Upcoming Central Florida Veterans Events

From Cathy Haynes

GROUPS: You have one more week to get your Veterans Day event info to me so that it can be shared with others! 

 

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

 

WW2 Airplane reburbed, crewmember wanted - The Orlando-Sanford Airport has an event coming up in early November where they will be unveiling a refurbished airplane. They are DESPERATELY looking for someone who would have flown the plane. The PV-Ventura was used in the WW2 European theater by the Army Air Corps or Navy or the Royal Air Force. Other versions of the plane would have been the B-34 Lexington, B-37, or Navy's PV-2 Harpoon for submarine search/bombing. Do you know of someone who would have flown such an aircraft or who might be able to give us a lead? Contact George LaMont at marinelamont@ yahoo .com and CC: chaynes11629@ yahoo .com

Avoid the confusion - Just a bit of a reminder - There is a difference between veterans and military. Sometimes people get confused that veterans were once active military but they are not officially serving anymore. And our military who are serving now and will one day be veterans. Retired veterans served a specified required time in service. All military retirees are veterans but not all veterans are military retired.  

·       Veterans Day honors all persons who once were in the military - especially the living. Formerly known as Armistice Day after WWI – 11/11/11 – Eleventh day of the Eleventh month at the Eleventh hour.

·       Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May - it was established in 1950 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Days. That is a day to pay tribute to men and women who ARE currently serve the United States’ armed forces.

·       Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military; Observed on the last Monday in May. 

 

United States Submarine Veterans mtg – Thurs Oct 26 – 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

 

Veterans’ Driver License Reinstatement – Fri. Oct 27 - Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, the Orange County Veterans Court, the Department of Revenue, and other state and local agencies, have joined forces to help veterans in Orange County learn how to reinstate their driver license that may have been suspended for a variety of reasons (homelessness, support arrears, etc.)  At the Veterans Driver License Reinstatement Clinic, veterans can get a jump-start on breaking down one barrier to holding a job, obtaining housing, or seeking medical care - having a valid driver license. 8:30am – 4pm in the Jury Room at Orange County Courthouse, 425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, 32801. Pre-registration available at: veteransdlclinic.eventbrite .com CLSMF: 407-841-7777 or Veterans Court at 407-836-0578. 

 

October 28, 1886 - The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor. The statue was a gift from the people of France commemorating the French-American alliance during the American Revolutionary War. Designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the entire structure stands 300 feet (92.9 meters) tall.

 

October 28, 1962 - The Cuban Missile Crisis ended.

 

6th Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Oct 28 – 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. See Camaraderie Foundation website for info and registration. (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

 

Annual Women in Law Enforcement Forum & Safety Expo – Sat. Oct 28 – Learn about a potential career in law enforcement. Expo: 9am – 2pm and Forum: 10am and 1pm. Both sworn and civilian positions available. Orange County Sheriff’s office, 2500 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32804. www. ocso .com

 

Pre-Veterans’ Day Program - Sun. Oct 29 – Former US Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert A. McDonald, is the guest speaker at St. Luke’s Methodist –Windermere. Hosted by the church’s Veterans Cluster Group at 1 - 3pm in the Founder’s Hall, 4851 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, 32819. He will provide an inside look at issues facing our veterans and their families. There will be some time for questions. Free and open to the public. Refreshments. RSVP’s requested for planning to st.lukes .org/military 407-876-4991. 

 

Veterans Resource Fair – Orlando – Wed. Nov 1 – 11am – 1pm at the Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. Located by the Clinic Information Desk: OEF/OIF guidance, TBI assistance, Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Fisher House information and others. 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Info: vhaorlpublicaffairs@ va .gov 407-631-4436

 

Veterans Resource Fair – Viera – Wed. Nov 1 – 11am-1pm at the Viera VA Outpatient Clinic in the main entrance rotunda, 2900 Veterans Way, Viera, 32940.  (321) 637-3788. Public Affairs office: 407-631-4436 vhaorlpublicaffairs@ va .gov 

 

Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting – Wed. Nov 1 – 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!

 

“Breaking Contact: Soldier to Civilian, a Success Story” – Thurs. Nov 2 – Start of the Veteran Speaker Series at UCF (University of Central Florida) during Veterans Month. Open to the public. Dr. Bryce Carpenter, Educational Outreach Programs Officer for the National Cemetery Administration, speaks on his transition from soldier to civilian.  UCF Career Services will also share information on resources available to students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Free lunch is provided by the Veteran Academic Resource Center (VARC); 12noon to 1:30 pm at Career Services and Experiential Learning Bldg, Rm. 121 on UCF Campus.  (Best parking might be Garage H) Info: Tiffany at 407-823-3817 Tiffany.Rivera@ ucf .edu   www. varc.sdes .ucf .edu

 

Golf Tournament at The Villages – Fri. Nov 3 – The proceeds of this tournament support sending veterans to Washington DC on Villages Honor Flight (VHF) to visit the war memorials. Eagle Ridge Golf Course at Del Webb Spruce Creek. Info: see VHF website or contact Bunny at bunnygowell@ gmail .com 207-286-6786 or John at leftygolf2338@ gmail.com 201-961-4121.

