ORLANDO HARLEY PROJECT VETRELIEF
Benefit for American Legion Project Vet Relief
From Cathy Haynes
March notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida
Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend.
Big, Special and FREE Event! US Navy Band and Sea Chanters Chorus – Sat. Mar 7 – 4pm at Dr. Phillips Center – Seneff Arts Plaza. Part of the Florida Blue Free Concerts Series visit: drphillipscenter.org This concert is outdoors on the grassy area of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPAC), 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, 32801. Concert lasts about 1 hour; you might consider bringing lawn chair or ground blanket. 407-839-0119. (Thank you for the notice, Carla Hoskins and Bob Karas!)
Orlando Marathon – Sat. Mar 7 - Sponsored by Help The Vets, Inc. and the City of Orlando. Harbor Park, 4990 E. New Broad Street, Orlando, 32814 - south side of Lake Baldwin. Get the word out about your organization with a free table (cannot sell anything) and meet Veterans and runners in the Orlando area – 7am – 11am. 500+ runners and their families expected. VFW band will play for 2 hours starting at 7:30 am with the flag ceremony. Contact Neil at 407-376-7000 omarathon.com
Bands, Brew and BBQ – Mar 7 to Mar 29 (Every Sunday, Saturday) - USO Central Florida has partnered with Sea World Orlando for military and veteran appreciation. Event proceeds will support our local USO Central Florida. Special discounts and offers for all actives, reservists, retirees and veterans from the military. Live concerts from top classic rock and country bands and artists, the tastiest BBQ from the area's best local smokehouses. 7007 SeaWorld Dr., Orlando, 32821.
Sun. March 8 – Did you move your clock ahead one hour?
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sun. Mar 8 – 2pm start time in downtown Winter Park, Park Ave. Irish dancers, first responders’ bagpipes and the local Korean War Veterans Chapter 173 will also have a float! (KWVA - Thank you for the parade info!) 407-222-0648.
IDignity Seminole – Wed. Mar 11 – 9am to 1pm (first come, first served) Assistance directed towards helping homeless and indigent persons in Seminole County in obtaining replacements of lost or stolen Florida ID cards & licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, VA records and other documents with assistance of legal counsel. St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 2140 West State Road 434, Longwood, 32779. Transportation troubles? Free pickup (for this event only) from 7 – 9am and drop off from 2 - 4:45pm at the following locations only:
• Sanford Civic Center - 401 E Seminole Blvd, Sanford (in the parking lot near 1st and Sanford)
• The Salvation Army - 700 W. 24th St., Sanford
• The Sharing Center - 600 N. US Highway 17-92 #154, Longwood
Some documents require additional proofs – call to check which ones NOW so that you will have them available to help these folks to help you! 407-869-0491 ext. 0 Website: idignity.org/Seminole email: idignityseminole@ idignity.org (Thank you for the notice, Dennis McClellan!)
Tico Warbird Airshow – Fri, Sat and Sun March 13, 14, 15 – Vintage and modern warplanes in action at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville on the east coast of Florida. Including USAF Thunderbirds, Texas Raiders B-17G, B-25 Mitchell Bomber, DAV Flight Team. Also special guests WWII Veteran and Doolittle Raider - Lt. Col. Dick Cole as well as Vietnam Veteran and DAV National Commander Ron Hope. Airshow starts at 1pm; gates open at 8:30am. This year has a special salute to all Vietnam veterans! Warbird Museum at 6600 Tico Rd, Titusville, 32780. Info: 321-268-1941 Tickets available online at vacwarbirds.net
USO Volunteers - Interested in becoming an official USO volunteer when the airport site opens? You will need to attend one of the volunteer orientations. Sessions will be held each month. This month you may attend one of the following dates. RSVP to kkimberly@usocentralflorida.org
Fri, Mar 13, 4 - 5:30 PM at La Rosa Corporate Offices, 1420 Celebration Blvd, Celebration FL, 34747.
Or on Mon, Mar 16, 5 - 6:30 PM, Celebration Town Hall, 851 Celebration Ave, Celebration FL, 34747.
Regional Effort to End Veteran Homelessness mtg – Wed. Mar 18 – 8am – 10am at The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave, 18th Floor, Orlando, 32801. Presented by the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness; Hosted by the Orlando VA Medical Center, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Local and national experts present a briefing on the progress on this critical issue and continue the dialogue on taking the big next steps forward in ending veteran homelessness in Central Florida. RSVP to diana@ImpactHomelessness. org or by calling 321-710-HOME (4663) x1 (Thank you for the notice, Andrae Bailey!)
