Central Florida Veterans Events for September

September is Suicide Awareness Month, but how about you start to think of Healing Awareness instead?

You were there when others needed you. They'll #bethere when you need them too!

September – Central FL veteran, military and patriotic events

From Cathy Haynes 

It’s still hurricane season. Are you prepared if one like Hurricane Harvey heads our way? Be prepared. Have a plan. Assist your neighbors.

September is Suicide Prevention Month.  Keep the following information handy…

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….

It Takes the Strength of a Warrior to Ask for Help…

The journey after military service can be a difficult one. If you are Veteran in crisis or know of one who is, please call the VA’s 24/7 Suicide Prevention Line at 1–800–273–TALK (8255) to speak with a trained counselor, or find a Crisis Center near you.

NO MORE LOSSES!

Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for Post 9/11 veterans/warriors and their families. They also have connections in other areas, other states. It works. It HAS saved lives, saved marriages and saved families. camaraderiefoundation .org  Contact 407-841-0071   

Tuskegee Airmen exhibit – Thru Fri. Sept 8 – The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center will be hosting an exhibit about The Tuskegee Airmen and their importance both in WWII and in the fight for civil rights beginning July thru Sept 8. Admission is free. Located at 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, 32751. Info: 407-628-0555 ext. 227.

Suggestion: If you or a surviving local veteran served in a group that liberated some of the work camps or death camps in Europe, leave a note with your contact information. There may be future exhibits or educational events about the liberators and the opportunity to share. 

Team Rubicon begins deploying to Texas – Fri Sept 1 - Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. See their website for requirements.

National Convention of United States Submarine Veterans – Fri – Wed, Sept 1 – 6 – The local Central Florida Base is host for this annual convention, one of the largest and most exciting annual gatherings of submarine veterans in the U.S. Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 32819. Check online for list of scheduled events.

September 2, 1945 – V-J Day - Thank a Pacific Theater veteran for his/her service! And ask a senior if he/she celebrated the day, and how it was celebrated.

American Legion Riders of Post 117 – Sat. Sep 2 – Invitation to a Fun Run starting at 9:30am from the Post at 189 Veterans Dr SE, Palm Bay, 32909. Going up US 1 North and stopping at the Cpl. Larry Smedley National War Museum (aka “The Bunker”) in Orlando. There will be fun, and tours of the Museum. Lunch will be available to purchase. The Run will end back at Post 117. The Museum is located at 3400 N Tanner Rd, Orlando, 32826. Contact timmdrivn24@ yahoo .com for courtesy head count for the food.

Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting – Wed. Sept. 6 – The Osceola Flotilla 17-10 meets on the 1st Wed. of each month, 7pm, at American Legion Post 10, 205 Lakeview Dr., Kissimmee, 34741. Auxiliary members are volunteers who support the Coast Guard in all its non-military, and non-law-enforcement missions. Members help to provide maritime safety, security and stewardship; to secure the homeland, save lives and property; and to protect the environment. There are several Flotillas (groups) in Central Florida and membership in the Auxiliary is open to persons 17 years of age and older – some are much older – because the call to serve doesn’t leave easily! Info: Jim Nickles at jimnickles2@ gmail .com 407-390-9611 ** Recent CG Aux persons were able to assist local sheriff department and State Fish and Wildlife Dept. personnel with boat safety checks on the Lake Butler, Chain of Lakes. Way to go! And Flotilla’s in Texas are in full efforts of assistance. Join and you could make a difference in Florida…

Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home - Wed. Sept 6 - Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 40 veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. This group consists of 3 women, one WWII veteran, 28 Korean War veterans, 8 Korea-era and 3 Vietnam veterans. (15 Army, 14 Navy, 4 Marines, and 7Air Force.) 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 9:25pm and enter the terminal area at (+/-) 9:45pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines # 1283 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 at 7870 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, 32812 – 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  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/EPass 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: The next Honor Flights will be Sept 9, Oct 14 and Oct 18.

NOTE: The Honor Flight on Sept 16 has been cancelled and rescheduled for Oct 7 and Oct 21. See info on the Sept 16 listing.

