Friday, March 21, 2014

Upcoming Central Florida Veterans Events


From Cathy Haynes

More Veterans events for March and April

March event list #3 - Upcoming veterans, military, and patriotic events in Central Florida
Newly reported or info revised events.  Add these to the previous list of events sent Feb 28 and March 14.  If you need the previous lists, just let me know.
It’s SPRING!  Get out of Spring cleaning and honey-do’s by attending some of these events.  Goal: Try to attend at least one Honor Flight return; participate in at least one golf tournament or fund raising walk for the exercise and to enjoy the weather.  Also, try at least one other fun event that supports the veteran or military persons or causes in our communities.  Pay it back or Pass it forward.
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Please share these events with your friends and interested others and attend.  Post where appropriate.
 
 
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Mar 22 – After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korea return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:15pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #3281 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm  - 407-239-8468  chaynes11629@yahoo.com 
 



Brevard County Veteran Stand Down – Sat. Mar 22 - Services and information for veterans, especially homeless ones.  8am–2pm. National Guard Armory, 308 N. Fiske Ave, Cocoa, 32922.  Free services include medical, dental and eye exams, chiropractic, hearing, acupuncture, VA health care, VA claim services, social security and IRS help, haircuts, food and clothing and more.  Donated bikes to be given away.  Free SCAT bus service.  Contact Bill Vagianos bvagianos33@gmail.com 321-431-0364  or Kim Koplar koplark@brevardcc.edu  321-704-6712.
 
Veterans’ Birthday – Sun. Mar 23 - Mr. David Shulan will celebrate his 103rd birthday!  Yes, 1-0-3 years!  He served in WWII in the Army.  The Jewish War Veterans Post #475 will have a small coffee and cake reception in one of the social rooms at 2pm in his honor at his residence, Kinneret Apartments, 515 Delaney Ave., Orlando, 32801.  Cards might be appreciated by him to honor his service to our country!  FYI – he still drives his car!  May we all be so lucky!
 
Salute to Villages Honor Flight – Fri. March 25 - Villages Parrot Heads and Cody’s Original Roadhouse sponsor this as a fundraising event. The event at Cody’s starts at 4:00 pm is open to the public, music and food provided and admission is only $5.00. 1041 Lake Shore Drive, Lady Lake, 32162.   Info:   www.villageshonorflight.org under “Fundraisers”.
 
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day – Mon. March 31 – Mayor Buddy Dyer, along with Orlando City Commissioners, will issue a Proclamation to commemorate this event.  Two years ago the federal government established March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Last year, Florida Governor Rick Scott and the State Legislature also named it in Florida. The Orlando City Council meets on Monday, March 31 and since March 30 is on a Sunday this year, the commemoration will be made on Monday.  All veterans, but especially Vietnam Veterans are encouraged to attend in the City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Orlando City Hall at 2:00 PM.  400 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
 
Heroes Commons Kick-off Reception – Wed. April 2 – Special project of a 6 unit housing area for disabled first responders, veterans and their families sponsored by the Florida Real Estate Foundation and the City of Orlando.  5:30 pm reception at the Citrus Club, Free but prior registration is requested for food planning.  255 S Orange Avenue Ste. 1800, Downtown Orlando. Feel free to share this with your organizations.  Contact Mary Mula at 407.513.7277  MaryM@orlrealtors.org    Floridarealestatefoundation.com
 
Army Reserve Fundraising Golf Tournament – Fri. April 4 – Preparations are underway to welcome home hundreds of Army Reservists of the local 143rd ESC from Kuwait and Afghanistan.  Headquarters are based here in Orlando.  The Sustainment Command’s Family Readiness Group needs some monies in preparation for the celebratory return of their loved ones who have been gone for just under a year.  18 Hole Shotgun start, Individual sign ups welcomed  and $260/4 person teams includes lunch, individual and team awards.  Long drive, closest to pin and more. Hole Sponsorships WELCOMED!  Ventura Country Club at 333 Woodgate Blvd. Orlando, 32822.  Contact Mr. Aurelio Gomez  407-878-8191 vgomezsr@yahoo.com  
 