 

Semper Fi Fish Fry – Sat. Nov 4 – 3rd annual fund raising effort at Fish on Fire restaurant, 7937 Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, 32812 (Btwn Orange Ave. and Conway Rd on McCoy Rd, just off the Beachline.) Live band, auction items, events for the kids and much more! Vendor space available. Contact: mcl.orlando.commandant@ gmail .com 407-493-6968

 

Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen - Sat. Nov 4 - Cornerstone Hospice hosts this honoring of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen of Central Florida. 1 -3pm at Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 32789. Info: Bridget at brmonroe@ cshospice .org  407- 616-2536

 

Daylight Savings Time ends – Sun. Nov 5 – Turn your clocks back one hour. Use that bonus time to do something nice for our veteran and service personnel!

 

Orange/Osceola County Veterans Treatment Court – Mon. Nov 6 – There will be an appreciation event in the Lake Nona site Auditorium at 2:30pm. Soldiers and civilians have different backgrounds. You can see the process for yourself and why it is important for the former warrior and our community. Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona, 4^th flr, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.

Mentors needed - Veteran Courts ARE succeeding! Longer term success is possible with community mentors and there are mentoring programs in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties. Be a “battle buddy” or “foxhole buddy” by assisting someone with life challenges. No proselytizing – just non-judgmental caring. Most of the offenders are DUI or possession, or PTS anger issues that are being rechanneled. If you have experienced substance abuse – although not required - and came thru it, you may be very helpful to someone else. If you are interested in participating as a mentor, know someone who is interested, or are a part of an organization where Mentors can be recruited, contact your local Veterans Court resource.

 

Election Day – Tues. Nov 7 – Become educated and do your civic duty – VOTE! Our local elections tend to have a more direct impact on us.

 

Champions of Freedom Appreciation Luncheon – Tues. Nov 7 – Lohman Funeral Homes’ Community Outreach hosts this event at the Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange; 11:30am free catered lunch, guest speakers, and a memorabilia exhibit that provides an opportunity for guests to bring items from their service if they like, which makes for a great opportunity to share their pride and connect with others. Limited to the first 75 guests who register at 386-673-1100.

 

Orlando Vet Center – Tues. Nov 7 – Join other veterans in honoring the USMC birthday and watching “Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click.” It is a documentary on the making of Marines from the perspective of a “fly-on-the-wall.” The movie is sure to bring pride and stir conversation about boot camp experiences. 12 noon at 5575 S. Semoran Blvd, Suite 30 in the TerreCotta Business Park, Orlando, 32822. All veterans, family, and friends are welcome. No RSVP required. Hosted by Readjustment Counselor and Marine Corps Veteran, Lloyd Duran 407-857-2800  lloyd.duran@ va .gov

 

“Exploring Military Archives: New Perspective on Old Texts” – Tues. Nov 7 - Part of the Veteran Speaker Series at UCF (University of Central Florida) during Veterans Month. Open to the public. Three MA candidates discuss both the process of obtaining documents from several archives and how it has influenced their research. These items include Civil War pensions from the National Archives to expose why men enlisted in the First Florida Cavalry (US), an all white Union regiment from Florida; personal papers of World War I nurses to examine their much forgotten trauma; and Civil War memories and myths. 4pm-5pm at UCF’s Colbourn Hall, Rm 146. (Best parking might be Garage H1) Info: Tiffany at 407-823-3817 Tiffany.Rivera@ ucf .edu   www. varc.sdes .ucf .edu

 

The First Academy Veteran’s Day Celebration – Wed. Nov 8 – The students of Wounded Warrior Club of The First Academy would like to honor members of the Armed Forces, past and present. 10am in Faith Hall where the talented students will perform. The local Navy Color Guard will perform, a local wounded warrior will be recognized, as well as a 93 year old MSGt with service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The USMC will perform the flag folding ceremony. First Baptist Orlando, 2667 Bruton Blvd, Orlando, 32805. (just off John Young Parkway and LB McLead Rd) (North of I-4 and John Young Pkwy, exit 79.) Info/RSVP’s appreciated for head count planning to 407-206-8748 

Paychecks for Patriots Veterans Job Fair – Wed. Nov 8 – CareerSource Brevard-Palm Bay hosts this event from 10am – 2pm. Special Hours (10am-11am) just for veterans, active duty, reserve, guard, and military family members only. Open to general public from 11am – 2pm. County Club Plaza, 5275 Babcock St. NE, Ste. 8B, Palm Bay, 32905. Save time by registering online at Eventbrite. Bring your resume and dress for success! Co-sponsored by CareerSource, Melbourne Regional Chamber Veterans Resource Council. Info: careersourcebrevard.com 321-504-7600

 

Central Florida Navy League luncheon and meeting – Wed. Nov 8 – 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.)