Education Fair – Thurs. Sept 7 – Orlando VA Medical Center coordinates this 1st annual event that has many colleges and universities present to explore and compare. VA educational benefits and funding options to be explained. Bring your lunch for a ‘Lunch and Learn’ to the Crescent Room, 12noon – 1:30pm, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32829. Contact Ellamay “Annie” Artis, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, 407-646-5500 x27246   EllaMay.Artis @va .gov

City of Orlando Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council – Thurs. Sept 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 for attendance and location information. mwaldrop@ blue-cord .com or Emily Bonvini emily.bonvini@ cityoforlando .net 407.246.2728

“Leaving Vietnam…” - Thurs, Sept. 7 – Local PBS station WUCF and the Orange County History Center unveil a new exhibit, "Leaving Vietnam: Building a New Life in Central Florida." What turned Orlando's Mills 50 neighborhood into Little Saigon? Discover the roots of Central Florida’s Vietnamese community and its impact on leadership, local commerce, and Orlando’s food scene. 6pm – 8pm at Orange Co. History Center (the old courthouse), 65 East Central Blvd., Orlando, 32801. The event is free, but registration is required – see WUCF and History Center websites. The exhibit runs thru Nov.8. 

Veterans of Influence Awards Luncheon –Fri. Sept 8 – 2017 Recognition for 25 military veterans who have made a significant achievement in their careers in the past year, have a strong record of innovation or outstanding performance in their work and are actively involved in our community. Orlando Business Journal took nominations and will honor these men and women. Open to the public at Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, 32819 (located southeast of the North Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.) Networking: 11am – 12noon, Awards Luncheon: 12noon - 1:30pm. Corporate table sponsorships available, and individual tickets - $55.  www. bizjournals.com   rbobroff@ bizjournals .com  or 407-241-2897. 

AAAA Social – Fri. Sept 8 – After hours social with Quad-A (Army Aviation Association of America) and sponsored by Inter-Coastal Electronics. Start the weekend off well from 4:30 – 7pm at Frogger’s Grill & Bar, 27 Alafaya Woods Blvd, Oviedo, 32765. PRICE $10 per person for wings, beer and soft drinks, 50/50's are $1 a ticket or $5 for 10 tickets. Bring a friend that joins AAAA & you both get in free! The CFL AAAA Chapter has been supporting Army Aviators and their families since 1985 with support to the community, our membership, and to our local military Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians. This support includes education related to Army aviation, scholarship awards, and growth through well planned social and professional activities. Info: 407-738-8735

VAC Warbird Fly-in Breakfast – Sat. Sept 9 - at 8 AM - 10:30 AM - Valiant Air Command & Tico Warbird Airshow at the Space Coast Regional Airport. 6600 Tico Rd, Titusville, 32780. On the 2nd Saturday of every month: Free breakfast for museum visitors with full paid admission (Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.) New chef and expanded menu - $12, 8am-10:30am. Free museum admission to fly-in pilots and passengers. Aircraft parking at the museum aircraft ramp. (321) 268-1941 warbirds@ valiantaircommand .com

5K “Ruck” Walk – Sat Sept 9 - The American Legion Winter Garden Post 63 is hosting its 1st Annual Challenge 22 –to help raise awareness of the 22 veterans who are committing suicide every day due to PTSD. Registration starts at 7:30am, the event starts 9am, Lunch at 12n with fun until 2:30pm. Raffles, Blood Drive, and more. Shorter walk for “mobility challenged!” $20 adults, $5 kids 6 - 17 yrs. Sponsorships and donations welcomed. 271 West Plant St.,Winter Garden, 34787. Registration also at website. Info:  407-656-6361.

Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk – Sat. Sept 9 – Hosted by Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation at Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs, 32701. This 5K (3.1 miles) starts at 7:30am – 12noon. Registering online preferred for $35; Cost increases to $50 after Wed. Sept 6. Info: www. tunnel2towers .org and t2torlando. eventbrite .com 

Numerous events across the country in this series created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. Also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. 

