infantry Division (Indianhead) Association Reunion – Fri – Sun Oct 14-16 – Florida Branch gathering at the Best Western Space Shuttle Inn, 3455 Cheney Hwy, Titusville, 32780. Special room rates. Hospitality room, meetings and fun! Info: (919) 356-5692 or 2ida.mail @charter .net

AMVETS Auxiliary Yard Sale – Fri and Sat Oct 14, 15 – Auxiliary members of American Veterans Post 2006 in Leesburg hold this event from 8am – 2pm to support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Donations and clean, gently used items are welcomed. 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748. Info: 352-516-6904 cindycoletti @comcast .net .

Central Florida Navy Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 15 – Join past and present Navy personnel and Navy supporters when we celebrate 241 years of USN service to our country! Guest speaker is MCPON James Herdt, (ret.) the ninth such person sworn in of this unique rank in US Navy history. Event sponsorships are available. Reception, ceremony, dinner and dancing at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando (near I-Drive.) Tickets are available from Central FL Navy League at www. cfnavyleague .org

Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Oct 15 - Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 11 veterans of WWII, 11 from the Korean War, and 3 Vietnam War vets return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. (This group includes a Vietnam War nurse, a WW2 medic, a WW2 Seabee, an Army Operation Overlord participant, a Korean War helicopter pilot, and 4 career veterans.) This Honor Flight hub is a part of the nation-wide organization that takes 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 particular group will return just about 9:30pm and enter the terminal area at (+/-) 10:00pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! –Southwest Airlines # 3575 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!) - 7870 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, 32812. Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm 407-239-8468 chaynes11629 @yahoo .com
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 ticket 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!

(NOTE: Honor Flight Central Florida has a mission on Sat. Oct 22 but has not sent me any information. The final 2016 Honor Flights will be Nov 2. Then no more until next year! Don’t miss them!)

Victory Cruise Casino – Tues Oct 18 – Join AMVETS Post #2006 for this fun day on the water! The Leesburg post (500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748) invites interested others to join them when they depart Port Canaveral at 11am and returns at 4pm. Info: 352-323-8750

Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Oct 18 - 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, and with our state, our cities, and counties too. See FAVOB Facebook site. Info: Chairman Michael Waldrop mwaldrop @blue-cord .com

FAVOB Lunch and learn - Wed Oct 19 – All interested persons are invited to join the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) as speaker Alan Rosenburg of Morgan Stanley tells us about how the stock market reacts with politics and the political parties. $5 to attend, each person is responsible for their own lunch at Bulla Gastrobar located at 110 S Orlando Ave, Suite #7 Winter Park, 32789. See FAVOB Facebook site. Info: Trish Murphy 863-899-3703 trish @tridentorlando .com

Orange County Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council –Wed. Oct 19 – 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 Col. Edwin Marrero for attendance and location information. emarrero81 @cfl.rr .com

Honoring our Veterans – Wed. Oct 19 - Camaraderie Foundation, with the help of Fifth Third Bank, launch their Annual Community Campaign with complimentary tasty small bites & beverages, music and more: special guest appearance by Major Baseball player Johnny Damon! 5:30-7:30pm at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, 810 Orlando Avenue, Maitland. Veterans and their families struggle every day from the psychological wounds of war, making return to civilian and family life difficult after deployment. With the support of people throughout our community we can give them the gift of mental health through Camaraderie's counseling scholarships. Save a LIFE. Save a MARRIAGE. Save a FAMILY. For more information, provide donations, or to RSVP for the event, contact (407) 841-0071 or events @camaraderiefoundation .org (FYI: As of September, about 200 situations received assistance – the number that was originally budgeted for the entire year! CONFIDENTIAL assistance for active military, veterans, and their families. The need is definitely there!)

Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) Golf Tournament - Fri Oct 21 – The Central Florida Chapter of MOAA sponsors this 11th Annual Golf Tournament for the JROTC Scholarship Fund. Stoneybrook East Golf Club, $80/pp. Includes: Breakfast, Greens Fee, Cart, Driving Range Balls, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and Lunch. Option: Donate $80 and you sponsor a soldier from local Reserve or National Guard unit to play in tournament! Info: Dick Aldinger (407) 859-7436 famdinger @aol .com or Mike Patterson (407) 240-7609 dmphome @earthlink .net

Marine Corps Foundation Monthly Social – Fri. Oct 21 – Join the Central Florida MCF for Happy Hour at Buffalo Wild Wings from 4:30-7pm, 11400 University Dr., Orlando, 32817. Start the weekend with a grin as past Marines and others compare their results (and sore muscles) from the successful PFT Challenge (Physical Fitness Test) that was held on Oct. 1! Join friends, network, and learn how you can serve in the community to make Central Florida a better place! USMC membership not required. Happy Hour Info: sean.c.osmond @ gmail. com

Annual Chili Cook-Off – Sat. Oct 22 - 1PM at the Winter Springs VFW #5405, 420 N Edgemon, Winter Springs (407-327-3151) is the annual chili Cook-off Cancer benefit and Veterans and Family Support program. Chili buy in is $10 a pot (crock) prizes for the top three chilies. Auction and entertainment also. Info: President Carol McLaughlin, carol-greene123 @earthlink .net

“Run, Forrest, Run!” 5k Run/Walk/Roll – Sat. Oct 22 – This Villagers for Veterans fundraiser is a benefit for the Gary Sinise Foundation that assists wounded warriors. Gary Sinise is the actor who portrayed Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump” and he has continued selfless service for others with his real “Lt. Dan Band” and the Foundation. Register to participate in this fundraiser and gain some cardio-exercise at The Villages Polo Field, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages, 32162. Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068, www. villagersforveterans .org This active group has provided monies for Villages Honor Flights, mobilized recreation wheelchairs for wounded warriors, sponsoring service dogs, and much more.

