From Cathy Haynes
June #2 Central FL list of veteran, military or patriotic events
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. Post where appropriate.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, June 25 -28 - 96th Annual Department Convention at Renaissance SeaWorld in Orlando.
GROUND BREAKING FOR MARINE VETERANS HOME – Sat. June 27 - Home At Last is pleased to announce
that Ground Breaking
ceremonies, on a seventh Home at Last house, for Marine Staff Sergeant
Brandon Wittwer and his family will be held at 10:00 a.m.
The home will be located on
Cross Street and Briley Avenue in Oakland, Florida.
Info:
William Criswell,
wccriswell@earthlink.net
407-876-2472
Liberty Weekend Concert – Sat. June 27 – the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will recognize a distinguished aviation veteran at the Orlando International Airport. The ceremony to recognize Lt. Colonel Gene O’Baker with the 3 rd annual Colonel Joe Kittinger Award, beginning at 7:45 pm. Atrium of the Airport Hyatt area. Following the ceremony the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a unique concert of patriotic music and popular favorites from 8 to 9pm. Those attending will receive three hours of free parking – Take a paper ticket upon entering airport parking – do not use your E-Pass/SunPass transponder.
WHILE THERE, WHY NOT STAY JUST A BIT LONGER AND WELCOME HOME SOME SENIOR VETERANS…..
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. June 27– THIS IS THE LAST HONOR FLIGHT until the end of August – Wash. DC is too hot/humid for the senior veterans and the guardians who push the wheelchairs…..
Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korea return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The hub of the nation-wide organization will 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 8:30pm and enter the terminal area at about 9 – 9:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines # 2402 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 (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm
-
chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
New: Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will not work if you use the E-Pass/SunPass transponders – we cannot credit back the charge.
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. Wave them off for a wonderful day!
Veteran Hiring Event – Tues. June 30 - 10:30am – 2:30pm – Skilled workers being hired by a company – Welders, HVAC, carpenters, plumbers, sheet metal workers, block/brick masons, drywall, concrete, more.
The site will be Orlando VA Medical Center’s Auditorium B at the Lake Baldwin site, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, 32803.
THIS IS
NOT a hiring event for the VA
– only a site being used by a hiring company seeking veterans.
Contact Annie Artis, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator,
407-629-1599 x1846, (c) 407-307-9101
ellamay.artis@va.gov
Veteran to receive French Legion of Honour medal – Tues. June 30 - WWII Veteran, Charles Edward Stevens, will be honored by France and awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour medal, as he also celebrates his 90th birthday. 12noon - 4:00pm Representatives from the French Consulate will arrive at 2:30 pm to award Mr. Stevens with their prestigious Medal of Honor for his WWll service in France. The Veteran Memorial Center, 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, 32952 (located behind the Merritt Square Mall.) France has awarded more than 1,000 of the medals to Floridians in the past 10 years. Info: Dave Matthews 407.535.1728 sgtdavematthews@ gmail.com
Saturday, July 4 – Check community resources for Independence Day events. And fly your flag proudly!
July 4 at Lake Eola – Celebrate our national birthday by watching fireworks around the beautiful lake! 9pm in Downtown Orlando.
TWO Conferences working together…….And with a special event needing help from the public….
National Association of Blind Veterans (NABV) – Mon. July 6 - Annual National Meeting and Reception at the Rosen Centre Hotel , 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819, In (Salon 1), Second Level. This gathering would be of interest to veterans who lost their sight in the service of our country or have lost their sight after serving due to medical situations (diabetes, glaucoma, injuries, etc.) A social reception will start promptly at 5PM and close at 7PM. Light snacks and soft drinks are provided (Cash bar) along with some door prize drawings. We will start our National Business Meeting promptly at 7PM closing at 10PM. Info: Dwight D. Sayer, misterconsultant50@ gmail.com or president@ nabv.org 321- 948-1466 See website at www. nabv.org
Working in conjunction with……
National Federation of the Blind Convention (NFB) – Mon – Fri, July 6-10 at the Rosen Center Hotel. Veterans Celebration opening session day (Wed. July 8). There will also be a number of vendors presenting visual assistance equipment that the VA issues through prosthetics and a chance to ask the vendor questions about the equipment. 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.
BUT – The NABV and NFB are asking the help of our Central Florida communities!!!!!
They are going to try to set a new Guinness World Record…The Largest Umbrella Mosaic. The current record was set by PT Philips (Indonesia) in Jakarta in 2012. 3000 people are needed, each with an umbrella.
Show up at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819, at 7AM on Wednesday July 8and hold up the umbrella. Guinness will record it from the air and on the ground. The Rosen Centre, along with other Rosen properties, plans to have staff members participate. Parking will be waived at the Rosen property. They are very excited about setting this record in Orlando. What a way to start a workday by participating in a World Record!!!
