Florida Makes 5th Place State for Military Retirees

Analysis ranks best, worst states for military retirees
ABC News 10
By Brittney Petro
Published: May 22, 2015

A newly released analysis ranks “2015’s Best and Worst States for Military Retirees” based on a state’s ability to support retired veterans. WalletHub looked at 20 key factors when determining the rankings.

The three major categories in the ranking included economic environment, quality of life and healthcare. However, WalletHub took other factors into consideration as well, such as job opportunities, housing prices, veteran-owned businesses and veteran homelessness.

Top 5 States for Military Retirees:

1. Wyoming
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Maine
5. Florida

read more here

"Paralyzed" Veteran Walks Again After Getting Free Home?

Homes for Our Troops questions veteran's paralysis after video 
KENS 5
Dillon Collier
May 20, 2015

Weeks after the couple moved into a home in rural Hays County, videos and pictures surfaced showing Justin walking on the property

DRIPPING SPRINGS -- A national non-profit that built a specially-adapted house in Dripping Springs for a wounded Army veteran is now 'weighing its options', after contrasting stories have emerged regarding the severity of the soldier's injuries.

Army Specialist Justin Perez-Gorda suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving in Afghanistan in January 2011.

For years, he and his wife claimed publicly he was paralyzed from the belly button down.

"He has permanent loss of use of both lower extremities. He's paralyzed from the belly button down," Josephine Perez-Gorda said during a taped video segment later used by Homes for Our Troops for fundraising efforts.
read more here

Students Sent to Detention Defending Flag Against Teacher

Teacher Accused of Stomping on American Flag in Front of Students
May 21, 2015
As seen on Fox and Friends

An Illinois town is in an uproar after a teacher allegedly stomped on a flag in front of his students.

Two parents of children at Martinsville High School were on “Fox and Friends” this morning to discuss the ordeal.

Gina Gibson said that the unnamed teacher was using the American flag as a pointer in the classroom, even though students objected to the flag being used in that manner.

She said the students cautioned the teacher not to let Old Glory touch the floor, and that’s when he stomped on the flag, telling his students that it was his right to do so.

Gibson said that some students – her son included – were sent to the office to be given detention for refusing to lift their heads off of their desks following the teacher's actions.
read more here

Congress Inaction Always Harms Veterans

This weekend in Orlando the new Lake Nona VA Hospital is finally opening. I went to the groundbreaking back in 2008. This was the news back then. Orlando VA Medical Center Awards Final Contract For New Medical Center

The $665 million medical campus, located on a 65-acre campus in southeast Orange County, is expected to open in late 2012. In addition to the hospital providing acute care, complex specialty care and advanced diagnostic services, the facility will also have a large multispecialty outpatient clinic, 134-inpatient beds, 120-community living center beds, a 60-bed domiciliary and administrative and support services.

As you can see, building a VA hospital is never quick or easy or cheap. The point is, that years pass from the time Congress gets around to approving plans, accepting bids, and getting the land to build it on. A lot happens in between the time Congress approves it and it actually happens.

Congress has the responsibility to oversee everything so when things don't happen, they are supposed to take action to make sure it does. So why didn't they?

VA chief rips Congress for ‘inaction’ on Denver hospital
The Hill
By Martin Matishak
05/20/15

The authorization for the project, which began more than a decade ago, expires this weekend.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald is warning lawmakers that, unless they act soon, construction on a delay-plagued VA hospital outside of Denver will come “grinding to a halt.”

“I have provided multiple proposals to the Congressional authorizing committee as to how we can complete this campus for veterans. The options were rejected and the result has been inaction. Our veterans deserve better than that,” McDonald said Wednesday in a statement.

He said that, “without immediate Congressional action prior to returning home for the Memorial Day holiday recess, construction on the Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora will shut down Sunday, grinding to a halt as Kiewit Turner demobilizes its team of contractors and sub-contractors.”

Earlier this week, the agency chief sent a memo to the leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and other lawmakers, asking for a $200 million increase in the funding limit for the facility being built in Aurora, Colo., for a new total of $1 billion.

“Let me be clear. Inaction by Congress will punish the nearly 400,000 Colorado veterans and families that Aurora will serve,” he added.
read more here

Father of Marine Struggles After Suicide

FATHER OF MARINE GRAPPLES WITH SON'S DEATH AFTER PTSD STRUGGLE
ABC 7 News
By Chuck Goudie and Christine M. Tressel
May 28, 2015
Two days before he died, Cole had asked his dad to watch "American Sniper," a riveting war memoir.

