After Three Deployments Homeless Veteran With PTSD Sits in Jail?

Mother of arrested homeless man: Son a veteran with PTSD 
Killeen Daily Herald
David A Bryant
Herald Staff Writer
May 28, 2016

“My son needs help. He doesn’t need to be locked up, he needs to be in a hospital receiving treatment,” Dianna Evens Brown.

Eric J. Shelton | Herald Dianna Brown holds a photograph of her son, Jeremy Jeremiah Arrington, on Friday at her home in Killeen. Arrington is an army veteran and suffers from severe PTSD, according to Brown. He was arrested for assault against a police officer.

The mother of a homeless man charged with assaulting a police officer Monday by the Killeen Police Department says her son is an Army veteran of Iraq and Kuwait suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dianna Evens Brown, 64, of Killeen, said her son, Jeremy Jeremiah Arrington, 31, was put on anti-psychotic drugs such as Haloperidol and Risperdal by the Army before he was medically discharged 17 months ago. The medications are used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder.

After getting the runaround from jail officials, Brown said she was given clearance from the Bell County Jail in Belton to be put on the visitor list when she told jail officials she had brought the issue to the Herald’s attention. However, she is unable to ensure he is taken care of and on his medications due to federal laws regulating release of medical information, she added.

Records show Arrington deployed to Iraq from February 2009 to January 2010 and again from July to December 2011 before being sent to Kuwait from January through June 2012. His awards include three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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MOH Sammy Lee Davis Going Back To Nam

A war hero is going back to Nam and wants to talk
Indy Star
Will Higgins
May 27, 2016

The eventful life of Sammy Lee Davis takes yet another interesting turn next month when he does what tens of thousands of other Vietnam veterans have done: He will return to Vietnam.

"June 12," Davis said, "will be the first time I've been there since '68."

Davis' specific destination is Cai Lay, in the southern end of the country. There, on Nov. 18, 1967, he did something for which he received praise and glory but for which he also endured years of nightmares and inner turmoil.

"I don't know if 'closure' is the right word for it," Davis, 69, said. "I've learned you're not supposed to forget. You're supposed to remember. Your memories are like tools. You can use them to fix your life."

He had not been drafted into the Army. He had enlisted. Eighteen months after graduating from Mooresville High School he signed up.

About 270,000 Vietnam veterans would later suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Davis was among them.

"I did crazy things," he said, declining to elaborate. Said his wife, Dixie: "Sammy still has moments."
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At an event with the Orlando Nam Knights, Sammy was the Guest of Honor and in this video, Sammy talks about what it was like coming home. It was a story I had not heard before. His Medal of Honor Citation is being read in between so that you know what he did before he came home and mistreated at the airport after getting out of the hospital.
In this one, Sammy and Dixie talk about making peace with all of it and not forgetting it.

Homeless Veteran Turned Away From Help?

Homeless veteran says Coalition for the Homeless denied him help
WFTV News Orlando
Updated: May 26, 2016

Channel 9 called the Coalition for the Homeless. Staff members sent a nurse practitioner and emergency crews, who took Guzzo to the hospital.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A homeless man said he was forced to camp outside an Orange County shelter because it denied him help.

Eugene Guzzo said the Coalition for the Homeless turned him away because it couldn't accommodate his medical condition.

Guzzo said he spent weeks camping outside the shelter's gates.

“Nothing is going right,” Guzzo said.

Guzzo is an amputee and a dishonorably discharged veteran, who found himself homeless when his mobile home was condemned.

Guzzo said he checked into the Coalition for the Homeless with his longtime girlfriend, Yvonne Tritch, but his stay was shortened because of his medical needs.

“They just put him out from here because he couldn't take care of himself,” Tritch said.