“An Evening with Forrest” – Sat. Oct 22 – Villagers for Veterans sponsors this event where you can dress in 60’s styles for this fundraiser Southern sit-down dinner and entertainment. Benefitting the Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary Sinise is the actor who portrayed Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump” and he has continued selfless service for wounded warriors with his real “Lt. Dan Band” and the Foundation. $75/pp at the Eisenhower Recreation Center in The Villages. Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068, www. villagersforveterans .org This active group has provided monies for Villages Honor Flights, mobilized recreation wheelchairs for wounded warriors, sponsoring service dogs, and much more.

5th Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Oct 29 – You are challenged to “Walk a Mile in their Boots.” Participants can choose from three different participation levels AND three different course lengths. You can walk for fun or compete as a Runner or Warrior. Warriors must carry at least 35 lbs. in a ruck sack or backpack. Then select a 5k, 10k or 12-mile course length so you can participate or compete at the level you want. First place finishers and top fundraisers receive great prizes. Families are welcome! Lake Nona will be the site and Registration is open; Sponsorship opportunities are available at http:// rucksackmarch2016.kintera .org or call us at (407) 841-0071. Participation in this Camaraderie Foundation event provides counseling resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for military, former warriors and their families seeking assistance. It works. It HAS saved lives, marriages and families. Contact 407-841-0071

Hats Off to Our Veterans – Nov 1 – 14 – AVET Project, based near Patrick Air Force Base, sponsors this fundraiser where businesses/groups offer special HATS that can be purchased for a donation. The HATS can hang on a chosen WALL – at work, at home, etc., for the month of November. The HATS are provided by AVET Project. Proceeds assist active military, veterans, and their families in MANY ways. Contact: Kim at kim@ avetproject .org

City of Orlando Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council – Thurs. Nov 3 – 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 for attendance and location information. mwaldrop@ blue-cord. com

Vietnam Era Veterans luncheon – Sat. Nov 5 – Sebastian in Brevard Co. but are welcome! The American Legion Auxiliary Dept of Florida 12th District have a special “Welcome Home” luncheon planned for all Vietnam era veterans. 11am – 3pm with special guest speaker. Hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 189, at 807 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian 32958. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will award each Vietnam Era Veteran in attendance a special congressional pin and certificate. RSVP requested by Wed. Oct 19 for proper count for food and planning. RSVP/Info: Dorothy Walsh at dwalshusa @gmail .com or 321-426-6736

Daylight Savings Time ends – Sun. Nov 6 – Turn your clocks back one hour. Use that bonus time to do something nice for our veteran and service personnel!

Election Day – Tues. Nov 8 – Become educated and do your civic duty – VOTE! Our local elections tend to have a more direct impact on us.

The First Academy Veteran’s Day Celebration – Wed. Nov 9 – The students of Wounded Warrior Club of The First Academy would like to honor members of the Armed Forces. Special guest Lt. General Benjamin Mixon and the UCF USAF ROTC. 10am in Faith Hall. First Baptist Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, 32805. (North of I-4 and John Young Pkwy, exit 79.) Info/RSVP’s appreciated for head count planning to 407-206-8748 Shared by Brian Rose. Event flyer available.

Lake Highland Preparatory School’s Veteran’s Day Tribute – Fri Nov 11 – “The American Dream Goes On” - Students and faculty presents its annual tribute of music, dancing, drama and video footage to honor veterans. Includes a performance by Project Magic. FREE Shows at 8:45 am, 10:45 am, and 1 pm in the Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts on campus, 901 N. Highland Ave., Orlando, 32803. Veterans, LHP friends and family are welcome to attend. 407-206-1900 Event flyer available.

Veterans Day Celebration – Fri. Nov 11 – Organized by the Town of Windermere and the Rotary Club of Windermere, 4-10pm in front of the Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St, Windermere, 34786. Marching band, 2 color guards, lots of food and beverages, mid-afternoon fun for the kids, and a popular music band in the evening. Honored guest speaker Lt General Jay Garner. Many of the supporting organizations are having information tables; More are invited but space is limited! A portion of the proceeds raised go to The Home at Last Project, The Lone Sailor Memorial at Baldwin Park's History Wall and the USO. Info: Dan Fanelli at 407 844-7632 dan@ protectovision .com

Veterans’ Day Parade in Orlando – Sat. Nov 12 – Beginning at 11am, units will march in one of the largest parades in the southeastern United States. Volunteers for the parade are very welcomed! Contact De at daila.espeut-jones@ zeltech .com for volunteering opportunities.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball – Sat. Nov. 14 – This 241st celebration will be at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, 9840 International Drive, 32819. Cocktails begin at 6pm and the ballroom doors open at 6:45. At 7:30 the ceremony begins with dinner and dancing following that. Dress is formal. special guests. Interested persons can get more information at the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation website: centralfloridamarines .org or thru Jan Baka 407.745.3029 during business hours or jan.baka@ecs-federal.com SPONSORSHIPS welcomed! Only a few openings may be available. Semper Fi!

MISCELLANEOUS

The Central Florida Veterans Mental Council 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 Lake Baldwin Campus (call-in line is available). If you are interested in more information or would like to complete an application for membership, please visit the Council's website. cfvmhc. org.

Lake Nona VA and Lake Baldwin Domiciliary’s – Residents undergoing various medical and counseling issues need bicycles, bicycle repair equipment, inner tubes, bicycle pumps and tools. Also needed are craft supplies, games and sports equipment. Idle hands need/want to be occupied in constructive ways! Contact: Jenny Danieli at 407-631-7110 jenny.danieli @va. gov

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

Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL 407-239-8468
chaynes11629@ yahoo .com