Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Escort - Sun April 19 – begins at 10am from Brevard Community College, Cocoa and proceeds down the highway to Wickham Park, Melbourne. It will remain at Wickham Park thru Sun. April 26 for the Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion. The escorted arrival is always exciting with hundreds of motorcycles and First Responder vehicles.
This is the escort into Wickham Park last year.
Apr 28, 2014 Yesterday at Wickham Park in Melbourne Florida, the Vietnam traveling Wall was escorted by hundreds of motorcycles for the kick off the the 2014 Veterans Reunion.
More Events From Cathy Haynes
Mid-April notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida
Florida Women Veterans Conference – Apr 17-19 - a first ever weekend conference open to ALL women veterans of ALL eras. Noted speakers. Sandcastle Resort in Sarasota (1540 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, 34236) The website provides full information including the agenda, registration and hotel: flwvc.org
Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Seminole Co. – Sat. Apr 18 – located at Seminole County Health Dept, 400 W. Airport Blvd., Sanford, 32773. 9am – 1pm providing free services like medical, dental, haircuts, food, VA claims services, Legal assistance, clothing and more. Free LYNX bus service with the flyer. Contact Ed B. at 407-665-2371, or VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans 321-397-6607.
Law Enforcement Career Forum – Mon Apr 20 - Recruiting by City of Orlando and Orange County to become law enforcement professionals and 911 communications personnel. 3pm – 6pm at Valencia College School of Public Safety, 8600 Valencia College Lane, Orlando, 32825 (East Campus.) Contactkristina.fleming@ocfl.net 407-254-7489
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Apr 21 – a “Chamber of Commerce” of sorts open to all veteran owned businesses, meeting at 10am, 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.
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – Apr 23 – 26, Wickham Park in Melbourne. The nation’s largest veteran reunion is very well attended; military displays, reenactments and ceremonies, old and new friends. Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall will be onsite from Apr.19 – 26.
Check the website for the schedule of events – very busy and interesting each day. www floridaveteransreunion.com
Leesburg Bikefest – Thurs – Sun, Apr 23 - 26. AMVETS Post 2006 will offer limited secure and parking areas for all motorcycles... as you may know they are only a few blocks from downtown at 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748. Breakfast offered Fri thru Sun from 8am-10am. Lots of food (Fish Fry, Chicken dinners and more, beverages, music and FUN. Special fundraising T-shirts. AMVETS Post 2006 352-323-8750 or see their Facebook page.
Employment 101 – Fri, Apr 24 – 10am – 12noon at the Orlando VA Medical Center, Auditorium A, Rm 504 (Lake Baldwin site), 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. Assistance for landing that desired job. Ellamay "Annie" Artis, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, 407-629-1599 x1846 ellamay.artis@va.gov
Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Brevard Co. – Sat. Apr 25 – located at National Guard Armory, 308 N. Fiske Ave., Cocoa, 32922. 8am – 2pm providing free services like medical, dental, hearing and eye exams, VA claims services, Legal assistance, haircuts, food, clothing and more. Donated bicycles to be given away. Free SCAT bus service. Contact Bill at 321-431-0364 or Kim at 321-704-6712.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. Apr 25 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that 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 9:00 pm and enter the terminal area at about 9:30pm. 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.
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!
Women in Defense Networking - Tues Apr 28 – Central Florida Chapter of Women In Defense (WID) will gather with wine tasting in a Napa-Style Tasting Room and sample wine selections. A tasting includes seven to eight different wines and no reservation is necessary. 5pm – 7pm, Cooper’s Hawk at Waterford Lakes, 529 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32828. $20 Member | $25 Non-Members, RSVP to Laura - programs@wid-cfl.org Women In Defense, a National Security Organization, is a cross-section of national security professions in industry, government, military and academia.
Heroes Commons at Jefferson Park Ground Breaking – Wed. Apr 29 – 2pm at 1205 Polk St, at the corner of Benson Ave. in Downtown Orlando. Homes for former warriors and their families are sponsored by numerous organizations. Info and RSVP to lindsays@orlandorealtors.org 407.513.7277
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.
Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. May 2– Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that 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 9pm and enter the terminal area at about 9:30 - 10pm. (HOWEVER – I have not received flight information yet from the Central Florida Honor Flight group. Time may vary.) Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Unknown airline at this time. If you are interested in attending, please contact me so when I know, I’ll let you know.
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.
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 (Public welcomed) at Conway United Methodist Church, 3401 S Conway Rd, Orlando, FL 32812, in their fellowship hall around the back. Mr. Barbe served from 1942 to 1945 with the 101st Airborne Division with Co. B, 327th Glider-Parachute Regiment. He made a glider landing in enemy territory and he still has the shaving kit that caught a bullet and saved his life in the air. Birthday cards would be welcomed and can be mailed to the church in attention to Mr. Barbe. Contact me (Cathy Haynes) for info as details are still being ironed out as I send this.
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
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.) atnavleaguecenfl@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. (18 th 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
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.
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
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…..
MEMORIAL DAY/weekend events: (Mon. May 25) 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..” 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.
Sun. May 24 – 10am – American Legion Post 112, and Sea Cadets in Orlando.
Mon. May 25 – 8am – Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee – Osceola County Veterans Council
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 – 11am – Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell.
Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – Ceremony starts at 10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending to provide the keynote address. 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.
Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 29. Disney’s Palm Golf Course is the site for this 5 th 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 407.841.0071jnelson@camaraderiefoundation.org
Battle of Midway Commemorative Dinner – Sat. Jun 15 in St. Augustine. Contact the Navy Leagues in Mayport or St. Augustine for info.
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
Unique PTS Therapy – Warriors, past and present with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, experiencing life altering Post Traumatic Stress may wish to inquire about a local clinical research program. The UCF (Univ. of Central FL) RESTORES is still investigational but three years of results reported by warriors are very encouraging. Two separate therapy programs are available at NO COST use sights, sounds and smells to reduce fear and anxiety. One program lasts 17 weeks, and the other is an intense, shorter termed one. Both instruct you to deal with and manage your anger, depression, and re-adjustment after deployment. Contact the Program Coordinator Dr. Sandra Neer at 407.823.1668 for a confidential telephone interview.
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
Free Cell Phones at VA Locations - Veterans can apply for a FREE cell phone through the SafeLink Program. There are a few guidelines for usage. Must be able to present some form of military ID (i.e. VA card, Retired ID). Only one phone will be issued per household.
SafeLink outreach reps are staffing numerous locations around central Florida. Here is a helpful schedule for our VA clinics: Orlando VA Medical Center in Baldwin Park: 9 am-2 pm, M, T, and F, next to the Travel Counter
Kissimmee CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, Th and F.
Orange City CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, W and F.
Leesburg CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, M-Th.
Ocala CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, M-Th.
Viera Outpatient Clinic: 9 am-2 pm M and W.
Daytona Beach location: 9 am-2 pm M and T.
POC: Laine Strutton – Orlando Manager, Safelink (914) 689-6716
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.
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
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
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
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