“He was living here before, but they won't let him stay because of what he does,” said Coalition for the Homeless volunteer Ronald Nathan.
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Veteran Struggling to Bring Home Dog He Saved In Iraq

Veteran Struggling to Bring Home Dog He Saved from Death in Iraq
PEOPLE
Kelly Bender
May 27, 2016

“If she survives and I am able to get her out of Iraq she will come to the U.K. or Spain with me and my family,” he vowed. “She will not be going anywhere else.”Former Marine Alex Cairnie is already Warpaws' savior, now he wants to be the stray puppy's dad.

According to The Express, Cairnie, 39, found the pup on Saturday suffering on the streets of Basra, Iraq, in the searing heat. Warpaws, the name Cairnie, who was a Royal marine commando from 1997-2004, gave the dog, was covered in matted fur, glue and ticks. The tiny, white pup was also severely malnourished, dehydrated and unable to walk.
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Fallen Remembered On Stairway to Freedom

Stairway to Freedom: Remembering a Fallen Veteran 
WABI News 
Taylor Kinzler 
MAY 26, 2016

“We all have to deal with things of life in general. We have to take one step at a time.” Dixie Flag

As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to remember the men and women who work tirelessly to protect our country.

Every military family has a story.

In strong, a unique memorial is hidden beneath the woods to honor a fallen veteran.

A man who posthumously received the Purple Heart for his second and final tour overseas.

It’s called the Stairway to Freedom.

“Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends”

Dixie Flagg is the mom of a fallen veteran.

“Richard. No doubt. Think of him every day. He’s my rock.”

Sergeant Richard Parker was 26 years old when he was killed in Iraq by an IED. Just days after finding out he was going to be a father.

“Why do I want them to remember? I won’t let them forget.”‘

Flags and flowers surround his grave, next to a letter written by Keegan. The son he’ll never meet.

“His son is doing some of the things that Richard was known to do. I caught one the other day, just the way he said something and it was all Richard and Richard had never even met him.”

Just a few miles down the road is a symbol of hope, in the form of steps.
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Please do not wish a veteran "Happy Memorial Day"

There are two totally different conversations going on in this country. One is all about what the press reports on and the other is what veterans and families live with. For us, it is not about a headline but it is about our heart-line.

Memorial Day weekend begins tomorrow.  Some folks are spending today finishing up arrangements for the unofficial start of summer. Our families are thinking about what Memorial Day means to the generations who risked their lives to pay for what the rest of the country enjoys.

Less than one percent are willing to pay the price serving today.  Only about seven percent were willing to do just that and became our current veterans.  

They are not civilians even though they live right next door to you. 

America’s Wars Total (1775 -1991)

U.S. Military Service during Wartime 41,892,128

Battle Deaths 651,031

Other Deaths (In Theater) 308,800

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 230,279

Non-mortal Woundings 1,431,290

Living War Veterans 16,962,000

Total will be more than sum of conflicts due to no “end date” established for Persian Gulf War. Source: Department of Defense (DOD), except living veterans, which are VA estimates as of Sep 2010.

Living Veterans (Periods of War and Peace) 23,234,000

Those numbers do not include Afghanistan and Iraq. Both still have forces deploying but it is close to 3 million more since 2001. 

Those numbers do not show how many have died since that report came out. 

Those numbers do not show how many have taken their own lives. Reporters say 22 a day but the VA said that number was from just 21 states taken from limited data.  We know it is more but they never asked us.  They never asked us about the majority of the veterans being over the age of 50.  They never ask us what it was like before they heard about any of this even though we were living with all of it.

Those numbers do not show how many families will spend Monday at the grave of someone they loved or remembering someone they lost.

Those numbers do not show how many veterans struggle with the aftermath of war with disabled bodies and minds that hold the scars.

While we hear about all the claims made about the price of freedom not being free, we understand that is a price we live with everyday and as some want to take their freedoms so lightly they seem to believe they deserve it for just being here, we will honor all those who paid because it was worth paying any price to retain it.

Please do not wish a veteran "Happy Memorial Day" because this is the day for them to honor those they risked their lives with.