"He said it portrays very well the kind of meltdown psychologically of a guy doing what he was doing," Tom Van Dorn said. "He said that's him, making these decisions on who lives and who dies."
ARLINGTON, Va. (WLS) -- Tom Van Dorn, a pianist and composer, wrote music for a video he made about his son's first deployment. He can no longer bear to watch it.

On April 8, his 29-year-old son, Staff Sgt. Cole Van Dorn, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was being treated for PTSD and taking about a dozen drugs, his father said.

Two thousand miles away in west suburban Bloomingdale, his father got the terrible news. He had just spoken to his son a couple days before.

He never thought his son was suicidal.

"I'm guessing that it was 30 hours later that he died," Tom Van Dorn said.

One in five service members have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Government data says there are 300,000 servicemembers with PTSD, depression or brain trauma after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At least 22 veterans commit suicide each day, according to the Veterans Administration.

"Treat these Marines -- whoever is in charge -- like this is your kid," said Tom Van Dorn. "That's all I want."
read more here

Reporter Thinks Loving Veteran With PTSD is New?

This is what I got in my email and made me spit out my coffee on my desk. It missed my monitor.

Pair's book sheds light on spousal PTSD fight StarNewsOnline.com
The two women had spouses who were diagnosed with PTSD. ... unchartered territory of loving someone with post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD).

"Unchartered?" Seriously? What they hell did the reporter think all other generations were doing? Any clue how many books have been written over the years about all of this? Just one more case of the media manipulation instead of doing some basic research.


I've been doing this for over 30 years and even wrote a couple of books about it but someone else wrote books long before me.

Patience Press started in 1993 with the publication of Why Is Daddy Like He Is? a book for the children of veterans with PTSD and the first issue of The Post-Traumatic Gazette. We also sold remaindered hardback copies of the Viking (1990) edition of Recovering from the War: A Woman’s Guide to Helping Your Vietnam Veteran, Your Family and Yourself. When we ran out in 1998, Bob created a new cover for the book and, because so many veterans had found it helpful even those from other wars, we changed the subtitle to A Guide for All Veterans, Family Members, Friends and Therapists.

Patience also wrote a series of pamphlets about PTSD: After the War: For the Wives of All Veterans, An Explanation of PTSD for Twelve Steppers:When I get sober I feel crazy, and The War at Home. This was followed by Why Is Mommy Like She Is? a book for the children of women trauma survivors. When the new wars started, she wrote a pamphlet for the new veterans, Home from War. Finally, she wrote a new version of Why Is Mommy Like She Is? for military women who have been deployed or suffered MST. All of these are now available free on this website. You may copy them and share them as long as you retain Patience’s copyright notice.

There are thousands of book about living with PTSD but as long as reporters want to pretend no one was charting what life was like, then history will simultaneously be repeated and ignored. If you want to know why things have gotten worse with more being done on PTSD, it is simply because most of the true groundbreaking work was done before the internet.

Fallen Soldier Left Alone At Atlanta Airport Hype

First start with what happened and then read the headline.

At no point were the remains left unattended. In fact, a member of Delta's dedicated Honor Guard as well as a military escort were inside the vehicle as they waited for the arrival of the outbound aircraft.

They are never left alone.
Delta's Honor Guard welcome home fallen soldier and dog
Emotional moment Delta's Honor Guard welcomes home fallen soldier and dog as team of Delta employees volunteer to commemorate in special ceremony.
If you want to see a movie for Memorial Day, start with this one. Kevin Bacon in Taking Chance.




Delta spokesman says that you can even see a worker in the corner of the picture and you can see his arm and orange vest. Too bad this close to Memorial Day the reporter couldn't have shown more dignity to the fallen soldier than start with a headline like this.

Iraq veteran claims soldier's body was left unattended at airport
WBRC
By Dante Renzulli
Posted: May 20, 2015

ATLANTA (CBS46) - It's not unusual for Delta Air Lines to be trusted with the important task of bringing home the remains of a fallen soldier.

Normally, you will find the Delta Honor Guard present as a flag-draped transfer case is loaded or unloaded onto a plane. But Iraq veteran Steven Cathey said when he looked out the window of his connecting flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, he saw a soldier's body sitting alone.

CBS46 reached Cathey by phone at his home in Jacksonville. "It's kind of upsetting to see a fallen service member, another brother or sister in arms, just sitting there out in the open, like a piece of luggage," said Cathey.