Central Florida Navy League luncheon and meeting – Wed. July 8 – All persons who support the sea services, whether civilian or military, are welcomed to attend this gathering on the 2nd Wed. of each month.
11:30 – 1pm at the Radisson Hotel (near UCF), 1724 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32826.
Interesting speakers and networking potential includes the simulation technology businesses.
$20 with RSVP or $25 at the door.
3rd largest Navy League in FL.
Contact Bob K. (Membership Chair.) at
navleaguecenfl@juno.com 407-977-7575
Florida United Numismatists (F.U.N.) – Thurs – Sat. July 9-11 – The summer F.U.N. (money) show – over 200 dealer booths of coins and paper money often include military collectibles, artifacts, political ephemera (old campaign buttons) along with jewelry and watches. Numismatic-related exhibits, 6 educational programs, Scout Programs, the Heritage Auction, and much more. Great history items. Kids can learn during their summer vacation! This year is the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet off the central east coast of Florida – think about the gold and silver Spanish coins! See 1715fleetsociety.com and www. funtopics.com Admission is FREE but convention center parking is $10. Orange County Convention Center9800 International Drive, Hall WA3, West Concourse.
(NOTE: The BIG national F.U.N. show with 1500+ dealers and 15,000+ collectors will NOT be held in Orlando in Jan. 2016. Due to contract ‘challenges’ it will be in Tampa.)
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
ON THE HORIZON
National 75th Anniversary of Airborne and Special Operations – Wed. Aug 12 – event at 7pm Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.
82nd Airborne Division Association National Convention – Wed-Mon Aug 12-17 - Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. Special Room Rate: $85. Cost/Resister at www. paratrooperdz.com.
September 2, 1945 – V-J Day. Thank a Pacific Theater veteran for his/her service!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Local Young Marines need help - 9 Young Marines of the local Orlando Devil Dogs unit. Young Marines (ages 8 to 18) from across the country gather in Window Rock, AZ, to honor and give praise to the Navajo Code Talkers from WWII. The Young Marines’ theme for the 2015 event is “Teaching Today’s Youth about Yesterday’s Heroes.” These Young Marines will be attending a class about the Code Talkers, setting up flags and marching in the Navajo Nation parade. They will be providing gifts for the Navajo Code Talkers families and visiting the Navajo Nation Zoo and the Navajo Museum.
Your contribution will help cover the airfares, accommodations, meals and other fees and expenses to host the 9 teenage Young Marines during the Annual Navajo Code Talkers Day events that will take place from August 13 to the 15th 2015. See: gofundme.com This effort will make a lifetime impact on these young men and women. You don’t see these youth’s pictures and stories in the media – they’re too busy doing too much good in our communities instead of becoming problems….
Work at Lake Nona -The Orlando VA Medical Center has opened a Recruitment Center at the new medical center in Lake Nona. The Recruitment Center provides a "one stop" location for potential employees to find out information about applying for jobs at the Orlando VA Medical Center. Human Resource Specialists, Nursing Recruiters, and Physician Recruiters are located at the Center and are available to provide information and assistance.
The address for the new medical center at Lake Nona is 13800 Veterans Way. Upon arrival to the medical center, park on the first floor of the west parking garage and follow the signs to enter the building. Take the elevator to the fourth floor and follow the signs to the Recruitment Center welcome desk. The room number is 4A101. Volunteers are stationed at the facility to assist with directions.
The main telephone number for the Recruitment Center is 407-631-4011.
INFO to keep and share - because we care
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
Central FL rep:
Chip Whiting at 407-758-0492
whiting_charles@bah.com
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 - 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite #30, Orlando, 32822. 407-857-2800 Or 877-927-8387.
Melbourne -2098 Sarno Road, Melbourne, 32935. 321-254-3410 Or 877-927-8387.
Clermont -1655 East Highway 50, Clermont, 34711 352-536-6701 Or 877-927-8387.
Daytona Beach -1620 Mason Ave., Suite C, Daytona Beach, 32117. 386-366-6600 Or 877-927-8387.
And coming soon to Seminole County.... vetcenter.va.gov
EXTRAS:
· Check out: hiredbyfriday.com and iamveteran.com. Both sites are for veterans and hiredbyfriday.com is a site for Veterans to upload their resumes and employers can look for skilled veterans there.
·
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, events, and stories – 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, guardsmen, 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
·
The Navy Exchange (NEX) –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. The big white building on the west side of Tradeport -
7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827.
www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
·
MWR / ITT Ticket Office – Offers discounted attraction tickets to active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents.
It is locate adjacent to the Navy Exchange (NEX) listed above.
Phone: 407-855-0116 or 407-851-4396 for details,
email:
mwrorl@gmail.com or Text MWROrlando to 30364 for MWR Specials.
·
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 FL
407-239-8468