Feds Blame Pilot Error, Lack of Oversight in Marine's Death

Feds Blame Pilot Error, Lack of Oversight in Marine's Death
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOENIX
By BOB CHRISTIE
May 25, 2016

FILE - This March 11, 2015 file photo officials check the scene of a T-59 Hawk aircraft crash at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz. In a report released Wednesday,

Federal investigators blame the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the pilot and operator of a privately-owned military jet for the death of a Marine killed last year when the jet crashed into his truck in Arizona.

The National Transportation Safety Board report said the pilot of the BAE Systems Hawk jet took off too early, noting that he lifted off while traveling more than 10 mph below normal takeoff speed on March 11, 2015. The British-built jet flying on a mission for the Air Force wobbled, veered off the left side of the Marine Corps Air Station-Yuma runway and eventually hit a pickup occupied by Lance Cpl. Anthony T. DuBeau. The 23-year-old from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was providing safety oversight for a construction crew working alongside the runway.

The pilot, an active-duty Air National Guard A-10 pilot flying as a contractor for Quincy, Illinois-based Air USA, Inc., told investigators the aircraft's nose "became light" as he approached takeoff speed.
read more here

MEMORIAL DAY 2016 Events in Central Florida

From Cathy Haynes

MEMORIAL DAY 2016 in Central Florida

 

Please fly your American flags this weekend.  If they are torn, tattered or fade you may take them to any veteran service organization post for proper retirement.

ATTEND and PARTICIPATE. Teach our younger generations – make it a tradition!

 

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.

·         Armed Forces Day primarily honors those persons who are currently serving our country.

·         Veterans Day primarily honors those who have served in the past.

·         Memorial Day primarily honors those who died while in service to our country, those who have given their lives for the nation’s freedom and the freedom of others.

While it is always appropriate to thank someone in our military services, past and present, Memorial Day is a day for those no longer with us.  It was meant to be a more solemn day, rather than celebratory with parties and sales….

 

FRIDAY MAY 27

 

Ocoee’s Memorial Day Ceremony –11am – Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, 34761 (west Orange County.)  The keynote speaker will be former Tuskegee Airman Daniel Keel, a 93-year-old aviator is one of the last surviving members of the famed group of African-American military pilots who fought in World War II.   Mr. Keel served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a Billy Mitchell B-25 pilot. He left the military in 1946 and received a commercial pilot’s license, although at the time black pilots were not allowed to fly commercial airplanes. Mr. Keel continued his education, started a successful electrical contracting company in Massachusetts.  A processional will be made to the Ocoee Memorial Wall for a wreath placement.  The wall is inscribed with the names of Ocoee residents who gave their lives for freedom.  Ocoee Police Officer Duane Hunt 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. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. Info:  Joy Wright at  joy.wright @ocoee .org   407-905-3100

 

Seminole County Hero's Memorial – 9am – A tribute to Seminole County's fallen military and public safety heroes at the Heroes Memorial (in front of the Criminal Justice Center, 101 Bush Blvd, Sanford, 32773.) The Ceremony will have music and keynote speaker Sgt. David Matthews, president and CEO of Never Forgotten Memorials. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office will have a helicopter flyover and a 21 Gun Salute, while the Fire Department will have a display of rescue vehicles and the ceremonial ringing of the last bell. The Seminole County Heroes Memorial consists of a fountain surrounded by separate memorials for firefighters, police officers and members of the military, A granite wall has 121 Seminole County military veterans' names who died during conflict, as well. Bronze statues of a firefighter and a police officer are inscribed with the names of deceased firefighters and law-enforcement officers.  Info:  Dave -  407-535-1728

 

SATURDAY MAY 28

 

