February 2014 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida
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Short notice – 29th Military Relics Show – Sat and Sun Feb 8 – 9 – 200 tables of militaria, re-enactors, and special veteran guests: a WWII Ace, a Tuskegee airman, 2 W.A.S.Ps, and more. Bring your military relics to sell, trade or just learn about them. Sponsored by Florida Militaria Collectors Society, a non-profit group promoting history appreciation, etc. Hours: Sat 9-5pm; Sun 10-4pm. Bahia Shrine Auditorium, 2300 Pembrook Dr., Maitland off I-4, exit 90, follow signs. Info: 305-972-5271.
Veterans Town Hall meeting – SHORT NOTICE – Mon Feb 10 - for ALL veterans in the Central Florida. 7 p.m. to gather information that will assist in the medical benefits and services of the VA Medical Center.
As part of a special initiative, guest representatives attending the Monday night Town Hall meeting are the National American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program chairman, the local VA Medical Center Director, Orange County government officials and National/State American Legion officers.
We want to know: Why do you come to the facility? What is the biggest challenge that you face at the facility? What can be improved in the services you receive?
All area veterans and interested individuals are invited to attend – you do NOT have to be an American Legion member. The meeting agenda will focus on services and benefits render by the VA Medical Center. Hosted by American Legion Post 286 located in the Pine Castle area of south Orlando, 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Orlando, 32809, 407-859-1460. alaunit286pinecastlefl@gmail.com
Job Fair for new hotel – Mon-Wed Feb 10-12 – Veterans are very much encouraged to apply. “Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando is proud to support our military veterans and active duty military personnel. Please register now and then visit our registration desk at the event for more information." Info: www.CabanaBayJobs.com and feel free to forward the link to whoever you feel appropriate. Info courtesy of Mr. Corrigan, past president of a hospitality organization in I-Drive area.
Florida National Guard 715th Military Police Unit from Melbourne, FL is coming home in February! Info pending.
Veterans Court in Orange County - military veterans are needed to be mentors to other veterans who have had some “challenges with the law.” Offenses are currently primarily misdemeanors. Attempts will be made to match officers, enlisted, branches and functions. Pay it back or Pass it Forward by making a difference. Contact Diana at 407-603-6538 dsm@dianamierslaw.com
Orlando VA Medical Center info - Before you or any group plans to do something for VALENTINE’S DAY for the veterans at the Community Living Center (CLC) (fka the nursing home) at the Orlando VA Medical Center, you should call first. They have moved to their new location at the Lake Nona site! Don’t miss your opportunity to spread happiness to them. Entertainment groups in the Lake Nona area would be greatly appreciated! There are currently 100 men and 4 women who are residents. Also included are abandoned and indigent former warriors. They need monies deposited into an account that provides haircuts from the traveling barber. Contact Volunteer Services office to make a deposit or to schedule entertainment. 321-397-6940
The residents of the Domiciliary will stay at the Winter Park area location until later in the month. There are 60 veterans of all ages, including 3 women, assigned to the “Dom” while receiving counseling for substance abuse and a temporary place to live. Upon counseling completion and finding a job and permanent housing, they will need household items – new or gently used. Contact the Dom office at 407-629-1599 x1195 to report job opportunities and items that can be donated.
Book Donation and Sale – Mon. Feb 10 – Wed. 12th - Just finished your last book OR wanting to get into reading for fun...Well, this is your chance to snag that great deal on a book! Books range in genres and will be available from 7 am. to 4:30 pm. Lake Baldwin campus of the Orlando VA Medical Center, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. 407- 629-1599.
7th annual Charity Golf - Tues. Feb 11 - The Windermere Country Club Foundation, working with West Orange Habitat for Humanity Home at Last project and Orlando based Camaraderie Foundation, is hosting their fund raising event to benefit physically and emotionally disabled veterans. NEWLY ADDED: 50/50 Raffle! Better odds than the lottery and you know what the proceeds will be doing! Windermere Country Club, 2710 Butler Bay Drive North, Windermere, 34786 (Southwest Orl.) 407-217-5926, 407-491-9776 www.ahomeforahero.org
68th Annual National PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) convention - Feb 11-14. Working towards better health care and benefits, aid in the search for a truly satisfying careers, and providing the path to adventure through adaptive sports. Also committed to ongoing care by educating families and clinicians about spinal cord injury and diseases - including Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and more. Orlando Renaissance at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando. www.pva.org Local chapter – Central Florida PVA 407-328-7041
Orlando VA Medical Center Creative Arts Festival – Fri. Feb 14 –Inaugural Veterans Creative Arts Festival at the Lake Baldwin Outpatient Clinic. 8:30 – 4:30. Awards at 3pm. Talented veterans sharing their work! 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. 407- 629-1599.
