April #2 list - Veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
This list includes additional events that have been added since the previous email of April 8.
If you wish to be removed from the email list, just let me know.
Please share these events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
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.
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Iron Pigs Nemour Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Run – Sat. April 19 – Registration 10am with escorted motorcycles and all vehicles departing 12 noon.
Starting at Nemours Hospital, 13535 Nemours Pkwy, Orlando, 32827 and ending at Johnny’s Fillin’ Station, 2631 South Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, 32806.
Fine raffle items include leather recliner, 42” flat screen TV, and more.
Info:
ipmc.ezregister.com
ipmc@earthlink.net 321-230-1960.
(Sponsors include Orlando Harley-Davidson, The Fran Haasch Law Group, Metro-State Vehicle Protection Unit, Saxon-Clark Interiors, Fasen Arts.)
Children's Spring Festival – Sat April 19 – sponsored by American Legion Pine Castle Memorial Post 286 Family. 12 pm - 2 pm. 529 E Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809. The public is invited to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult. We look forward to having local children and youth attend for a free day of fun activities, treats and prizes. The American Legion Post 286 Family "working together as one" is dedicated in our Mission to support community, active duty service personnel and veterans families in the local Orlando area. 407-859-1460
4th Annual VFW District 18 Golf Tournament – Sat. April 19 – All are welcome to play which provides financial resources for the valuable Youth, Educational and Patriotic programs.
$100 hole sponsorships available.
District 18 covers 9 posts in Orange and Seminole Counties and Clermont.
The cost is $55/player, 4 per team, shotgun start at 8am at Sweetwater Country Club, 2700 Sweetwater Country Club Dr, Apopka, 32712.
A steak lunch is included and will follow at the Longwood VFW Post that 1.5 miles away.
Also included are prizes and good times!
Contact OIF Iraq veteran Terry Guthrie at 407-473-2507 or
dist18cmdr@flvfw.org
Dinner honoring recent Congressional Medal of Honor Award Recipient Melvin Morris – Sat. April 19 - Melbourne Regional Chamber and Veterans Resource Committee host this dinner to salute Congressional Medal of Honor Award Recipient
Melvin Morris, retired Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army.
This resident of Port St. John in Brevard County was the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor - the country’s highest military honor – awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. More than four decades ago, Morris received the Distinguished Service Cross (the Army’s second-highest
commendation) for courageous actions on Sept. 17, 1969, while a staff sergeant during combat operations in South Vietnam. After a 2002 congressionally mandated review to ensure that eligible recipients were not bypassed due to prejudice, President Barack Obama awarded the Florida resident, now 72 yrs old, and 23 others including 2 other living warriors, the Medal of Honor at a special White House ceremony on Tuesday, March 18.
6-9 PM at Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne, 32901.
$35 to Active Duty, Retired and Veterans with ID card or DD214;
$40 All Others.
Please RSVP ONLINE under the Events Tab at:
www.MelbourneRegionalChamber.com For Sponsorship Opportunities, Contact Justin Anderson at (321) 724-5400 x233 or
justin@melbourneregionalchamber.com.
Job Fair by Hilton Worldwide - Mon April 21 - 11:30am-2:30pm hiring fair by Hilton Worldwide family of properties for local Guard and Reservist, veterans and military spouses.
Hilton Worldwide kicks off this heightened effort to fill actual job positions locally.
Hilton Lake Buena Vista at 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, 32830.
(Southwest Orlando – Disney Village area.) Free parking/validation.
Info: Melissa Stirling, PMP Director, Military Programs Human Resources at (w) 703 883 5650 , (c) 703 819 4623 or
melissa.stirling@hilton.com
Warrior Aviation making Arlington Cemetery Fly over – Tues. April 22. Warrior Flight Team flyover at 1pm in Washington DC area will consist of 4 Tactical Jets and 4 Historic Warbirds of the WW-II, Korean War Era flying in 2 four airplane divisions. All the airplanes have been donated by the owners with the flying pilots (all veterans themselves) donating their time as well.
Proper waivers, flight plans, and clearances have been obtained from the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service and FAA to perform this most honorable mission in this highly controlled airspace.
