Friday, August 22, 2014

More events for veterans in Central Florida

From Cathy Haynes

August event list #2 - veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend.  Post where appropriate.
If you did not receive the August #1 list of events, please contact me and I will re-send.
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Camaraderie Foundation Family Fun Day – SAT. Aug 23 - Kids Workshop and Back To School event for military and veteran families.  Come and bond with other military families for a unique day of fun. Enjoy building a Kids Workshop Kit project and 3 Do It Yourself Classes for home owners. Workshops begin at 9:45am, 10:30am & 11:15am. All materials are provided FREE by Home Depot. Show your completed project and pick up free school supplies from the Back-To-School Brigade of Operation Homefront.  9am-12noon at Home Depot, 4600 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Lake Mary, 32746. (Only this location)  Info: events@camaraderiefoundation.com 
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat Aug 23 – The WW2 and Korean War veterans truly appreciate the “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports with the flags and patriotic signs – It makes a difference!  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 9:35 pm.  Come welcome these former warriors home!  Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #1867 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 with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm  - chaynes11629@yahoo.com   407-239-8468.
For the Early Birds - you can wave them off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.
Honor Flights for the remainder of the year will be on THURS. Sept 4; Two local hubs at two airports (Sanford and OIA) on Sat. Sep 27; Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2.  (Dates subject to change)
Women Veterans Roundtable w/OPM Director Archuleta – MON Aug 25 - Katherine Archuleta, the United States Director of the Office of Personnel and Management will be visiting Orlando Monday to host a forum for female veterans.  This Roundtable Discussion will take place starting at 4pm in the 2nd Floor Veterans Conference Room at the Orlando City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL).  A major focus of the discussion will be the employment of women veterans in the federal government to understand any challenges, barriers, or successes that may have been experienced.  Parking will be validated if you use the City Commons parking garage adjacent/connected to Orlando City Hall (use the skywalk to City Hall.)  Annie Artis of local FL Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) and Karen Connors of Orlando City Mayors’ VAB will facilitate.  Contact Annie at 517.862.1434 secretary@FAVOB.com
Central Florida Veterans Incorporated -  Tues. Aug 26 - Dr Greg Welch is the guest speaker at 5:30 pm at the Orlando VA Clinic Canteen at Lake Baldwin, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803.  Dr Welch has done extensive work for DoD and has recently joined the faculty at UCF.   His current research interests include virtual and augmented reality, human tracking systems, 3D telepresence, computer vision, and stochastic estimation, in particular with applications to healthcare simulation. Open to all interested persons who care about the military and veterans.
Ocoee Military History show – Sat. Aug 30 – (Labor Day Weekend) - A “show and tell” of artifacts and interests from Seminole War to present.  8am – 5pm at the Tom Ison Center, 1701 Adair Street, Ocoee, 34761.  Military History buffs:  Come share your items and knowledge! Space is limited but there are still tables available inside.  No sales – just displays.  There is ample room outside for vehicle displays and tents. Admission will be free, donations gladly accepted.  Event POC: Glen Richardson at 407-877-7472  cappouch@aol.com  
TEACHERS – Schools start again in mid-August.  Please consider extra credit for student attendance at this History event!
VetFest USA – Sat. and Sun. Aug 30 and 31 (Labor Day weekend) – Benefit festival for veterans groups located under I-4 near the Amway Center and Church St. in downtown Orlando.  Events start at 11am each day and go into the night.  About 50 food trucks, displays, lots of music, 50’ tall mechanical Robosaurus T-rex.  $15 tickets available online OR if they are bought from these veterans groups, the group gets to keep the proceeds of the sales:  Foreign Wars (VFW’s), United Service Organization (USO), Underwater Demolition Team-Sea, Air and Land (UDT-SEAL) Association, and the Joe Kittinger F-4 Vietnam Memorial Fund.  See vetfestorlando.com   407-748-5084.
Add these to the Previous Calendar listings….
Free Legal Seminars – Weekly beginning Thurs. Sept 4 – Viera area.  Free legal seminars offered to the public with the intention of providing information on a variety of legal topics for 6 weeks.  “State and Federal Constitution and How They Work Together” on Thurs. Sept 4, 6pm-8pm. Provided/coordinated by Space Coast Community Law School, at Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Jury Assembly Room, Viera, 32940.  Topic for Sept 11:  Veterans Benefits, presented by Garren Cone of AVET Project.   Info and list of future topics:  spacecoastcommunitylawschool.com  321-269-6833
The Boogie Woogie Veterans Show – Fri Sept 5 – Join Company B with the Andrew Sisters Musical Tribute Act at the Henegar Center in downtown Melbourne, 7pm – 9pm, 625 E New Haven Ave #119, Melbourne, 32901.  Open to the public, $25 per person – FREE for veterans!  www.henegar.com  Contact Justin at 321-724-5400 ext. 233  orJustin@MelbourneRegionalChamber.com
Stick Marsh Veterans Bass Challenge - Sat Sept 6 – NEEDED:  service connected disabled veterans and boaters willing to bring their boat out – NO charge!  Fishing teams of up to 3 (1 military veteran or active, 1 Municipal Leader, plus 1 Boat Captain) at The Stick Marsh, 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach.  Bragging rights and prizes will be awarded afterwards at the Bass Challenge BBQ hosted at Bass Pro Shops. Contact Justin at 321-724-5400 ext. 233  or Justin@MelbourneRegionalChamber.com