Station 10 Annual 9/11 Memorial Service & Benefit – Sat. Sept 9 – 11am Flag Ceremony, message by Rev. Al Paquette, guest speaker Mayor Jeff Triplett. Hosted by Just Our Soldiers Helpers (J.O.S.H.) and offering raffles as fund raisers. Seminole Harley-Davidson, 620 Hickman Cir, Sanford, 32771. J.O.S.H. will kick off their sale of Guardian Bells to be included in our January care packages. From September through December we will be selling the bells at all J.O.S.H. events. The legend of the Guardian Bell is that it wards off evil spirits and is for protection and safety. When the bell rings, it is a reminder that the recipient is never alone.

13th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride – Sat. Sept. 9 - Orlando Harley Davidson South, 7786 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (aka US 192), Kissimmee, 34747 (abt 3 miles west of I-4) Central Florida's largest motorcycle fundraising event in support of our military personnel and the USO Care Package Program in association with the Greater Jacksonville Area USO. American Legion Riders (ALR) will assemble at Race Track on 1600 S John Young Pkwy, and Hacienda, Kissimmee, 34741 and arrive together. 70 Mile police escorted ride. Registration 8:30 am to 10am/ Ride departs 1030am. Motorcycles NOT required. After party 12 - 3 pm. Silent auction, raffles, lives music, continental breakfast, delicious lunch, vendors. $25 per person - each registration covers the cost of a USO Care Package to be sent to a deployed member of the US Military. 

Marine LCP Jason Burnett, of St. Cloud in Osceola County, died in service while in Iraq, 2006. He served in the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, NC; son of Shelley and Ron Burnett, a retired Major with the Osceola County Sheriff Dept. For more information on these events and early registrations see www. usobenefitride.com

American Patriot Gala – Sat. Sept. 9 - 4th annual event hosted by Lockheed Martin to support Camaraderie Foundation. One-of-a-kind evening featuring a cocktail reception, special guest speaker, silent and live auctions and entertainment. Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Dr., Orlando, 32819. A beautiful evening in tribute to the military service members who have so honorably served our country since 9/11. See website for tickets/tables. Camaraderie Foundation  407-841-0071 events@ camaraderiefoundation .org 

The Foundation provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for Post 9/11 veterans/active duty and their families. They also have connections in other areas, other states. It works. It HAS saved lives, saved marriages and saved families.

Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Sept 9 – See general info listed on Sept. 6. This Mission will have 25 veterans returning at 10:20pm on Southwest Airlines# 2371. There are 9 WW2, 10 Korea and 6 Vietnam War veterans. 6 Army, 8 Army Air/Air Force, 7 Navy and 4 Marine. The oldest veteran is 96 yrs old,  (While ALL military personnel have important roles and are living history treasures, these are some high lit histories for the flight: One Marine served on Pres. Truman’s Elite Guard, a medic in Korea, a medic in Vietnam, personnel at SAC for Minuteman  ICBM’s, MP’s and mechanics.) 

September 11 – The 16^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Check various media sources for commemoration and remembrance ceremonies.

Patriot Day Flag Planting – Mon. Sept 11 - Join Camaraderie Foundation with the local Police and Fire Departments as we Honor the Fallen Military Service Members, Veterans, Law Enforcement and Firefighters in Tribute of the 16th Anniversary of 9/11. On this morning, 13,000 flags will be planted at each of the following locations:  

·       Criminal Justice Center on 17/92 - Seminole County

·       Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Seneff Arts Plaza – downtown Orlando – 6am

·       MacDill Park - Tampa.

A short ceremony follows at 8:30am. We are doing this to symbolize that nearly 13,000 Post-9/11 Veterans are going untreated for invisible wounds of war here in Central Florida. You can sponsor a Memory Flag ($1 ea.) in Remembrance of a Fallen Military Service Member, Veteran, Law Enforcement Member or Firefighter in tribute. Contact Camaraderie Foundation 407-841-0071   See website for more info.

Note: Volunteers also needed for the next morning – Tues. Sep 12 – to remove the flags.