According to Cathey, other passengers noticed too. He said he observed the soldier's body unattended for at least 20 minutes. "We were talking about it on the plane, and then I took it from the plane and put it up on social media to see what other people had to say about it," said Cathey.
read more here

Fort Bragg "Captain America" Soldier Rescued Crash Victims

Bragg soldier pulls three from fiery wreckage after Chatham crash 
WRAL News
May 19, 2015

"I took an oath to help serve the United States, foreign and domestic, so when I was there, I realized that I was the only one there at the time who could help.

CARY, N.C. — A Fort Bragg soldier is being hailed as a hero for rescuing three people after a weekend collision in eastern Chatham County.

A car and an SUV collided on O'Kelly Chapel Road near Cary on Sunday afternoon when, according to the State Highway Patrol, the SUV driver tried to pass another vehicle. "I heard the giant explosion. It sounded bad.

I got on 911 immediately without even seeing it," said John Spurrell, who was working in his backyard at the time. By the time Spurrell ran to the road, he saw the front of the car smashed in and flames erupting from the SUV, which was on its side.

He also saw a man in a Captain America T-shirt running into the fire to drag the SUV driver to safety. Army Capt. Steve Voglezon was off duty and on his way to a shopping mall when he came upon the crash. 

Even though he has only basic first aid training, the missile defense officer said his instincts kicked in as he pulled the driver out by his belt and, together with three other people, carried him away from the wreckage. read more here

Kindergarten Cops Stand-in Dad's Place

Dad Serving in Afghanistan Can't Attend Daughter's Kindergarten Graduation, Local Police Come Instead 
GOOD MORNING AMERICA
By ALEXA VALIENTE
May 20, 2015

"There’s a lot of our officers in the military," Flores said. "And they all look out for each other."

The Mesa Police Department attended Sophia Prinkey's kindergarten graduation, because her father and Mesa police officer Shawn Prinkey is serving in the military in Afghanistan. Courtesy Mesa Police Department

Most graduates invite their family and close friends to the ceremony -- but one Arizona kindergarten student got to bring the local police department to hers.

Shawn Prinkey is a motorcycle officer and 14-year veteran of the Mesa Police Department.

As a part-time member of the military, Prinkey is also serving in the Army in Afghanistan and couldn't make his daughter Sophia's kindergarten graduation on May 13. So his fellow Mesa police officers decided to attend the event for him instead.
read more here

Defeating PTSD Starts With Understanding It

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
May 20, 2015

My friend Gunny keeps saying "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome." (adopted mantra in many units) That is part of the "awareness" that has escaped all the good meaning folks running around the country as if brining the problem to the public's attention has done any good at all. Civilians don't understand why so many veterans commit suicide anymore than they understand much else about the military. On the flip side, veterans are well aware of the problems far too many face but what they need to know more is what they can do to change any of it.

Some veterans want the "D" dropped from the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as if that would change the way folks think.

Ty Carter, Afghanistan veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient is among many believing the term change would change attitudes. It won't. It has been tried far too many times before. As researchers learned more about what trauma does, especially combat trauma, they have adapted terms to include what they learned.

First take the word "Trauma" itself since all of us know "Post" means after something,

trauma (n.) 1690s, "physical wound," medical Latin, from Greek trauma "a wound, a hurt; a defeat," from PIE *trau-, extended form of root *tere- (1) "to rub, turn," with derivatives referring to twisting, piercing, etc. (see throw (v.)). Sense of "psychic wound, unpleasant experience which causes abnormal stress" is from 1894.

And now "stress"

Medical Definition of STRESS
1 a : a force exerted when one body or body part presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part; especially : the intensity of this mutual force commonly expressed in pounds per square inch
b : the deformation caused in a body by such a force
2 a : a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation
b : a state of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium
3: the force exerted between teeth of the upper and lower jaws during mastication

And now "disorder"

Definition of DISORDER
1: to disturb the order of
2: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

As you can see, the term fits what it is perfectly. The trouble isn't with the term but with how it has received a negative attitude.

When things are out of place, it means that everything is still there but the pieces are jumbled up.

Think of a puzzle. When my daughter was 2, her Godmother gave her a couple of puzzles for older kids. I put them away for when she was ready for them but somehow she found them. She thought they were pictures. She took off the covering and a piece fell out. She thought she broke the picture and was upset until I explained to her that it wasn't broken and just needed to be put back in again. Long story short, she ended up mastering putting pieces where they needed to go.

American Military History Jigsaw Puzzle 1000pc

It is all together when the pieces are cut and shaped. Then they are put into a box, closed, sealed and shipped off. When you open it, you see a nice box cover then look at the 1,000 pieces wondering how you can make it all fit back together again.