Walk a Mile for Those Who Marched for Us – 9am to 4pm – Start at Seminole Harley-Davidson, 620 Hickman Cir, Sanford, 32771, just north of Orlando.  Walk out under huge American Flag draped by High Reach2, past Comfort Inn, and enjoy some Ice Lemon Water at Outback Steakhouse porch before returning to Harley.  Ceremony at 11:30 includes Vietnam War 50th Ceremony with 5 Branch POW/MIA Table Performance,  Girl Scout Citrus Council singers, pinning of Vietnam Veterans 50^th anniversary, a Wreaths Across America wreath for local fallen soldier, t- shirt giveaways, Silent Auction.  Free Outback Steakhouse Appetizer for attending.  Vietnam Veterans participating/registering have a chance to win a Free Night in a King Suite at Comfort Inn & Suites next door to Harley ( 2 winners;  Remember: Hurricane season soon!) LIVE Music from 1 to 5pm with The Steven Green Band.  Info:  Dave -  407-535-1728  www. Neverforgottenmemorials .org 

 

Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute - 9:30am to 12noon – 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, 32839 in South Orlando.  VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be performing, patriotic guest speaker, POW/MIA Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Free and all persons welcome, especially veterans.  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.  Info:  407-254-6770 or 407-855-5877.

 

Celebration’s 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.  Info:  407-566-1200.

 

Army Spc Brenden J. Salazar Memorial –  5pm to 7pm - Rock & Brews Oviedo, 7131 Red Bug Lake Rd, Oviedo, 32765.  Seminole County resident Brenden Salazar was killed in July 22, 2012, in Logar Province of Afghanistan.  (1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade) Friends, family and the community come together to remember this graduate of Hagerty High School.  First Responders of Fire Station/ Tower 27 serving Winter Springs and Red Bug area will fly a massive flag at this memorial.  Info:  Dave at 407-535-1728  www. neverforgottenmemorials .org 

 

SUNDAY, MAY 29

 

Taft Cemetery – 11am to 12:15 - American Legion Dorie Miller Memorial Post #331 will place flags on veteran’s graves beginning about 11am.  12 noon ceremony.   501 Landstreet Rd., Orlando, 32824 in south Orlando.  Public invited.  Post phone: 407-294-3548.

 

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

 

All-American BBQ – 12noon – American Legion Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320 Alloway Street, Orlando, 32810 (just west of I-4 on Lee Rd.)  Burgers, Dogs, Apple Pie and all that is American.  Burger or dog/brat with two sides for $3 with advanced purchase of ticket otherwise will be $5 on the day.  Public welcome!  Info:  Commander at 407-622-1807.  Join the Post Memorial Day ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery on Monday.

 

City of Rockledge Memorial Day Ceremony – 2 to 3pm - This 2^nd annual event in Brevard County will feature patriotic music, Honor Guards from VFW Post 4534 (Rocket Post), Rockledge Police Department, and the laying of a ceremonial wreath. Boy Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, guest speakers include Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Port Commissioner and Navy Adm. Wayne Justice (ret.), and Col. Rich Goodman from Patrick Air Force Base.  Larry L. Schultz Park at 2560 Fiske Blvd, on the corner of Fiske Blvd and Levitt Parkway in Rockledge.  Info:  www. cityofrockledge .org  or 321-305-4975

                 

600 Miles of Remembrance in Coca-Cola 600 race, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina - NASCAR drivers will again honor fallen service members with "600 Miles of Remembrance." The strip across the windshield of the 40 race cars will feature the name of a fallen United States Armed Forces member. This year there are three Florida fallen warriors whose names will be included:

·         Army SPC Zachary Lee Shannon from Dunedin on Paul Menard’s car #27;

·         Marine SSGT Jason C Ramseyer from West Palm Beach on Ryan Newman’s car #31;

·         Air Force SSGT Forrest B. Sibley from Pensacola on Aric Almirola’s car #43.

(Last year there were two warriors from Central Florida who were remembered and honored: Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller from Oviedo, a Medal of Honor recipient, had his name on the windshield of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car; and Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd Earl Holley from Casselberry/Winter Park had his name on the windshield of Landon Cassill’s car.)

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

 

National ‪‎Memorial Day Concert - 8pm on your local PBS TV station (WUCF, or other local PBS.) This live concert is from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC.  Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, both acclaimed actors dedicated to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service, will host this star-studded lineup on stage for one of PBS' highest-rated programs. A multi-award-winning television event, it has become an American tradition, honoring the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Check your local channel guide.  See WUCF website for more information, stories, and ways to become locally involved.  The Concert will be taped and aired again at 9:30pm.