CFNL Wounded Warrior and Lone Sailor 5K/10K  and Monument Groundbreaking – Sat. Apr 5 – Central Florida Navy League sponsors this event at Blue Jacket Park, site of the former Orlando Navy Training Base in Orlando.  From 1968 to 1998 hundreds of thousands of enlisted Navy personnel went thru their basic training, some apprenticeships and technical school training here.  It was the site of nuclear power training for both officers and enlisted personnel and at one time was the only location for basic training of enlisted women.  The Lone Sailor Monument will commemorate the lives and careers started in Orlando’s rich Navy community.  The Run/Walk/Roll event will start at 7:30 am.  Lone Sailor Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony will follow the race.  2501 General Rees Ave, Orlando, 32814.  See www.cfnl5k.org  and   www.cfnavyleague.org  for details.  Info:  Chris Townsend at 407.230.3333 Chris.Townsend@bgi-llc.com
 
Special Guest at UCF Book Festival – Sat. April 5 – CFE Arena on UCF (University of Central Florida) campus, 12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816.  Book Festival times: 9-3:30pm.  Free admission, free parking.   In addition to the wide range of book interests and their authors who will be at this event, one will be special guest of UCF Veterans Academic Resource Center – VARC.  Army Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván is the author of “A Soldier and His Dog: A Story of Love and Healing.” Physical wounds, traumatic brain injury, and crippling post-traumatic stress from service in Iraq created numerous life challenges.  With the help of Tuesday, a beautiful and sensitive golden retriever trained to assist the disabled, they found salvation in each other.  Capt. Montalvan and Tuesday will be reading to young ones about service dogs in the special children’s event from 11-11:30.  He will be guest speaking from 1-2pm followed by book signing until 3pm.  Event open to the public.  Info at www.bookfestival.ucf.edu  or Rich Sloane,rich.sloane@ucf.edu   407-823-2465.
 
2014 Brevard Law Ride – Sat. April 5 - The Law Ride serves as a remembrance of our Fallen Law Enforcement Officers, a fundraiser for charities that support their families and provides funding to both the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and American Police Hall of Fame.  Registration starts at 7:30am, kick stands up at 10:30am at American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, 6350 Horizon Dr, Titusville, 32780.   Lunch, entertainment, raffles, vendors.  www.aphf.org  Info: Alan Rainey  321-794-6084 brevardlawride.org
 
Spring Festival Pig Roast – Sat. April 5 - American Legion Auxiliary Pine Castle Memorial Unit 286 "Working Together as ONE" proudly announce that the Sons of American Legion Squadron 286 is having a Pig Roast from 3-6 pm at 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Orlando,32809 (South Orlando; off S. Orange Ave. north of Sand Lake Road.)  The meal of yummy pulled pork, beans and cold slaw for $7.00 is prepared by the “Smoking DD’s” with live country and western entertainment by “Jeremy.”   The event is open to the public and family friendly.  Join us to support veterans, community, and children programs.  407-859-1460.
 
Broadway Musical “Cabaret” – Tues-Sat Apr 8-12-  KC Productions will present this musical at the Savannah Center, 1575 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, 32164. The proceeds from this event will be shared with Villages Honor Flight. Savannah Center contact: (352) 753-2270.   For details and ticket availability see www.villageshonorflight.org under “Fundraisers”.
 
Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation Golf Tournament – Fri. April 11 - Stoneybrook East Golf Club,  2900 Northampton Avenue, Orlando, 32828.   8 am start time, lunch and more.  This annual fund raiser is open to all and supports the scholarship program and military families in distress.  Discounted cost if payment is made prior to April 1.  Info:  www.CentralFloridaMarines.org  or Jim Hawn at 757-646-3937  jimhawn@tampabay.rr.com
 
Stand Down in Seminole County – Sat. Apr 12 - 9am – 1pm  Services and information for veterans, especially homeless ones.  Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County, 400 West Airport Blvd, Sanford, 32773.  Volunteers, service providers and products will be needed.  Contacts:  Ed Burford, Sem. Co. VSO (Veterans Service Officer) at 407-665-2371;  HCHV Outreach Social Workers at 407- 429-8628  or 407-234-2272; or Sean Gibbs of Homeless Services Network of Central FL, 407-893-0133  sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org  
 