RAFMAN Club fundraiser raffle – Sat. Feb 15. Assisting with scholarships and leadership for local youth. A 50 inch flat screen TV offered by 5 tickets for $20. Drawing on Feb 15. (RAFMAN: Retired Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy) Contact George Jordan at 407-841-8378 gmagicdj@bellsouth.net.
Museum of Military History special event – Sat Feb 15 – “Black Soldiers – Fighting for Freedom”. 10am – 3pm. Featuring the Buffalo Soldiers Horse & Motorcycle Club, the Civil Air Patrol 463rd Cadet Squadron, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) color guard, historian John Holmes, Arthur Lomax antique trucks, the 2nd Florida light infantry artillery battery, the Kissimmee Fire & Rescue, photo opps, Military Edge and Purpin’s Cafe. The Museum welcomes school and club field trips! 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746 MuseumofMilitaryHistory.com and on Facebook. Call 407-507-3894
St. Valentine's Day Dinner & Dance - Sat. Feb 15 - Proceeds benefit West Orange Habitat for Humanity /Home at Last project of a specially adapted, mortgage-free home for wounded warrior and family, and similar projects. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 11488. Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd, Orlando, 32819 (in Southwest Orl.) $25 per person. 6pm – 11pm. Prime rib dinner, music, silent auction, more. Info and reservations - Contact Jim McQuillan at 407-877-2149.
Cocktails For A Cause – Thurs. Feb 20 – 4th annual fundraiser for Wounded Warrior Outdoors. Silent-auction fundraiser with thousands of dollars worth of items at the University Club of Orlando. This not-for-profit organization takes wounded and/or transition-challenged service men/women on therapeutic outdoor adventures (ie: hunting, fishing) throughout the US. Sponsorships welcomed. Contact Ron Raboud, 407-654-0069 ron@woundedwarrioroutdoors.com (Wounded Warrior Outdoors is NOT connected in any way with Wounded Warrior Project organization that has the TV commercials.)
AVET Project – Volunteers needed at Daytona Races! - Thurs – Sun Feb 20-23 - Concession sales in the Backstretch and Lockhart Towers. Must be 18 yrs or older. Thurs. Feb 20, 12:30- abt 10pm; Sat. Feb 22, 7:30am – abt 5pm; Sun. Feb 23 – Daytona 500 – 6:30am – abt 5pm. Those who will sell alcohol must schedule and take a class called TiPS since Jan 2011. Watching the races depends on number of volunteers. Contact Kim at kim@avetproject.org, 321-373-7046 see avetproject.org on internet and Facebook for dates/times of TiPS classes.
132nd Silver Spurs Rodeo – February 21-23 - a long-time Kissimmee tradition and the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi.
Operation Safety 91's 6th Annual Tribute to Honor America's 1st Responders - Fri Feb 28, with special recognition of the military. Limited Seating – Feb 14 cut off date. "Hall of Heroes" Ballroom at the Rosen Centre opens - 11am, Luncheon and Program - 11:30am - 1:30pm. ALL Responders – Free; Non-responders (wives, friends) - $45 each. Free Parking. Operation Safety 91 is based upon Psalm 91. Keynote Speaker: MAJ (RET) Jeff Struecker “During the chaotic Battle of Mogadishu on October 3-4, 1993, then Staff Sgt. Jeff Struecker was a stalwart warrior and awesome leader. He led a 3-vehicle convoy through the dangerous enemy-filled streets to evacuate a seriously injured Ranger who had fallen 40 feet while fast-roping down from a Black Hawk Copter during the insertion of forces on the mission.” Special Guest, OS91 National Spokesperson, COL Danny McKnight, U.S. Army (Ret.) of "Black Hawk Down" renown, commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu. Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819. Info/reservations 877.820.7467 (Toll Free) or 407-538-9369. info@os91.com
Welcome Home Celebration and Veteran Resource Fair – Sat. Mar 1 – for returned OEF/OIF/OND and ALL era veterans. Bring your family for a FREE day (9am – 2pm) at the Central Florida Zoo, 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, 32773. Sponsored by the Orlando VA Med. Center. Info: 321-397-6116 vhaorlnewovamc@va.gov
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
5th Annual CFNL Wounded Warrior Lone Sailor 5K/10K – Sat. Apr 5 – Central Florida Navy League sponsors this event at Baldwin Park, site of the former Navy Enlisted Training Base. More info to come. See www.cfnl5k.org and www.cfnavyleague.org
Stand Down in Seminole County – Sat. Apr 12 - Services and information for veterans, especially homeless ones. Volunteers, service providers and products will be needed. The date for Orange County will be in Sept. Contact Sean Gibbs of Homeless Services Network of Central FL, 407-893-0133 sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org
Operation Giveback Golf Tournament – Fri. Apr 25 - Champions Gate International Course, exit 58 on I-4. 8:30am Shotgun Start, lunch buffet, contests, raffles, auction;
All proceeds will benefit wounded warriors, their families, and the children of our fallen heroes. Sponsorships available. 1400 Masters Blvd, ChampionsGate, 33896 Contact: Jeff@operation-giveback.org or visit our website: operation-giveback.org