 

 

MEMORIAL DAY -  MONDAY ,  MAY 30 – alphabetical by county

 

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

 

BREVARD COUNTY

 

Honoring America’s Fallen Heroes Throughout History - 9am - 10:30am – Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Center, 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, 32952.  Speakers include Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Parks and Rec Director Jack Masson and special guest speaker is USMC LtGen Robert Wineglass (ret.).  Music by the Merritt Island High School band.  21 gun salute, JROTC, parade of flags and more.

 

Melbourne Memorial Day – 11am - Ceremony with the Massing of the Colors, guest speaker Army MG Charles F. Scanlon (ret.), music provided by the Melbourne Municipal Band and others.  Liberty Bell Memorial Museum, 1601 Oak St., Melbourne.  Presented by Honor America.  Free.  Info:  321-727-1776. 

 

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery – 2:30pm – 3:30pm – The first annual Memorial Day Ceremony since this newest national cemetery opened in Florida.  This site offers an alternative to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.  Introductions by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.  Guest Speakers are Brig. Gen. Wayne R. Monteith (Commander of the 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base) and US Senator Bill Nelson.  Music by Titusville High School band and a brass quintet. Groups participating include American Legion Post #1, scouts, and more. Limited seating, lawn chairs welcome.  5525 U.S. Highway 1, Scottsmoor, 32754.  (From I-95 take Exit 231, at Highway 1 turn right (south); the cemetery is two miles on the left.)  Info: Jim at 321.543.0646.

Memorial Day Tribute and Parade - 5:45 - 8:15 p.m - Parade through the streets of Cocoa Village at 5:45pm with a special Grand Marshall, Captain Ed Lanni, Ret. Captain of the Merchant Marines and long-time Cocoa resident.  Ceremony on the main stage of Riverfront Park in Cocoa at 6:45pm with guest speakers USAF Col. Robert D. Harvey, (ret.) and USAF Chief Master Sergeant Boston A. Alexander.  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!   Info:  NeoDasha Harris, Special Events Coordinator at (321) 635-7702 or nharris@ cocoafl .org

 

LAKE COUNTY

 

Lake County Memorial Day Observance – 11am - Waterfront Pavilion, 330 Third Street on Lake Minneola in Clermont. It is sponsored by the Tomoka Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; 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, Scout troops of South Lake County.  Music will be provided by Jim Hanks.  Collection container available for donating items to include in military care packages.  Also collecting flags for proper retirement.  Info:   Susan DeHart at 352-242-2394, Kurt Schuh 352-552-6234 or Andy Smith 352-988-4599

 

ORANGE COUNTY

 

Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando – 8–9am – Traditional ceremony by the American Legion Orlando Memorial Post 19, at the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801, downtown Orlando.  Special guest speaker.  Public is invited.  Contact Information: Wade Foster 407-622-1807        

 

Winter Garden Memorial Day Service - 8:30 am at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden, 34787.  City of Winter Garden conducts a ceremony with guest speaker Capt. Frank Winget , a veteran of the Navy SEAL teams.  A Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, patriotic songs performed that will invoke pride, honor and respect for our veterans. Info:  Theo Graham at 407-656-2021.

 

Orange County Memorial Day 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 Army Lt.Gen. Jack Stultz (ret.); 143d ESC Color Guard, singers, high school brass quintet and JROTC, and more.  On special display will be the Congressional Medal of Honor – the highest military award - received by Orlando resident Marine Cpl. Larry E. Smedley.  He received it posthumously for his service in Vietnam, when he was killed in Dec. 1967 at age 18.  We will 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 (southwest Orange County.)  Veteran organizations, Scouts, rifle volley, Taps, the tolling of the replica Liberty Bell in memory of the dead of all wars, and a possible fly-over.  Guest speakers are Former Sheriff Val Demings and Marine Sgt. Steven Tovet, a wounded veteran of Afghanistan.  Refreshments will follow the ceremony.  Info: 407-293-1361.