Memorial Ceremony – Mon. Sept 11 – American Legion Post 112 conducts this ceremony from 9am – 10am. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792. Info: racenut478@ aol .com

Navy League Social – Tues. Sept. 12 - Join the Central Florida Navy League for food, wine, networking and a great time on at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Waterford Lakes.  Cash bar and appetizers, 5pm-7pm at 529 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32828. The Navy League is composed of citizens in support of the United States sea services – Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines, but we welcome Army and Air Force too!. Many members are military veterans but military service is NOT required. www. cfnavyleague .org 

Marine Corps League Orlando - Tues, Sept 12 - Cpl. Larry E. Smedley, Detachment 064 Monthly Meeting, 7pm – 8pm at the at American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. Info: mclcfl @gmail. com  or Sr.Vice Cdr at 407-963-9388.

(Cpl. Larry Smedley was an Orange County resident and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was killed in Vietnam on December 21, 1967 after heroic actions were seen in battle. He earned the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously; he was 18 yrs old.)

Veteran Infused Employment Workshops – Tues – Thurs, Sept 12 -14 - Various free seminars offered to veterans that will assist in job searching. Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona site, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Sep 12 (Conf.Rm 10 & 11) – Creating your Job Search Plan; Sep 13 (Conf.Rm 3 & 4) – Create a Marketable You; Sep 14 (Conf.Rm 10 & 11) – Define your Resources. Seminars are 10am – 2pm, Lunch is NOT provided. Contact Annie Artis, ellamay.artis@ va .gov 407-646-5500 x27246 

Contact her to get on future job fair lists, employer events and future employment workshops.

Central Florida Navy League luncheon and meeting – Wed. Sept 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 Holiday Inn – UCF, 1724 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32826. Interesting speakers and networking potential includes the simulation technology businesses. $20 with credit card payment on website (cfnavyleague .org) or $25 at the door. 3rd largest Navy League in FL with diverse membership including nearby technology industries. Contact Bob K. (Membership Chair.) at navleaguecenfl@ juno .com  407-977-7575

(NEW! The Navy League offers national E-Membership for only $25 per year! Prior military service is NOT required. Support the sea services – Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines – with membership.)

Congressional Breakfast – Fri. Sept 15 – Join FAVOB (Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses) with others and let your voice be heard. Speak with our local Congressional representatives in a Town Hall style breakfast gathering to discuss Veteran Owned Small Business Initiatives. The event includes a sit-down plated breakfast at the exquisite Citrus Club in Downtown Orlando Fl. Parking in the Citrus Club garage will be validated. Representatives attending: Val Demings of District 10, Stephanie Murphy of District 7, Darren Soto of District 9, and Daniel Webster of District 11. 7:30am – 10am at The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., #1800, Orlando, 32801. $25 for FAVOB Members and $30 for Non-FAVOB members. Buy tickets online at www. favob.net/events

“Boots to the Boardroom: Rising to the Occasion” – Fri Sept 15 – Breakfast sponsored by Melbourne Regional Chamber and the Veterans Resource Council. Keynote speaker is Karen Gregory. 7:30am – 9am at Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, 32926. $22 for members and veterans, $30 for non-members. RSVP requested to 321-724-5400 or at www. melbourneregionalchamber .com

Central Florida Marine Corps Happy Hour – Fri. Sept 15 – Join a group of great people – you don’t have to be a Marine! University Buffalo Wild Wings 11400 University Dr., Orlando, 32817. Info: 407-738-8735

Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting – Sat. Sept 16 – The Orlando-Winter Park Flotilla 17-11 meets on the 3rd Sat. of each month, 9am, at the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, 32803. Auxiliary members are volunteers who support the Coast Guard in all its non-military, and non-law-enforcement missions. Members help to provide maritime safety, security and stewardship; to secure the homeland, save lives and property; and to protect the environment. There are several Flotillas (groups) in Central Florida and membership in the Auxiliary is open to persons 17 years of age and older – some are much older – because the call to serve doesn’t leave easily! Info: Joseph Bonaccorse  bonaccorse@ usa .net 407.222.9681. And Flotilla’s in Texas are in full efforts of assistance. Join and you could make a difference in Florida…

Honor Flight on Sat. Sept 16 has been cancelled. Due to a notice about several planned protests in Washington DC, it was advised to not come to Washington DC on this date. Parks personnel would not be able to attend to veterans. Honor Flight Central Florida decided to split the group into two separate groups with rescheduled Missions on October 7 and October 21. 