All the pieces are there in the disordered pile just like a veteran with PTSD. It is all still there. The basic reason they decided to serve is still there but they just can't find it in the pile of all they went through. All their memories are covering it.

The good times they shared are still there but again, more pieces are on top that are not so good and not so nice. Somehow the painful ones cover the good memories. Covering the painful ones are the horrific ones.

Once everything is being put into place, a different image emerges. Miss a couple of pieces and it won't look the same as when all the pieces are put back into the proper place.

Veterans are not missing any pieces and there is nothing weak about them. When you consider they managed to survive combat, that is not even a logical one. Another illogical assumption is that they are stuck suffering the way they are right now. While there is no cure for PTSD, there is healing. No one is stuck suffering. PTSD can be defeated.

Debellatio means the act of conquering or subduing. The term indicates end of a war caused by complete destruction of a hostile state.

There can be an end to the internal war fought inside the veteran because of the external battles they fought in our name.

It has to begin by addressing the whole veteran. Their mind, body and their soul/spirit or for those who do not believe in the soul, the emotional part of the mind. Leave one part out and the outcome is not as good as if all the parts were included in the final production.

Anyone paying attention, or thinking they have, has repeated the "22 a day" as the count of veterans surviving combat but taking their own lives back at home. That number is not real. State after state reports that veterans are committing suicide double the civilian population rate. For younger veterans, they commit suicide triple their peer rate. Even with all the "awareness" being raised and all the charities, foundations and this research project followed by that program, the numbers show it is a whole lot of folks feeling good about doing something even though that "something" has done more harm than good.

Veterans are not a "project"

something that is contemplated, devised, or planned; plan; scheme.

They are "protectors" and willing to die in order to save others they serve with.

A hero (masculine or gender-neutral) or heroine (feminine) (Ancient Greek: ἥρως, hḗrōs) is a person or character who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displays courage or self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good. Historically, the first heroes displayed courage or excellence as warriors. The word's meaning was later extended to include moral excellence.

Etymology
The word hero comes from the Greek ἥρως (hērōs), "hero, warrior",[3] literally "protector" or "defender".[4] Before the decipherment of Linear B the original form of the word was assumed to be *ἥρωϝ-, hērōw-; R. S. P. Beekes has proposed a Pre-Greek origin.[5]

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the Indo-European root is *ser meaning "to protect". According to Eric Partridge in Origins, the Greek word Hērōs "is akin to" the Latin seruāre, meaning to safeguard. Partridge concludes, "The basic sense of both Hera and hero would therefore be 'protector'."

PTSD does not have to win at all but as long as we accept what has been going on instead of changing the conversation, changing the way we treat them, they will never see what is really inside of them or discover what is possible. The truth is, as bad as the real numbers are of veterans committing suicide, the majority of them are healing because they stopped doing what didn't work and found what worked for them.

A lot of that has to do with the fact they understand that they will not fit back into the civilian world, since civilians did not understand them when they were in the military any more than they can understand that level of unselfishness. They do fit in perfectly with other veterans and among them, they are understood, supported and find they do in fact belong with them.

There are many other words we can use like this one,

Nikao (pronounced nik-ah'-o) to subdue (literally or figuratively):--conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

What is "evil" within them is only a thought they have and that voice can get so loud they actually start to forget that they are not evil. Evil people do not grieve for anyone other than themselves. There is no pain greater than grieving for someone else or as unselfish. If they understand where that pain is coming from, they are part way there to defeating the pain they carry.

1 John 2:14 New International Version (NIV) I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

No veteran is stuck where they are and the real evidence of walking miracles is what they turn around to do once they begin to heal. They pass it on so that other veterans can live better lives as well.

Legally Blind Veteran's Organs Taken, Including Eyes

Lawsuit claims VA hospital harvested organs from non-donor 
WSMV News
Posted: May 18, 2015

MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) - A widow in Murfreesboro told Channel 4 her husband's organs were donated, but he was not a donor.

Medical records show that when Kevrek Frierson asked if he wanted to be an organ donor, he said no. He was legally blind, yet records show his eyes and several other organs were donated.

Left to right: Wanda, Kevrek and Myia Frierson

Wanda Frierson said she honored her husband Kevrek Frierson's wishes in life. She was distraught they aren't being honored in death.

"This wasn't right," she said.

Kevrek Frierson had diabetes and several other illnesses when he went to the Veterans Administration hospital in Murfreesboro. He fell gravely ill in June 2014.

After multiple trips to the hospital, he died.