 

Zellwood ceremony at Conquest Cemetery - 10am – Located near the intersection of Yothers Road and U.S. Highway 441 near the entrance to Zellwood Station (west Orange County.)  This ceremony has been coordinated for many years by Dwight Doggett. The MC this year is his daughter, Julie Werking, and the guest speaker is Dr. Sara Irrgang with the topic of “Life as a Female in the Military.”  As is tradition, the grave of each veteran buried at Conquest Cemetery will receive a flag and flowers. Boy Scout Troop #639 and the Apopka High School JROTC, bagpipes, and others will be participating.

 

Glen Haven Memorial Park - 11am to 1pm - 2300 Temple Dr., Winter Park, 32789.  Annual observance of those who fought and died for their country, honoring the memory of lives lost in service. Memorial service and commemoration to the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War is emceed by 540AM/102.5FM WFLA's Bud Hedinger.  Guest speaker is Robert Apodaca honoring his father, Air Force Major Victor Apodaca. The Major was the first Spanish-American/Navajo Indian to attend the Air Force Academy. His fighter jet was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and his remains were missing/unidentified until 2001.  The story of his remains returning home is a touching tribute by military service personnel. The ceremony 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, and the VFW 2093 Community Band.  Info:  407-647-1100

 

American Legion Post 286 – 12noon - The American Legion Family invites the public to the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony and picnic to follow. Entertainment by Jodi from 2 to 6pm.  The Post is also raffling a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with the ticket drawing at 6pm.  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 - 2pm –Memorial Day ceremony at the Central FL Veterans Memorial Wall located behind the Orlando VA Hospital Center at Lake Nona, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.  Guest speaker is Army LTG Benjamin R. Mixon (ret.) The Wall panels feature 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.  This year, five additional names of the Fallen will be added to the granite walls: one from Osceola County, one from Orange County, and three from Brevard County.   The Memorial Wall is located behind the hospital between the Domiciliary and the Community Living Center (CLC).  A reception starts at 1:45pm.  Arrive early, limited seating.  Info:  Jerry at  407-529-6925

 

OSCEOLA COUNTY

 

Osceola Memory Gardens – 8:30am - Ceremony includes guest speaker Jon Yeitrakis, a Vietnam War veteran who served as a medic with the Marine Corps and in the process received 2 Purple Hearts.  He was recently awarded Veteran of the Year by the Osceola County Veterans Council.  This year, 4 veterans will also be honored.  They died before they received their Congressional Medal of Honor that was issued to the US Army 65th Infantry “Borinqueneers” for their contributions to WWI, WW2 and the Korean War.  Edwin Aviles, himself a Korean War “Borinqueneer, will be presenting the families with their Medals.  Young cadets of the Civil Air Patrol 463 Cadet Squadron will present the Colors.  St. Thomas Aquinas Choir, Osceola County Veterans Council and other groups will participate.   Public invited.  1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744.  The group generally proceeds to St. Cloud for the ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery.  Info: Vanessa at 407-892-2155  Vanessa.Roman@ OsceolaMemGds .com

 

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. Also participating is American Legion Post #80, AMVETs Post#33, first responders and scouts.  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 today to all military branches, active, retired, and disabled veterans with valid ID.  Concerts included with general admission.  863-676-1408.

 

SEMINOLE COUNTY

 

Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony - 9am - 12noon - For spectators and family, the fun starts at 9 AM with music, stilt walkers and lots of fun!  The Parade starts at 10 AM on 1st Street, at Sanford Avenue to Park Avenue, then it will turn north on Park Avenue arriving at Veterans Memorial Park, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771.  A Remembrance Ceremony starts at 11am.  Dignitaries and officials will provide a tribute.  There will be patriotic music and a dueling three-volley solute between the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.  There will also be a helicopter fly-over.  Many of the county and Central Florida area veteran service groups will be participating with Color Guards and military vehicles to give ‘Thanks’ to those who have served, continue to serve and to mourn with the family members.  Hosted by City of Sanford and Seminole County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC). Info:   Jennifer at 407.688.5120, www. sanfordfl .gov

 

SUMTER COUNTY

 

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513.  Traditional and touching ceremony.  Guest speaker is Marine MG James Hartsell, the mobilization assistant to the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command.  There will be a rifle salute and a posting of the nation’s flag and flags from various military organizations, and Ye Mystic Air Krewe will provide a flyover. 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.