Home at Last Ground Breaking – Sat. April 12 - 10am. The location is on North Cross Street in Oakland, 34760.  This will be the sixth Home at Last project honoring a combat-wounded veteran of the military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Marine Sgt. Stephen Tovet and his wife, Krystina, will receive a specially planned home from the West Orange Habitat for Humanity special project Home At Last.   Sgt. Tovet was born in Orlando, FL and grew up in Apopka.  Stephen and Krystina were Apopka High School sweethearts.  An IED blast during his Afghanistan service in 2011 resulted in loss of his left leg, part of a hand and multiples surgeries to reconstruct the hand and his lower right leg.  Fund raising efforts will continue thru the year.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to West Orange Habitat for Humanity and mailed to: P.O. Box 38, Oakland, FL 34760. Please be sure to indicate your contribution is for "Home at Last 2014."  POC: Bill Criswell - 407-876-2472  wccriswell@earthlink.net.
 
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. April 12 – After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korea return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:45pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home!  Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #1205 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm  - chaynes11629@yahoo.com  407-239-8468.
 
President’s Speakers Series - Mon, April 14 - Guest speaker Jason C. Redman, highly decorated former Navy SEAL and author.  He will be spreading his message of life, inspiration and shedding light on the sacrifices that enable the freedoms of our country. Hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President and CEO, Dr. John P. Johnson.  7pm at Lemerand Auditorium, Willie Miller Instructional Ctr., 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, 32114.  386-226-6350 for more information. Free and open to the public.
 
Veterans Appreciation Day – Tues. April 15 -  Celebrating veterans at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Ceremony at the West Lawn 11:30 - 12:30.  Formation by Embry-Riddle ROTC units, Opening remarks by Dr. John P. Johnson, University President/CEO; Keynote Address by Jason C. Redman, author and former Navy SEAL.  Missing Man Table Ceremony, Free BBQ lunch following the ceremony; Parking in the Armstrong/Falcon Lot.  600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, 32114.   Contact Embry-Riddle Military & Veterans Enrollment and Transition Services at 386-226-6350 for more information.  Free and open to the public.
 
Student Veteran Resource Fair – Wed Apr 16 – 10am – 2pm, Student Union, Market Day Area at UCF.  4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, 32816.  Hosted by Student Veterans of America at the University of Central Florida.   Includes Orlando Vet Center and the Mobile Vet, Orlando VAMC VITAL Program, UCF PTS Clinic, Veteran Academic Resource Center, Florida DVA Veteran Service Officer to answer Benefits and Claim questions.
 
Honor Flight Central Florida Welcome Home – Sat. April 26 – After a day spent in Washington DC, a LARGE group of 75 veterans of WWII, Korea and other service eras return home thru SANFORD Int’l Airport – north of Orlando.   The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.  The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:40 pm.  This is a chartered flight thru Allegiant Airline and it may arrive slightly early.  The VFW band (26 pieces) will play patriotic music beginning at 9pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home in what can be described as an indoor ticker tape parade! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Sanford Int’l Airport:  1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, 32773.
 
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sun April 27 – After a day spent in Washington DC, a large group of 50 veterans of WWII, Korea and other service eras return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.  The veterans and their assistants will return at about 9:00 pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home!  Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #4092 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm  -  407-239-8468   chaynes11629@yahoo.com 
 