Constitution Day– Sun Sept 17 - In September of 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.” Sept. 17 – 23 is recognized as Constitution Week, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) frequently known as “America’s Cheerleaders,” call for ringing of church bells, handbells, etc. at 4pm on Sunday across the nation to commemorate the occasion.

Veterans Business Initiative (VBI) – Tues. Sept. 19 - VBI starts at 8:30am and runs for ten weeks through September and November. This is a no cost program for all Military Veterans and spouses who are seeking careers, entrepreneurial and continuing education. Held at the Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce located at the National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Drive -Suite A-20, Orlando, 32803. Call 407-420-4875 or contact Rogue Gallart at Rogue@ nationalec .org

Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Sept 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, and with our state, our cities, and counties too. See FAVOB Facebook site and website. Info: chairman@ favob .org or marketing@ favob .org

DaVita National Veteran Interview Day – Tues Sept 19 – This dialysis healthcare company is hiring – big time - at 8 locations across the country – and DeLand, FL is one of the sites. Veterans only, from all backgrounds, are invited to interview for various health care, business and leadership roles across the U.S. 2pm-6pm in 8 live locations and virtually from 2pm-6pm local time. See the available wide range of openings at: davitahiresvets .com  350 E New York Ave, Deland, 32724, Phone: 1-800-424-6589

Orange County Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council –Wed. Sept 20 – This month ONLY the meeting starts at 1pm (normally 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 

Every Day is Veterans Day event – Fri Sept 22 - Information on resources to the Veteran’s community. 10am – 1pm at One Senior Place, 715 Douglas Avenue Altamonte Springs, 32714. Vendors, door prizes and lunch will be served. Free. Organized by VITAS Healthcare and One Senior Place. ***Does your organization want to have a table to reach others?  For more information, call 407.949.6733

Gold Star Mothers and Families Event - Sun. Sept 24 – Are you a family who lost a loved one while in military service or know someone else who did? Please share this information with them and contact Jean Balderson at 407-691-4548 or 407.875.0028 before Sept. 15. This day was originally established in 1936 as Gold Star Mother’s Day and many communities have included all family members. Bring a framed picture of your loved one. Vietnam era families can register to receive a Gold Star 50th Anniversary commemorative pin issued by the Department of Defense.A remembrance ceremony will be held from 3pm – 5pm in the Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando, 32802. Bring a photo of your loved one. Caring public is invited. Event coordination is being done by VITAS.  

POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony – Wed. Sept 27 - Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will host a POW-MIA ceremony to honor United States Military prisoners of war and those still missing in action. 11am at Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 South Orange Ave, Orlando, 32801. Ceremony includes a special guest speaker and the “Missing Man” table ceremony will be performed. Parking will be available in the City Commons parking garage at 460 Boone Ave. Handicapped parking is available on every level of the garage. Bring your parking ticket for validation after the event. Info: Emily Bonvini emily.bonvini@ cityoforlando .net 407.246.2728.

United States Submarine Veterans mtg – Thurs Sept 28 – The Central Florida Base meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7pm, at the Casselberry Veteran's Club, 200 Concord Dr., Casselberry, 32707. Fun and networking with membership open to all Navy personnel and veterans who are qualified in submarines. Guests are always welcome at meetings. Info: Jay D Mack 407- 920-9347 jmack349@ gmail .com

VA Town Hall Meeting – Sat. Sept 30 - 1st Annual Osceola County Town Hall Meeting sponsored by Living Word Fellowship and VITAS. 9am – 3pm at the Osceola Council on Aging, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee, 34744 (near Gateway High School.) Representatives from the Orlando VA Medical Center will provide updates and answer questions concerning Veteran Healthcare. The Veterans Benefits Administration representative will provide instructions on “How to Submit a Complete Claim”. The National Cemetery Administration with burial benefits info. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns with VA personnel. Also a Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony to honor the Vietnam heroes. Pre-registration for attending Town Hall is suggested but not required.