"I just felt like something was not right and I just remember I said, 'Dad, I love you,'" said Myia Frierson, the couple's daughter. "And he said, 'Myia, I love you, too.' And that was the last thing I said to him."

Adding to their pain, the family said Tennessee Donor Services immediately rushed to collect Kevrek Frierson's organs. But they said he wasn't an organ donor.

"I told them it was in his medical records that he is not a donor," Wanda Frierson said. "He never was one."
read more here

Sgt. Andrew Brenner Survived 4 Tours, Lived 2 Months As Veteran

WITNESSES SOUGHT IN FATAL CUMBERLAND COUNTY CRASH INVOLVING VETERAN
ABC11 News
Greg Barnes
Tuesday, May 19, 2015

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The State Highway Patrol is looking for anyone who might have witnessed a wreck that killed a decorated Iraqi war veteran.

Sgt. Andrew Brenner was out of uniform barely two months when he was killed.

"He was very giving," said Brenner's wife, April. "He was a great husband and wonderful man."

Brenner said he was also a decorated war hero who loved his country.

"He was very dedicated to his job. He served four tours in Iraq," she said. "He's been around the world and back again."

Andrew Brenner also loved his Harley. He was riding it home Friday when he was hit at the intersection of N.C. Highway 87 south and Tom Starling Road, which is southeast of Fayetteville.

The Highway Patrol said Brenner pulled into the intersection and was hit by a SUV traveling south on NC 87. He later died.
read more here

One WWII Army Blanket Warms Two Army Veterans

WW II veteran donates Army blanket to homeless vet 
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
By Marvin Glassman
May 18, 2015

Lepolstat, who will turn 94 on May 29, received the Army blanket when he was discharged from a hospital in Springfield, Missouri in 1943. Lepolstat was with the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1942-46.

When World War II veteran Stanley Lepolstat of Hollywood offered an old Army blanket of his to the Temple Sinai of Hollywood blanket drive for the homeless last February, he had no idea how significant the 72-year-old army blanket would be for the recipient.

According to Rabbi Gideon Goldenholtz of Temple Sinai, the recipient of the blanket was, like Lepolstat, also a veteran of the Army and he was looking specifically for an Army blanket.

"While we were handing out our blankets, a 28-ish homeless veteran came up and asked 'Do you have any army blankets?' We had the Army blanket from Stanley Lepolstat and gave it to him.

His face and eyes lit up a little when he said 'Thank you very much' and he appeared to feel a little safer holding onto the blanket," said Goldenholz.

"I consider the story of a veteran who is homeless receiving the blanket as a miracle. It is so important to me that the person who received the Army blanket was a veteran.

I don't know why I kept the Army blanket for so many years, but I am so very happy for donating it when I did," said Lepolstat.

"Was it Bashert, meant to be, or merely a coincidence? We think not," said Goldenholz. read more here

Memorial Day Events for Central Florida

Remember, Memorial Day isn't supposed to be a "happy" day but it has turned into the unofficial kickoff to summer with BBQ, shopping and beaches. If you don't remember what the day is supposed to mean, then please go to work Monday or at least think about your own family members someplace on your family tree you should be honoring instead of enjoying a day off work.

From Cathy Haynes

May event list #2, Memorial Day/weekend and associated events in Central Florida.  

Please share with others.   Post where appropriate.   Attend when able.

There are other events before the weekend and after the Memorial Day/weekend that were on the event list sent out on May 1.  

American Legion membership - Special Membership Drive for all New Member Veterans, Active Duty personnel AND Renewals!  But this is currently offered ONLY by Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320 Alloway St, Orlando, 32810-5510.   Post 19 will pay $10 of your $35 annual dues, a $10 dollar saving, if you join by May 25.   Phone 407-622-1807   Membership includes the monthly national magazine that covers a wide variety of topics for all generations, all service zones, and all branches of our military.

Support Blue Star Families by shopping – Week of Sun. May 17 – Mon. May 25 – Macy’s offers 15%-25% discount in return for a $3 donation made at the register.   Proceeds benefit “Got Your Six” and “Blue Star Families” programs and events for military families.  

Florida’s Fallen Hero Crosses - Lawton House Grounds, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. Guests are invited to walk the grounds May 16-25, where 385+ crosses with grapevine wreaths represent lost Floridian military members. Pictures and other items may be present with the displays.   This is free and open to the public to remember and honor service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect our freedom.   Memorial Day ceremony to honor them.   Info:   407-339-0879.

MEMORIAL DAY/weekend events:  

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings.