 

UCF Veterans Honored (Flag Days) – Thurs. Nov 9 - Over 1500 flags to symbolize and honor the number of current student veterans studying at UCF will be placed at the Veterans Commemorative/Memorial site on Tuesday, University of Central Florida (UCF) campus near Pegasus Circle. Then on Thurs. at 11am – 11:30 will be a ceremony, public invited, involving veterans, UCF Army ROTC, UCF Air Force ROTC and UCF Music. Coordinated by UCF History, Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) and UCF Community Veterans History Project. Info: Joshua  at 407-823-5874    Joshua.Johnson@ucf.edu    www. varc.sdes .ucf .edu

 

United States Marine Corps 242th birthday – November 10 - Thank a Marine, past or present, for your freedom!

 

Offices/Businesses Closed – Fri Nov 10 - In observance of Veteran’s Day, many government offices/businesses will be closed – including banks and post offices. Call ahead to verify.

 

Congressional Breakfast – Fri. Nov 10 – 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, and Darren Soto of District 9. 7:30am – 10am at The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., #1800, Orlando, 32801. $25 for FAVOB Members and $30 for Non-FAVOB members. www. favob.net/events Buy tickets online at eventbrite.

 

“SOS Breakfast” –Fri. Nov 10 – Honoring 242nd Birthday of Marine Corps. All area Marines, past and present, and friends are invited.  Sponsored by the Central Florida Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association. Proceeds will fund the chapter’s continued community events and the 1st Marine Division scholarship fund. Guest speaker is USMC BGen. Thomas V. Draude (ret.) Vietnam veteran with 2 tours in Vietnam, commands held in 7th Marines, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, ADC. Served in Operation Desert Storm, awarded 2 Distinguished Service Medals, 2 Silver Stars, Bronze Star & Purple Heart. Outstanding speaker & warrior! “SOS Breakfast” is fondly named after the breakfasts served in military mess halls! $30 per person, reservations required. 8:30am at Holy Trinity Reception Center - 1217 Trinity Woods Lane, Maitland, 32751 - Off Wymore Rd @ I-4 Overpass (No Exit)  Seating is limited and reservations must be received no later than Nov. 6. Info and reservations: Mike Galyean koolade @embarqmail .com 321-276-7515.

 

Lake Highland Preparatory School’s Veteran’s Day Tribute - Fri Nov 10 - “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 community are welcome to attend. 407-206-1900 

SPECIAL ATTENTION - Everyone: Notify your local social events planners at any senior living facilities - The program will be broadcast over the internet! This is a wonderful opportunity for travel-challenged seniors to see a great tribute – near professional - performed by our youngest generation! Go to the Lake Highland school website (www. lhps .org) and click on the links. The Tribute will be broadcast LIVE for all 3 shows! See one and then see it again! Info: 407-206-1900

 

Seminole State College – Fri. Nov. 10 - A Veteran’s Day Celebration will be held at SSC Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, 100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, 32773, in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts (Bld. G). A pre-celebration activity begins at 8:40 am and includes a Jazz Combo. Major Gen.Doug Metcalf (USAF Ret.) will be the guest speaker at 9:30 am and then there will be light refreshments. Info: 407.708.2028voudryk@ seminolestate .edu 

 

“Vets and Pets” Book signing – Fri. Nov 10 – Villagers for Veterans hosts a book signing of “Vets and Pets, Wounded Warriors and the Animals That Help them Heal” by Dava Guerin and Kevin Ferris. 1 – 4pm at The Villages Barnes & Noble, 1055 Old Camp Road, The Villages, 32162. Following the book signing, there is a Meet and Greet, 5pm at the Waterfront Inn with cash bar and finger foods.

 

6th Annual Orlando Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K Races/Walk – Sat. Nov 11- Orlando Marathon race 26.2, Orlando Half Marathon 13.1 and Orlando 5K race or walk event hosted by American Legion Post 112 and Help the Vets, Inc. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd. Winter Pk, FL 32792. A local quartet, Noteables, will sing before the event, the Anthem at 7:20 and races starting at 7:30 am. Discounts if registered by Oct 30. www. omarathon .com Info: Jim at racenut478@ aol .com 407-739-4949.