 

VOLUSIA COUNTY

 

Ormond Beach Memorial Day Remembrance – 9am - Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach.  (North of Daytona Beach) Music will be provided by Daytona Beach Concert Band.  Speakers are Army Col. Victoria Leignadier (ret.), Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley, and Navy Captain Mark Leary.  Numerous military color guards, scouts and additional groups participate.  Parking at the Casements, Fortunato Park and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum.  Free. Info:  386-676-3241.

 

Deltona Memorial Day service - 10am – Commemorative Air Force fly-over, memorial wreaths, presentation of colors by area veterans and affiliated community organizations.  Guest speaker Tom Burbank sponsored by Veterans Community Education Partnership and Deltona Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery.  Deltona Mem. Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City.  Free.  Info:  386-775-4260. 

 

Port Orange Memorial Ceremony - 10am –– VFW Post 3282 hosts the ceremony at Veterans Park across the lake from Port Orange City Hall, 1000 City Center Circle.  Knights of Columbus will perform the 21 gun salute.  Free.  Info:  386-506-5936.

 

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Every effort has been made to include and provide correct information.  Sincere apologies for errors or omissions.

There may be some events that I am not aware of.  Please check your various resources.  But most of all, attend and participate.  Include our next generation so that the understanding of the importance of the day is not forgotten. 

Freedom is not free.

 

Compiled by Cathy Haynes – with a little help from my friends

chaynes11629@ yahoo .com

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

407-239-8468

Over 4,200 Veterans Mistakenly Declared Dead Get Benefits Back

Report: VA mistakenly classified 4,200 veterans as dead
Military Times
Leo Shane III
May 25, 2016

The issue stems from lingering errors in Social Security Administration’s record sharing with VA. When that department incorrectly listed a veteran as dead, VA policy was to cut off benefits immediately, doubling the frustration of victims looking to correct the record.

More than 4,200 veterans were mistakenly declared dead and had benefits cut off by Veterans Affairs officials over a five-year span, according to new department data that shows the problem was much bigger than previously believed.

The issue came to light after a congressional inquiry in 2015 by Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., who for the last few years has been tracking multiple constituents’ complaints about premature death notices.

After initially estimating the total veterans affected as around a dozen each month, VA released new information on the problem this week, pegging the mistakes as harming more than 70 veterans a month.

“These numbers confirm our suspicion, that mistaken deaths by the VA have been a widespread problem impacting thousands of veterans across the country,” Jolly said in a statement.

“It’s a problem that should have been addressed years ago, as it has caused needless hardships for thousands of people who had their benefits terminated and their world turned upside down.”
read more here

Tampa Veteran Can't Get VA To Pay Bill After Being Forced to Make Choice

Army veteran says she can't get the VA to pay for treatment related to disability Getting the VA to pay takes a year
ABC Action News
Jackie Callaway
May 24, 2016

TAMPA, Fla. - The choice card gives veterans who have been waiting more than 30 days for appointments or who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility the chance to see a private doctor.

For Army veteran Anna Harper a mix up on the VA's part nearly cost her her good credit.

Harper suffered multiple injuries during her training at Fort Hood, a service-connected disability that is covered by the VA.

Harper’s choice card enabled her to get X-rays at a local private facility versus driving an hour to the James A. Haley Hospital in Tampa.

The VA, not Harper, was responsible for the $400 bill. Still the doctor’s office sent her bills for upwards of a year because the VA never paid.
read more here