Budget cuts now require this honor to be performed by public instead of military resources.
Donations gratefully accepted to defray costs.
This event in particular honors the interment of USMC fighter pilot, Lt. Bruce A. Guetzloe, a warrior from WWII and Korea and father of local Orlando resident Doug Guetzloe.
www.warrioraviation.org Also see:
fundly.com/warrior-aviation-arlington-flyover
Info:
guetzloe@aol.com
FAVOB meeting – Wed. April 23 – Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) at 4:30-6:30pm at Doc’s Streetside Grille, 1315 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, 32806 – across from ORMC hospital.
Director’s meeting begins at 3:30pm – all are welcome, only directors may participate.
General meeting begins at 4:30 in upstairs/private dining room.
Networking, information.
Info:
Annie Artis,
Secretary@FAVOB.org
United States Navy Construction Battalion (CB) State wide Convention - April 23 to 27 - Seabees gather from all over Florida at the Park Inn by the Radisson, at Orlando Celebration, 3011 Maingate Drive, Kissimmee, 34747.
The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, and accomplishing a myriad of other construction projects in a wide variety of military theaters dating back to World War II. Find a WWII, Korean War, or any CB and invite them to attend. “Can do…Have done...Will do”
For registration and schedule see:
www.florida-seabees.com Also see the national group of Navy Seabee Veterans of America at
www.nsva.org
RAFMAN Annual Fish & Chicken fry – Sat, April 26 - 12 noon - 5:30 pm. Retired Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy group holds this famously delicious fund raiser for scholarships at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Blvd, Orlando, 32805.
(North of I-4, exit 79 on John Young Pkwy, west of Columbia, south on Bruton.) $10 per person.
Donations appreciated!
Contact George Jordan at 407-841-8378.
www.rafmanclub@bellsouth.org
Honor Flight Central Florida wants the following stated:
Honor Flight Central Florida Hero's Welcome Home – Sat. April 26 – “Come join us at Orlando Sanford Airport, 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, 32773 for a very special welcome home to a very special group of honorees. After a day spent in Washington DC, 72 WWII Veterans along with several Veterans that defended our nation in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and Afghanistan will be returning home from their Honor Flight to our Nation's capital after viewing and reflecting at the memorials erected to them and visiting the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The Honored Veterans and their Guardians are scheduled to return at 10:15 PM and members of the public are encouraged to assemble in the domestic terminal beginning at 9:45 PM. Bring your flags, banners and signs and show them your appreciation for their service to our Country. A 26 piece VFW band will be on hand to play patriotic music and 40's era swing music to entertain the crowd and play part in the welcome.
This is a chartered flight thru Allegiant Airline assigned flight number 4606. We encourage the public to call (702) 505-8888 to confirm arrival time.”
(Note from Cathy: Or check the Allegiant Airlines website for arrival time. There currently are no provisions for free parking. Carpool if possible.)
Escort of Vietnam Memorial Wall – Sun. April 27 – Hundreds of motorcycles and other vehicles will escort the traveling wall of tribute to the fallen from service in Vietnam. Starting at Brevard College, Cocoa Campus to Wickham Park, Melbourne. 8am gathering; Hundreds of people lining the route of US1 with flags, horns and banners. Wickham Park will be the site of the Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion - the nations’ largest veterans’ reunion. Starting on May 1 – 4 - military displays, military vendors, POW-MIA ceremonies. Wickham Park in Brevard Co, Melbourne. Take I-95 to Exit 191 or old Exit 73. Check on line for schedule of events. Info: floridaveteransreunion.com 321-501-6896 or 321-427-2843
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
USO Supporters Meeting – Mon April 28– 5-6:30 pm. Continued updates on the new USO facility to be at Orlando Int’l Airport. Opening is scheduled for this October 1. These meetings discuss fund raising and the significance of USO. Meeting at 851 Celebration Ave, Celebration 34747.
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. Check on line for schedule of events. Info: floridaveteransreunion.com 321-501-6896 or 321-427-2843
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; Discounted cost to $99 per plate if the person wears their military uniform to the event!
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
West Orange Habitat for Humanity 5K run – Sat. May 3 – starts 8am at Oakland Presbyterian Church, 218 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland, 34760 (just west of Winter Garden.)