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – May 1 – 4 – The nations’ largest veterans’ reunion. Military displays, military vendors, POW-MIA ceremonies, Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Wickham Park in Brevard Co, Melbourne. Take I-95 to Exit 191 or old Exit 73. Info: floridaveteransreunion.com 321-501-6896 or 321-427-2843
The Military Edge Inaugural "Armed Forces Day" Golf Tournament – Sat. May 17, Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club, 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819 Fundraising event to benefit scholarship program, job expos, youth programs, and veteran projects . Please contact Nik Patterson for additional details 513-898-9097 npatterson@themilitaryedge.com; www.themilitaryedge.com
4th Annual Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 30, at Orange County National. Camaraderie Foundation organizes this fund raising event to assist military personnel and their families with counseling needs and transition. Marriages, families and lives are saved. Sponsorships welcomed. www.camaraderiefoundation.com 407-841-0071.
American Legion, Dept of FL Annual Convention – June 12-15 at The Renaissance Orlando at Sea World. Info: members.floridalegion.org/convention Mary at 407-295-2631 x232
EXTRAS of Interest:
Attention veterans - The local Center for Personal Excellence (healthylivingorlando.com) is developing a national reality TV series focusing on veterans needs, issues and treatments. For veterans who would like to tell their story and get some help for effects of battle on their mental health. All ages and service eras are welcome, including regulars, reservists and guardsmen of all branches. The show will initially be filmed in the Orlando Metro area. Family participation is not required but their involvement may enhance production. If selected, your story may help others who experienced the same or similar stressors. Contact Dr. Linda Levine Silverman at cpeenterprisesllc@gmail.com so you can be contacted, screened, interviewed, etc. 321-945-1153
College Scams - For veterans considering college, remember these 8 questions. The Federal Trade Commission advises those consumers to ask eight questions of those representing institutions of higher learning. The goal is to cull the responsible ones from the diploma mills that are most interested in getting their hands on veterans’ tuition money. Visit www.consumer.ftc.gov and search “choosing a college.”
Depression is Treatable: It takes a Hero to ask for help! Take This Online Screening. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, visit Military Pathways to take a free, anonymous, online self-assessment for common mental health conditions such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. These conditions are treatable, and a self-assessment is not only easy but can be the first step you take toward getting the help you need. Learn more about depression and its symptoms from the below blog post we’re revisiting by Dr. James Bender. Depression has been referred to as “both the common cold and cancer of health care.” It’s like the common cold in that it can affect anyone at any time (depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults annually). It’s like cancer because it can be deadly. Take, for example, someone who is clinically depressed and commits suicide. Depression also increases the chances of someone experiencing a heart attack.
(Fri. Jan. 17 - Due to some Internet Service Providers very sensitive SPAM filters, contact me for the link to the Online Screening item.)
(Courtesy of Ed Burford, the Seminole County Veterans Service Office)
· American Warrior Radio Show from 11am-noon EDT on Saturdays, radio station WMEL - AM 1300 Nationwide broadcast: www.1300wmel.com
· WoundedTimes.blogspot.com - Veterans News Service covering news that matters to veterans and their families. Local, state and national news and events – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.
· Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardmen, 100% service connected disabled, and retired military personnel and their families. Go to www.shadesofgreen.org for information. Special discounts for rooms may be available based on occupancy levels, and special ticket rates. (407) 824-3400
· 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, Melbourne, Clermont, and Daytona Beach. www.vetcenter.va.gov/
· The Navy Exchange (NEX) – Mgr. Nancy Devore was transferred to Guantanamo Bay. Jennifer McComas joins Orlando NEX as Mgr from Key West. Stop by and say “Hi!” NEX in Orlando is for all branches of active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents. It is located west of Orlando Int’l Airport, about 1 mile south of the Beachline Expy/528 on Tradeport Dr. Competitive pricing and programs. 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827. www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
· Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to active duty, Guard and Reserve service members, and their families with comprehensive information on every aspect of military life including deployment, relationships, economics, grief, education, parenting and child care, and much more. www.militaryonesource.mil
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468
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