 

Veterans Day Expo – Sat. Nov 11 – Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy will be available to hear your concerns at the Seminole County Public Library, Central Branch, from 9am – 11am. 215 N. Oxford Rd, Casselberry, 32707. Info: Constituent Advocate Kyle at 888-205-5421

 

Orlando Veterans Day Parade – Sat. Nov 11 – One of the largest Veteran’s Day Parades, Hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council in Downtown Orlando.  11am – 1pm. Free! This year’s parade recognizes the invisible wounds of war. The parade includes about 100 Central Florida veterans groups, floats, pipe bands, marching bands, ROTC and JROTC units, first responders, community groups and military vehicles. Begins at Robinson St., south on Orange Ave., east on Central, the north on Rosalind Ave. The parade will be televised live on News 13, starting with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Info: cityoforlando.net/ veteransparade 407-246-3104.

 

Windermere Veterans Monument Dedication – Sat. Nov.11 –Join members from all of the branches of the armed forces at 11am as Windermere unveils its Veterans Monument at 520 Main Street. Patriotic music and a family friendly day long event. Sponsored by the Town of Windermere and Windermere Rotary. Info: Gary Bruhn at windermeremayor@ yahoo .com 407-876-1732.

 

Astatula’s 1st Veterans Day – Sat. Nov 11 - Country music artist Rodney Atkins will be the headline entertainer at this event. He has had six number one songs on the country music charts. Also present will be Rob O'Neill, a highly decorated SEAL and retired special forces operator with over 400 missions.  11am – 11:30pm at Central Florida Motorsports Park, 24200 County Road 561, Astatula, (Lake County) 34705. $10 advanced gen. admission before Nov 1, then $15; $100 VIP tickets; Vendors available. Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

Play and Eat Free – Sat. Nov 11 - Main Event Entertainment invites all veterans and active-duty military to play games, bowl, and eat for free from open till 5pm. Military personnel will receive one free entrée from the special Veterans Day menu, and receive a complimentary $10 FUNcard that can be used on all Main Event games. Located in Pointe Orlando at 9101 International Dr #1032, Orlando, 32819. Military ID required. Info: www. mainevent .com

 

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!

 

10th International Conference on World War II  - Nov 16-18 -  Taking place in New Orleans, the guest speaker at the closing presentation will be Hershel "Woody" Williams. There were 472 Medals of Honor awarded for actions performed during World War II. Of those recipients, only four are still with us today. Woody is the last surviving MOH Marine from Iwo Jima and has visited the Central Florida area several times. National WW2 Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. 504-528-1944 www. ww2conference  .com.

 

1st Annual Challenge 22 – 5K “Ruck” Walk – Sat. Nov 18 - American Legion Winter Garden Post 63 is hosting this in downtown Winter Garden. Registration starting at 0730 and the event getting underway at 0911. It will end around 3pm. Info: Kurt at 407-701-9416   kurtgies@ gmail .com

 

Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference – Sat. Nov 18 – Guest speakers, breakout sessions on specific entrepreneurship topics and a networking social in the evening. 1pm to 8pm at Florida Atlantic Univ., Student Union, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Sponsored by Veterans Florida. The event is completely free to attend.  Register veteransflorida.eventbrite .com Info: Bobby Carbonell at carbonell@ veteransflorida .org 850-898-1444 

 

Fundraiser for USMC Sgt. John Peck – Sat. Nov 18 - A quadruple amputee, John Peck lost his limbs when he stepped on a homemade I.E.D. in Afghanistan. He is the first Marine ever to receive a double arm transplant. As he recovers and works hard learning to use his new arms there is a need for financial support. Villagers For Veterans hopes that you will join in supporting his resolve and hard work. (They had originally provided him with an all-terrain chair for his mobility independence.) 5:30 - 6:30pm Meet & Greet with John, Fox News correspondent from the Pentagon Jennifer Griffin, and entertainer Roy Michaels. 7pm show featuring Roy Michaels. Seabreeze Recreation Center, 2384 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, 32162. Tickets: $30 for Show + Meet/Greet with finger foods and cash bar; $25 for show only. Info: www. villagersforveterans .org    516-220-5068  villagersforveterans@ gmail .com 

 

Fisher House fundraiser – Sat. Nov 18 – Have an evening with premium cuisine, drink, and live entertainment at “Concours Live” located at the Orlando Sanford Airport on the Southeast Ramp.  Additionally, there will be high performance, luxury, and classic cars and aircraft. New this year is a women's luxury fashion boutique. The night ends with a huge fireworks display. 7pm-11pm at 2151 Spinner Lane, Sanford, 32773. Proceeds of tickets purchased online at Eventbrite (must use code FH) will benefit Fisher House, located across from the Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. Info: Friends of Fisher House, Greg Smith at fisherhouseorlando@ gmail .com 901-438-7734

 

Send me your Veterans Day and November events ASAP! I’m HOPING to compile the next list within the next week…….

 

 

Caring and sharing,

 

Cathy Haynes

Member/volunteer/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations

407-239-8468