Medal of Honor Recipient Recognition – Fri. May 2 – Sponsorships Welcomed!  WWII Marine veteran Hershel Williams and recipient of Medal of Honor will be recognized in our community. He was involved in the battle on Iwo Jima that earned him the MOH – he is the last surviving recipient from the service on that island.  In addition, he is one of only 2 WW2 MOH Marines living.  The other noble Marine is in very frail health.  Plans for the day include a law enforcement escort from Orlando Int’l Airport to a Meet and Greet at the Museum of Military History. 12 noon – 1pm at 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.  The evening highlights with a fundraising dinner (6pm – 10pm) and 40 minutes of Mr. Williams speaking.  Other MOH recipients are attending. Cocktails, live entertainment and catered dinner at The Pines in Windermere.  Special commemorative cigars to be made on site.  $150 per plate with proceeds going to several organizations - including the Hershel "Woody" Williams Foundation that will build a monument in honor of Gold Star Families.  (FYI - Before his enlistment, at age 15 Mr. Williams drove a taxi that also delivered telegrams from the War Department to casualty families.  It left him touched with what happens on the porches of the home front.)  Tables/sponsorships for the dinner are available.  Event flyer is available.  Contact Ron Mathis  407.894.5740  rdmcms001@gmail.com
Win This Gun Fundraiser – Drawing on May 3 – Only 1000 tickets to be sold at $10 each.  Prize:  AR15 style 5.56mm semi-automatic rifle which comes with one (1) 30 round magazine and a 6x32 scope by UTG.  Sponsored by Caretakers ME (501(c)(3))for assisting various organizations.  Past assistance given to Kid’s House of Seminole, Boys Town of Oviedo, Sentinels of Freedom, KISS (Kids In Support of Soldiers), Korean War Veterans, JOSH (Just Our Soldiers Helpers) among others.  Tickets on sale from any Caretaker member, call/text Magi at 407.340.9780 or Shaun at 407.312.3754 for further info.  Drawing will be held the day of our Poker Run (fun motorcycle and other vehicle ride) - May 3rd - American Legion - Post 183 - 2706 Wells Ave., Fern Park.  Winner need not be present to win.
 
7th Annual Memorial/National Armed Forces Ride and Event – Sat. May 17 – Motorcycle/vehicle ride starts by Police escort at American Legion Post 101 and goes to the National Cemetery in Bushnell in commemoration of Armed Forces Day.  9am Registration ($15Driver or Non-rider, $10 Passenger.) Legion breakfast available. Ride ends at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, 2480 S Hwy 17, Clermont.  Activities, Big engine, Food, entertainment and more!  Everyone is welcome to the event!  Proceeds benefit Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and First 200 registerd receive “Freedom Isn’t Free” event T-shirt, lunch ticket, event bag, and raffle ticket. Registration online at www.stormyhillharley.com   Sponsors , Vendors, or Info POC: Peggy 352-787-8050 x 21  gatorharleyevents@gmail.com
Previous shared upcoming events - If you missed the info earlier this month and need it again, let me know:
 
USMC Sgt. Mecot Camara Fence Installation – Sun. Mar 30
Operation Giveback Golf Tournament – Fri. Apr 25
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion in Melbourne – May 1 – 4
The Military Edge Inaugural "Armed Forces Day" Golf Tournament – Sat. May 17
4th Annual Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 30,
American Legion, Dept of FL Annual Convention – June 12-15
Army Rangers Breakfast - First Sat of each month
 
EXTRAS of Interest:
 
iamveteran.com  - “A one stop resource for ALL veterans nationwide who are transitioning from military to civilian life.”  There are resources for all veterans, postings for new benefits, jobs, and more!
 
FREE Legal Information Seminars – multiple dates – Space Coast Community Law School is offering FREE seminars that discuss a variety of topics and are presented by lawyers and judges.  Thursday evenings from 6pm – 8pm in the school Jury Assembly Room. 
March 27 - Debt & Credit Card Defense;     April 3 – Firearms;     April 10 - Wills, Trusts, & Probates;     April 17 - Auto Accidents from Beginning to End;     April 24 - The First Amendment
Location:  Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, 32940. (East coast of Florida)   Pre-registration requested to assure enough handouts.  www.spacecoastcommunitylawschool.com  321-269-6833.
 
Memorial Day - Groups are starting to think about planning ceremonies for Memorial Day.  Please consider coordinating them together or staggering event times.  Many people are interested in attending more than one and cannot because of time overlaps.  More people would be able to attend – strength in numbers.  Communicate your event info with your city and county veterans’ councils.
 
 
Caring and sharng,
 
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468

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