FRIDAY MAY 22

Ocoee’s Memorial Day Ceremony –11am - Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, 34761.  The keynote speaker will be Michael McDaniel, Department Adjutant of the Florida American Legion.   Mr. McDaniel served in the United States Marine Corps for 26 years and reached the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant.    As Adjutant he has oversight on more than 300 Posts and 113,101 Legionnaires throughout Florida and is an advocate for veterans’ rights in Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee.  A processional will be made to the Ocoee Memorial Wall, where a wreath will be set in place. The wall is inscribed with the names of Ocoee residents who gave their lives for freedom.  Ocoee High School student Andrew Jolicoeur will sing the National Anthem and there will be ceremonial flag presentations by the Ocoee High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard.   Jacob Pickett, Ocoee Middle School band director, will play "Taps". Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. Info:   Joy Wright at   joy.wright@ ocoee.org   407-905-3100

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 cemetery for veterans – 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…..

SATURDAY MAY 23

Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute - 9:30am to 12noon – 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, 32839.   VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be performing, Chaplain Richard Black, USN (ret.) and Dr. Neal Euliano, keynote speaker.   Dr. Phillips High School ROTC will perform the Posting of the Colors, POW/MIA Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Goldenrod VFW Post 4287 will close with gun salute.   All veterans welcomed.   Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.   Info:   407-855-5877.

Celebration’s Veterans Memorial Day Flag Ceremony – 10am – at Founders Park, Campus St, Celebration, 34747 in Osceola County.    The flag ceremony will honor the men and women who have bravely and selflessly defended our country, and will celebrate and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.   The Celebration Veterans Group, Boy and Girl Scout Troops and the Garden Club of Celebration are helping to host this ceremony. The Celebration Community Chorus will put on a special performance recognizing US military members.  

Lake Nona VA Hospital Open House for VETERANS –10am to 2pm - Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. This day is targeted to honor Veterans, Active Duty and their families.   Veteran or active duty ID is needed (VA ID, DD214, Driver’s License with veteran designation, military ID, etc.)   Food, tours, games, more.   Public is invited on Tuesday, May 26 for the Dedication.   Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum – Sat. May 23 and Sun. May 24 only – Open House 9am – 5pm, 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville, 32780.   Free admission for active or retired military and ALL Florida residents. (I.D. required)   Low fly-bys, memorabilia, combat pilots, exhibits and displays honoring the military.   Requesting additional donation of canned goods which will be sent to local food banks.    www. vacwarbirds.org    321-268-1941.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Taft Cemetery – 12 noon ceremony, 501 Landstreet Rd., Orlando, 32824 in south Orlando.   American Legion Dorie Miller Memorial Post #331 will place flags on veteran’s graves beginning about an hour before the ceremony.   Public invited.   Post phone: 407-294-3548.

American Legion Memorial Day Commemoration - 1pm - Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320 Alloway Street, Orlando, 32810.   Commemoration for all fallen warriors & will include recognition of two Post members who died within the past year – Gerry Rogers and Kenny Harlow - whose combined membership totaled over 100 years of service to American Legion.   Live music entertainment from 2 to 5 PM by 90 Proof Band.    Burger or Brat with two sides for $3 with advanced purchase of ticket otherwise will be $5 on the day.   Info:  Commander at 407-622-1807.

City of Rockledge Inaugural Memorial Day Ceremony – 2 to 3pm - This event will feature patriotic music, guest speakers, Color Guards, and the laying of a ceremonial wreath. Light refreshments to follow at the McLarty Park Recreation Center, 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 32955   Info: www.    cityofrockledge.org

Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina - NASCAR drivers will honor fallen service members with "600 Miles of Remembrance." The strip across the windshield of Sprint Cup cars will feature a fallen United States Armed Forces member.   There will be two warriors from central Florida who will be remembered and honored:

·        Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller from Oviedo, a Medal of Honor recipient, will have his name on the windshield of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Chevrolet.

·        Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd Earl Holley from Casselberry/Winter Park will have his name on the windshield of Landon Cassill’s No. 40 Chevrolet.

The race will start at 6pm, and will be carried on TV.

National ‪ ‎Memorial Day Concert - 8pm on our local PBS TV station – WUCF This concert is from Washington DC and is hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.

MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY 25 MAY – alphabetical by county

BREVARD COUNTY

10th Annual Cocoa Riverfront Park Memorial Day Tribute – 3pm to 8pm.   Parade through Historic Cocoa Village from 5p-6p.   Ceremony from 6:45 - 8pm - downtown Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, 32922.   Opening remarks will be presented by City Manager John A. Titkanich, Jr. and our guest speakers for the ceremony are Pastor David E. Bryant, Sr., US Air Force Retired, Major General Jonathan A. Maddux, US Army and Commander Paul Nitz, US Navy. There will be various veterans’ organizations on site, presentations and patriotic music. Special flag-folding ceremony, period costumes, a moment of silence, entertainment, and more.   Free. RAIN OR SHINE the tribute will take place. In inclement weather the event will be held in the Cocoa Civic Center located at 430 Delannoy Ave., Cocoa which is located directly behind the Riverfront Park. Info:  City of Cocoa Leisure Services Dept - 321-639-3500.   www. cocoafl.org

LAKE COUNTY

Lake County Memorial Day observance – 11am, Waterfront Pavilion, 330 Third Street on Lake Minneola in Clermont.   Sponsored by the Tomoka Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), I.W. Hatcher, Jr. South Lake Marine Corps Detachment and VFW Post #5277. Also participating will be the Knights of Columbus Council #13240, South Lake High School NJROTC, Boy Scouts and Girls Scout of South Lake County.   Info:  Susan DeHart at 352-242-2394.

Amvets Post 2006 Memorial Day ceremony – 11am - 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, Fl 34748.   Shortly after the ceremony, lunch will be served at 12:30 and prepared by the Military Chef of Le Cordon Bleu.   Info:   Peggy AMVETS Auxiliary at veteransinfoandevents@ gmail.com    407.484.2159  

ORANGE COUNTY

Winter Garden Memorial Day Service - 8:30 am at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden, 34787.   Featured speaker is Jerry L. Hagan of the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and retired Navy Master Chief.    A Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, patriotic songs performed that will invoke pride, honor and respect for our veterans. Refreshments will be served.   Info:   Theo Graham at 407-656-2021.

Orange County War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony – 10am – Orange County Courthouse, south side, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801.    Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will express eternal gratitude.   Also attending Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council.   Keynote speaker will be Capt. Warren Hudson, USN (ret.) who is the President of Lake Highland Preparatory school.   He served aboard a Navy swift boat in Vietnam.   Color Guard, singers, high school band and more as we remember and honor members of the armed forces from Orange County who ultimately sacrificed their lives while serving our country.   Info:   407-836-7370.

Woodlawn Memorial Park Ceremony - 10am; 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, 34734.   Rifle volley, Taps and the tolling of the replica Liberty Bell in memory of the dead of all wars.   Guest speakers are former Florida House of Representatives member Dick Batchelor, and Army Col. Vincent F. Malone, 407-293-1361.

Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando – 10am - ceremony by the American Legion Orlando Memorial Post 19, at the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801.   Public is invited.   Refreshments for those attending free at the post following the ceremony at 5320 Alloway Street, Orlando, 32810.   Contact Information: Wade Foster 407-622-1807                

Glen Haven Memorial Park - 11am to 1pm - 2300 Temple Dr., Winter Park, 32789.   Annual observance of those who so selflessly fought and died for their country, honoring the memory of lives lost in service. Memorial service is emceed by 540 WFLA's Bud Hedinger.   It includes the presentation of the colors, uniform presentation of all wars by the Winter Springs High School Army JROTC unit, and patriotic songs sung by Charles Haugabrooks accompanied by the VFW 2093 Community Band.   Small American flags will be available for all visitors.   Info:   407-647-1100

American Legion Post 286 – 1 to 2 pm    The American Legion Family invites the public to the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony. 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809.   (Pine Castle in South Orlando; north of Sand Lake Rd on Orange Ave.)   Info: Sandi at 407-859-1460.

Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation - 2pm – the first Memorial Day ceremony at the Central FL Veterans Memorial Wall located at the Lake Nona VA Hospital site.   The Wall features the names of fallen warriors from the six county area (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia) who served in WWI to the present day conflicts.   A reception starts at 1:45pm.   Arrive early, limited seating.  Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.

American Legion Post 112 – See event listed on Sunday, May 31.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Osceola Memory Gardens – 8am, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744.   Osceola County Veterans Council and other groups perform ceremony.   Public invited. 407-957-2511.

Mount Peace Cemetery – 10am, 755 E. 10th St., St. Cloud, 34769.   Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3227 is hosting St. Cloud's Memorial Day Service. Everyone is invited to stop by to remember and honor those who gave their all in the service of their country.   407-892-6761.