Fundraising Garage Sale by Villagers for Veterans – Fri. and Sat. Mar 20, 21 – 2344 Bramble Terrace, The Village of Bonita, 32162. Quality items cleaned out of attics, closets and garages – needing new homes! Proceeds benefit efforts to assist wounded veterans. Contact: Alice Byrum 352-561-4387 or Marie Bogdonoff 516-220-5068
Fundraising Dance for Golfing with Heroes– Fri. Mar 20 – Fundraiser to sponsor golf outings for wounded veterans. Entertainment by Roy Michaels. Sponsored by Villagers for Veterans and American Legion Post 347. $12.50 pp from 6pm-9pm at the Post, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Contact Marie for info and tickets at 516-220-5068. villagersforveterans.org
Sat. Mar 21 - Deadline for reservations for American Legion’s Children’s Easter Party – see event on Sat. March 28
Melbourne Air and Space Show Flies Over Florida - Mar 21-22. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) featuring the USN Blue Angels. Check online for further info.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. Mar 21 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 9:30 pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines #2222 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly.
Charity Golf Tournament PVA of Central Florida – Mon. March 23 – Fund raiser for both Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Central Florida and The Disability Wellness Center in Sanford. PVA assistance includes spinal injury and neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. There are 27 known veterans with ALS in Central FL. Tournament will be held at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes in Longwood, 32779. Flyer available. Sponsorships welcomed. To register or for more information contact: John DeMauro, 407-328-7041 cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –WED. Mar 25 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 35 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 9:30 pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines #1341 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly.
Military Retiree Appreciation Day – Sat. Mar 28 – 9am – 4pm. Sponsored by Army/Fort Stewart but all military services are welcomed to this great event which will provide retired Soldiers and their families the latest information on the current state of the military, benefits and entitlements, and the future outlook for defense programs supporting retirees and pay. TRICARE/Delta Dental, Public Health, American Legion/VFW; briefings from: Defense Accounting and Finance Service (DFAS) VA State Veterans Office, AAFES/Commissary, ID cards, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) /ROA. University of Central Florida (UCF) campus at The Venue Auditorium , CFE Arena. 12777 Gemini Boulevard, Orlando, 32816-8041. Info: 912-767-5013 or 912-767-3326 or email the Ft Stewart RSO at usarmy.stewart.usag or MacDill AFB Army Retirement Services Office at 813-828-0163 or email army.rso@amc.af.mil.
Tribute to World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans – Sat. Mar 28 - 11:30am - 3:30pm. Hosted by AMVETS Post 2006 -Leesburg, held offsite at Rural King, 1715 Citrus Blvd (Hwy 441), Leesburg. Special guests, speakers, recognition presented by our State, County Representatives, live music, food, beverages, activities vendors, prizes, raffles , Club challenge award, Event t-shirts, and lots more. Invitations have been extended to the Governor, several Senators and Congressman, local representations, Mayor of Leesburg, Former Senator Carey Baker, Navy Band, ROTC, Boys and Girl Scouts, 4-H Club, and several more. amvets2006.com 352-323-8750 Peggy c 407 484 2159 Sponsors and vendors welcomed!
Easter Children’s Party – Sat. Mar 28 - Easter Egg hunts, lunch and prizes for the children starting at 12 pm. Sponsored by The American Legion Family at Post 286 Pine Castle. Make your child's reservations to attend this military and family friendly fun filled afternoon. Space is limited and each child must be accompanied by an adult and register by calling 407-859-1460 by March 21st. Post address: 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809 (south Orlando area, north of Sand Lake Road.) alaunit286pinecastlefl@ gmail.com - An active and friendly post for men and women!
Wounded Officer Initiative (WOI) Fundraiser – Sat. Mar 28 - 6-11 pm Wounded law enforcement officers (LEO) will be assisted with this evening of dinner, dancing, and a Vegas-style magic show by Jeff Caprann, at Windermere Hall, 520 Main Street, Windermere, 34786. (southwest Orlando area.) $50/pp or $90/couple. Info: woundedofficersinitiative. org Tickets/info: Peter at 407-758-8526; Rick at 407-766-0125; or Scott at 407-408-3623. (Thank you for the notice, Jimmy Brown!)