End of Summer Bash – Sat. Sept 6 – Fundraising event supporting Wounded Warrior Project with a dance, entertainment and dinner.  The theme is Tropical Summer Nights from 4pm – 8pm, with a dinner of $2 hot dogs and $3 hamburgers.  Raffles and 50/50 drawings with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project.  American Legion Post 286 Family at 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Orlando, 32809 in South Orlando (half of block west of Orange Ave. between Oak Ridge Ave. and Fairlane Ave.)  Sponsored by the Pine Castle area American Legion Family of friendly members (Legionnaires, Auxiliary and S.A.L Members.) Info:  407-859-1460.
Every Day is Veteran’s Day – Sat. Sept 13 – Special tribute to veterans from 10am-1pm. Keynote speaker will be Brig. General Wilma Vaught, USAF (ret.), one of the most highly decorated women in U.S. history.  One Senior Place, 715 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, 32714.  407.949.6733   Organized by VITAS. 
Veterans of Osceola County exhibit – Tues. Sept.16 – New exhibit opens with a ribbon cutting at the Museum of Military History, 4:30 pm.  5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746.  407-507-3894 for further information. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com 
Veterans Tribute & Museum/Museum of Military History Tenth Anniversary Celebration – Sat. Sept. 20 - All day affair, 10 am Commanders Call (vendors, displays, sharing, etc.) snacks, entertainment, door prize every thirty minutes, lots of meet & greet.  Commemorative coins available.  Museum of Military History, 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746.  407-507-3894 for further information.  www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com 
Gold Star Mothers and Families – Sun. Sept 28 –Honoring and remembering the loved ones who died while serving in the armed forces.  3pm-5pm in Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801.  Gold Star families – bring a photo of your loved one. Refreshments after event.  RSVP requested by Sept 24 to Jean at 407.691.4548 or 407.875.0028.  Presented by VITAS, Dignity Memorial, and the City of Orlando.
Orlando National College Fair – Sun. Oct 12 - Over 200 college representatives from across the country will be at the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida. The fair is open to the public, 1 pm to 4 pm and this year there are two financial aid workshops at 12 noon and 2:15 pm. In addition, a representative from the UCF – Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) will be located near the counseling center to answer questions. 
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Golf Tournament – Fri. Oct 17 - Stoneybrook East Golf Course, 8am start time. Proceeds benefit the JROTC Scholarship Program.  2900 Northampton Ave, Orlando, 32828 in East Orlando.  Contact Dick Aldinger at 407-859-7436   famdinger@aol.com or Mike Patterson at 407-240-7609dmphome@earthlink.net
Osceola County Stand Down – Sat. Oct 25 – Various services offered to veterans, including homeless veterans.  Volunteers needed!  Osceola County Veterans Service office, 330 N. Beaumont Ave., Kissimmee, 34741.  Contact Tommie Maldonado, VSO at 407-742-8455, Ken Mueller, HCHV, at 407-631-7228.  Register to volunteer with Chanel at 407-742-8455 cf66c@osceola.org 
EXTRA
Horse Back riding and Equine Assisted Therapy – Free for military veterans.  321-412-8057.  Endorsed by AVET Project.
Restaurants and attractions – Do you need an evaluation of your facilities with regards to wheelchair accessibility?  The local PVA – Paralyzed Veterans of America – could assist you with fresh perspectives.  The new program “Wheels on the Go” provides the mobility challenged an additional chance to vary daily routines by dining in restaurants or visiting attractions.  The PVA-member veteran will then provide an evaluation of the facility for handicapped friendliness that will be shared with others. It’s a help-help, Win-Win situation for both sides.  To offer your site for evaluation, contact Central FL PVA Exec. Director John DeMauro at 407-328-7041  cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com
Ice Bucket Challenge and PVA - You have likely seen, heard or participated in the recent Ice Bucket Challenges.  It brings awareness and donations for the research/cure of ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease.)  There are 26 veterans just in Central Florida who have been diagnosed with ALS and are members of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).  Military veterans who have received spinal cord injuries or have diseases that involved the spinal cord/nerves are eligible for membership.  The diseases along with ALS include Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Lupus, spinal stenosis and others.  Benefits of membership include, but are not limited to, adaptive sports, veteran-to-veteran mentoring, legal awareness, and medical awareness and advances.  There are also volunteering opportunities.  See website at  pva.org  or contact John at 407-328-7041  cfpvaed@cfl.rr.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 Diana Miers, the Coordinator.  A Mentor Training session will be held Wed. Sept. 17 at 12noon at the Orange County Public Defenders Office. Additional announcements will be made as the training approaches. 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 dsm@dianamierslaw.com  407-603-6538
Home Depot and Lowe’s always support our Military by offering 10% off your purchase with Active, Reserve or Retired Military ID. 
Inquire about Home Depot's efforts to repair and renovate veterans' homes at no cost. They have committed $50 Million to help with this initiative surrounding Veteran's Day.www.homedepot.com
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. www.operationhomefront.org
·         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 and events – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.
·         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/
·         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

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