POLK COUNTY

Bok Tower Gardens Memorial Day Carillon Concerts – 1 to 1:30pm and 3 to 3:30pm, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, 33853.   Half-hour carillon concerts as musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s military service – past and present.   Free admission offered to all military branches, active, retired, and disabled veterans with valid ID.   Concerts included with general admission.   863-676-1408.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Florida’s Fallen Hero Crosses ceremony - 9am - Lawton House Grounds, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. The Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen Floridian military members. This free event is open to the public and includes the Presentation of Colors preceding a short program in memory of and to honor all U.S. service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect our freedom. Guests are also invited to walk the grounds May 16-25, where 385+ crosses with grapevine wreaths represent lost Floridian military members.  Info:   407-339-0879.

Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony - 9am - For spectators and family, the fun starts at 9 AM with music, stilt walkers and lots of fun!   The Parade starts at 10 AM, heading east to Park Avenue and then heads North on Park Avenue, ending at Seminole Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Park, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771. Dignitaries and officials, all of the County’s Veteran Service Groups, Tuskegee Airmen, the Steel Soldiers Military Vehicle Association, Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum, Bahia Shriners, a variety of Color Guards.   Also military vehicles and veteran organizations to give ‘Thanks’ to those who have served, continue to serve and to mourn with the family members who have lost loved ones on Memorial Day.   

The Remembrance Ceremony starts after the parade, at about 11am.   Sanford Veterans Memorial Park will feature dual 21-gun salute, a helicopter fly-over and Seminole County’s Sheriff’s Office own Chief Deputy Dennis Lemma, U.S. Marine, providing the Memorial Day Address. Hosted by City of Sanford and Seminole County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC). The Remembrance Ceremony begins at 11 AM in Veterans Memorial Park.  Info:    Jennifer at 407.688.5120, www.    sanfordfl.gov

Seminole County Hero's Memorial Dedication – 2pm - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to first responders and military service personnel killed in combat.   In front of the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center, 101 Bush Blvd, at the Hero’s Memorial.   Info:   Ashley Moore    amoore@ seminolecountyfl.gov   407-665-1172.

SUMTER COUNTY

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513.   Traditional and touching ceremony.   Guest speaker.   Persons attending need to arrive early and enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly before the ceremony. Seating is limited, arrive early, wear comfortable clothing and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon.   Info:   352-793-7740 or 1074.

Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – HURRAY!   This long awaited Ceremony starts at10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending to provide the keynote address.   Plan on arriving early to allow for time.   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.

American Legion Post 112 Memorial Day Commemoration - Sun. May 31 – 11am – The Post members along with Sea Cadets, Fleet Reserve, and Boy Scouts assist with ceremony.   Public invited.   407-671-6404. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.)  

Compiled by Cathy Haynes

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

Member/supporter of numerous veterans and military organizations in Central Florida

407-239-8468

Six Marine Helicopter Crash Victims in Nepal Identified

Six Marine Helicopter Crash Victims in Nepal Identified
Military.com
Richard Sisk
May 18, 2015

The remains of six Marines and two Nepalese soldiers who died in the May 12 crash of their helicopter while on an earthquake relief mission in the Himalayas have been recovered and identified.

Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler thanked U.S. and Nepalese search and recovery teams that found the charred wreckage of the Marine UH-1Y Huey helicopter in dense forest at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet and recovered the remains despite mountain storms and temperatures below freezing.

"You never hesitated in the joint effort to bring our brothers home. Everyone united -- the soldiers hiking through hazardous terrain, the pilots flying in uncertain weather conditions and the Nepalese special forces standing watch over our Marines on a mountainside at night," Wissler said.

"We honor our fallen comrades through our unselfish support to each other in this time of grief," said Wissler, commander of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and of Joint Task Force 505 which arrived in Nepal on April 29 following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 8,000.

The six Marines aboard the Huey from Marine Light Attack Helicopter squadron 469 based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., were identified as:

Capt. Christopher L. Norgren, 31, of Sedgwick, Kans.
He was a UH-1Y pilot with HMLA-469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton.

Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan, Neb.
He also was a UH-1Y pilot and was with the same unit as Norgren.

Sgt. Ward M. Johnson, IV, 29, of Seminole, Fla.
He was a UH-1Y helicopter crew chief with HMLA-469.

Sgt. Eric M. Seaman, 30, of Riverside, Calif.
He was a UH-1Y helicopter crew chief with HMLA-469

Cpl. Sara A. Medina, 23, of Kane, Ill.
She was a combat photographer with Marine Corps Installations Pacific in Okinawa, Japan.

Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Hug, 22, of Maricopa, Ariz.
He was a combat videographer with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan.

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