Limited number of 30 minute time slots for veterans to file Service Connected Claims but pre-registration IS required and a confirmation email will be sent with further instructions on what paperwork to bring.  https:// osceolacountytownhallmeeting .eventbrite .com (copy, paste and remove the spaces) Info: Ellamay “Annie” Artis, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, 407-646-5500 x27246  EllaMay.Artis @va .gov

ON THE HORIZON

2nd Infantry Division Florida Branch Reunion – Fri – Sun, Oct 13- 15 - Reunion of Second Indianhead Division Association at the Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel and Suites, 300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, 33950. The Florida International Air Show is in Punta Gorda that weekend. Combine the two for a great weekend! Info: Mike at 2IDA.Mail@ charter .net 919-356-5692

Young Marine Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 14 – Sponsors welcomed; This event rewards some hard working young men and women (ages 8-18) of the Orlando Devil Dogs who are our future leaders. Contact sgtmajgna@ earthlink .net

Central Florida Navy Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 14 – Event sponsorships are available. Join past and present Navy personnel and Navy supporters when we celebrate 242 years of USN service to our country! Guest speaker is G. Reid “Tonto” Wiseman, U.S. Navy Commander, served as Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station for 165 days. Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando (near I-Drive.) Tickets are available from Central FL Navy League at www. cfnavyleague .org 

Marine Corps Birthday Ball – Sat. Nov. 11 – Sponsorships available for this 242st 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 Semper Fi!

Orlando Veterans Day Parade – One of the largest parades in the Southeastern United States! Applications for units to participate in the parade on Sat. November 11 are being accepted. Advertisements for the parade program are being accepted.  www. cityoforlando.net/ veteransparade/ (remove the spaces)

MISCELLANEOUS

The Tourists are almost gone, so it’s OUR TURN!  

·      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 to www. shadesofgreen .org for information. Special discounts for rooms may be available based on occupancy levels, and special ticket rates. (407) 824-3400 Also, Go to: www. militarydisneytips .com (copy, paste and remove the spaces.)

Get tickets for the parks at:

·      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) at 8717 Ave C, Orlando, 32827. Phone: 407-855-0116 or 407-851-4396 for details,  email: mwrorl@ gmail .com or Text MWROrlando to 30364 for MWR Specials. Competitive, even incredibly reduced prices, but check with other discount providers too. You must be eligible - military cards ARE checked. 

Buy your tourist T-shirts at:

·      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 Sign up to receive the Scratch Off Coupons! It allows you to get an extra 5%, 10%, 15%, 25% or 50% Off your purchase with use of the coupon. 1 in 3 cards has 10% Off or better! Some coupons will be available in store for customers while supplies last. (Navy Exchange authorized patrons only) The site also has a barber shop

NEX - Haven’t been to the NEX (Navy Exchange) recently? You will be pleasantly surprised! There are great new products – non-gluten, fresh produce, popular brands of groceries and products, electronics, liquor and clothing at extremely competitive pricing!  And no sales tax! To be eligible to shop, you need to be active military, reserve or guard, military retired, or 100% service disabled – at least until mid-November when shopping all the Exchanges online will open up to ALL veterans! 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

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

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: Charlotte.Merriam@ OperationHomefront .org  Cell: 561-846-0843  

Orlando Navy Training Base - Were you aware that over 600,000 lives were changed on the site of the 5k/10k race – Blue Jacket Park - the former Orlando Navy Training Base? From 1968 until October 1994, NTC Orlando was also the sole location for providing recruit training for female enlisted personnel. The Central Florida Navy League is finishing the project of commemorating the enlisted persons with the bronze Lone Sailor Monument. Efforts are starting to commemorate the women who attended Basic Training in a female bronze monument – Project Sparky. Check out the website at cfnavyleague .org  Also order a brick paver to commemorate your loved Navy sailor!

Caring and sharing,

Cathy Haynes

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

407-239-8468

chaynes11629@ yahoo .com