$30 by April 27 then $35 thru race day.
Event flyer available.
www.westorangehabitat.org Sponsorship info:
Alberto Herran at 407-592-1244.
(The West Orange Habitat for Humanity special project of Home At Last builds specially adapted homes for wounded military service members.)
Caretakers M E 7th Annual Poker Run – Sat. May 3 – Motorcycle and other vehicles are invited.
Proceeds are given to various military groups:
Honor Flights, KISS (Kids In Support of Soldiers), JOSH (Just Our Soldiers helpers), Sentinels of Freedom and others.
Run starts and ends at American Legion Post 183, 2706 Wells Ave. Fern Park, 32730.
Raffle of an AR15 style 5.56mm semi-automatic rifle - comes with one (1) 30 round magazine and a 6x32 scope by UTG or $500 cash.
Tickets are $10 each with only 1000 tickets sold.
Registration begins at 8:30, Blessing of the Bikes at 9:30.
First Bike out at 10:00.
Last bike in at 3:00.
Poker Hands $10 for rider and $5 for passenger. (includes lunch)
Info: Magi at 407.340.9780 or email
magi@caretakersme.com
USMC Combat Correspondent's Association Florida Chapter Golf Tournament – Fri. May 9 - This national organization with a foundation provides assistance to Marines who are in the public affairs field and other benefits to both active duty Marines, Reserve Marines, and Marine Veterans.
Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport, near I-4 and Hwy 27.
Ceremonies begin at 8 am. Tournament fee of $65 entitles you to golf, cart, lunch and all the free Heineken product you can handle. Info:
www.usmcccaonline.com email James “Red” Carpenter at
JCar1@tampabay.rr.com.
Nam Knights of America and Semper Fidelis of America 3rd Annual Fund Raising Dinner – Sat May 10 – A 3 course dinner professionally catered by Le Cordon Bleu with live music. $100 per couple.
1451 N. County Rd 13, Orlando/Bithlo, 32820. (East side)
Proceeds go to Homes For Our Troops – this year for USMC Sgt Anthony McDaniel
www.nkorlando.org and
www.semperfidelisamerica.org
Fallen Floridians Memorial Cross Tribute – Fri May 16 - 385 crosses, one for every military member from Florida who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, will arrive on the grounds of the Lawton House in Oviedo. Larger crosses will collectively honor those who gave their lives in previous conflicts. Each cross will hold a wreath created in 2013 by Eagle Scout 17-year-old Conner MacFarlane and refurbished by his 14-year-old sister, Chloe. One of the crosses is in honor of their father who died in Afghanistan in 2012. Chloe and fellow Girl Scouts from the Oviedo area will lay the wreaths. There will be a special flag raising, wreath laying ceremony and prayer vigil that evening to honor our fallen military members. The event starts at 6:30 PM and will be held at the Lawton House, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. From May 17 - May 27 the public is invited to walk the grounds of the Lawton House from 10AM to 8PM daily to see the crosses and pay tribute to these brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Armed Forces Day – Sat. May 17. Fly your American and service flags proudly! And thank an active serving regular, reservist, or guardsman!
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
Armed Forces Day Golf Tournament – Sat. May 17 – 8am start at Wekiva Golf Club, 4100 Wekiva Club Golf Drive, Longwood, 32779. $65 entry, lunch included. Entry deadline May 13; send payment and list of players to Orlando VA Medical Center, Attn: Christine Breeze, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, 32803. (Note: this event is not sponsored nor endorsed by Dept. of Veteran Affairs.) 321-397-6068
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
3rd Annual Hero Fest – Sun. May 18 – Military and first responders will be honored with multiple events at Old Town, 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.
www.myoldtownusa.com
Memorial Day (Mon. May 26) and weekend event notices are pending.
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.
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. May 31– 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.
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
Flag Day – Sat. June 14. Fly your American flags proudly. Retire your faded, torn, or tattered flags, and replace them with flags made in the U.S.A.
Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. June 14 at the Orlando Scottish Rite Center. Info pending. Gather your neighborhood retired flags and bring them for proper disposal.
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