6th Annual CFNL Wounded Warrior Lone Sailor 5K & 10K – Sat. April 4 - 7:30am Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave, Orlando, 32814. Join us for a run around the former grounds of Naval Training Center Orlando to honor the city's rich military heritage and support our wounded service men and women. Visit cfnl5k.org for details and to register online. Sponsorships welcomed.
ON THE HORIZON – mark your calendar
Florida Women Veterans Conference – Apr 17-19 - a first ever weekend conference open to all women veterans of all eras. Sandcastle Resort in Sarasota (1540 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, 34236) The website provides full information including the agenda, registration and hotel: flwvc.org
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – Apr 23 – 26, Wickham Park in Melbourne. The nation’s largest veteran reunion is very well attended; military displays, reenactments and ceremonies, old and new friends. Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall will be onsite from Apr.19 – 26. The escorted arrival is always exciting with hundreds of motorcycles and First Responder vehicles.
USMCCCA Foundation Golf Tournament – Fri. May 1. U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Foundation tournament. The proceeds go to the Semper Fi fund to help wounded Marines and their loved ones. James “Red” Carpenter at jcar1@tampabay.rr.com Sponsorships welcomed.
Golf Outing - A Villagers for Veterans Event – Tues. May 19 - Bonifay Country Club, The Villages Fl. Come and meet SSGT. Brian Mast, a true hero. Brian lost both his legs and a finger while clearing for bombs in Afghanistan during one of his tours. Brian recently returned from Israel, where he volunteered for the IDF.
3rd Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament - Mon. July 20. Central Florida Navy League, a large active group composed of civilians and veterans supporting all sea services. (USN, USMC, USCG, and Merchant Marines.) This golf outing honors a long-time CFNL member, Robert "Bob" Bret - Proceeds go to support NJROTC scholarships and the Welfare & Recreation fund for USCGC Cutter's Vigilant and
Shrike, (based in Port Canaveral) crew & families. Tournament at The Golden Bear Club, Keene’s Point in Windermere. Corporate sponsors welcomed. Contact Brian Holmes at 407.252.3008 bholmes@aegistg.com
MISC INFO:
Employment Workshops - sponsored locally by the VA. Dates and Times vary based upon location at the VA facilities: Orlando – Fridays, 10am – 11:30 am; Viera – Tuesdays, 1pm – 2:30 pm; Daytona – Thursdays, 10am – 11:30. Please call to RSVP limited seating or for more information - Ellamay "Annie" Artis, CESP, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, Orlando, 32803. 407-629-1599 x1846.
Spread the word - Seeking members of the World War II 384th Bomb Group to sign a Commemorative wall panel. ASAP. During WWII, the 384th Bombardment Group was part of the Eighth Air Force and was assigned to the Grafton Underwood Airfield in England. Today, the 384th Bomb Group Commemorative Wing Panel Project provides those veterans a chance to sign their names on a genuine wing skin panel from a WWII B-17G. The panel travels all over the United States for interested 384th veterans to sign. A volunteer for the group, Keith Ellefson, will be touring Florida later this month with the wing panel. Email him at B-17WingPanel@384thBombGroup.com, or call Keith Ellefson at (334) 733-4353.
A roster of members of the 384th Bomb Group and a record of their service in the 384th can be found at 384thbombgroup.com
Mentors needed - Orange County Veterans Court IS succeeding! Longer term success is possible with community mentors. Be a “battle buddy” or “foxhole buddy” by assisting someone with life challenges. No proselytizing – just non-judgmental caring. Most of the offenders are DUI or possession. If you have experienced substance abuse – although not required - and came thru it, you may be very helpful to someone else. If you are interested in participating as a mentor, know someone who is interested, or are a part of an organization where Mentors can be recruited, contact Beatrice Brown, the Coordinator. She or Judge Brewer have graciously offered to visit various groups and organizations to keep the mentor program in use. It does make a difference and you can too….. Contact Beatrice Brown at 407-496-1307 wellsbrownlawgroup@gmail.com
INFO to keep and share:
Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline : 1-800-273-8255, #1.
Or: Website at veteranscrisisline provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance;
Or: text 838255 for 24/7 confidential assistance. They are there because they care….
Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for warriors and their families. It works. It has saved lives, marriages and families. Contact 407-841-0071
Operation Homefront assists military families during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance. operationhomefront.org
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. And coming soon to Seminole County.. vetcenter.va.gov/
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
