October 13 – Happy Birthday, United States Navy! Established in 1775.
From Cathy Haynes
October Military/Veterans Events
Send me your November event information, including Veteran’s Day events, ASAP!
It’s still hurricane season. Are you prepared if another Hurricane Irma or Maria heads our way? Be prepared. Have a plan. Assist your neighbors.
A nifty hurricane preparedness list was sent to me that is very comprehensive and it was offered to those who wanted a copy of it. If you didn’t request it before and would still like a copy, please email me SEPARATELY with just that request. Please - Do not use “Reply.”
Disaster Assistance for Veterans pamphlet from the US Veterans Affairs office has been scanned and made available by Tommie Maldonado of the Orange County Veterans Service Office. It contains some valuable resources. Send me a SEPARATE email with ‘Disaster Assistance pamphlet’ in the subject line and I will attach the pamphlet. Please - Do not use “Reply.”
2nd Infantry Division Florida Branch Reunion – Fri – Sun, Oct 13- 15 - Reunion of Second Indianhead Division Association at the Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel and Suites, 300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, 33950. The Florida International Air Show is in Punta Gorda that weekend. Combine the two for a great weekend! Info: Mike at 2IDA.Mail@ charter .net 919-356-5692
AAAA Social – Fri. Oct 13 – No bad luck here! A fun after hours social with Quad-A (Army Aviation Association of America) and sponsored Lockheed Martin. Start the weekend off well from 4:30 – 7pm at Frogger’s Grill & Bar, 27 Alafaya Woods Blvd, Oviedo, 32765. PRICE $10 per person for wings, beer and soft drinks, 50/50's are $1 a ticket or $5 for 10 tickets. Bring a friend that joins AAAA & you both get in free! The CFL AAAA Chapter has been supporting Army Aviators and their families since 1985 with support to the community, our membership, and to our local military Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians. This support includes education related to Army aviation, scholarship awards, and growth through well planned social and professional activities. Info: 407-738-8735
K.I.S.S. care packaging – Sat. Oct 14 – Kids in Support of Soldiers (K.I.S.S.) will be packing care packages for the troops, at 10 am at Casselberry Veterans located at 200 Concord Drive, Casselberry, 32707. Items to send are welcomed, especially Christmas cards, as those deployed will want them in their preparation for the holidays. Future packings will be held Nov 18-(third Sat) at American Legion- "Old Glory" 2706 Wells Ave, Fern Park, and Dec. 9 - Longwood VFW- 1520 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood. See their website at kidsinsupportofsoldiers .org Info: kisssecretary@ gmail .com 407-247-4030.
Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) meeting – Sat. Oct 14 – Are you a descendant of America’s first veterans? Tracing your family tree and finding a lineal ancestor who fought for or supported the efforts for our freedoms in the American Revolution allows you to honor their sacrifices by becoming a member. And if you are active military or a veteran (but not required) it makes the connection even more important because you swore to uphold the US Constitution that was put into place at the start of our country – a true tribute! A monthly luncheon meeting for the Central Florida chapter is being held at the Mayflower Retirement Complex because it has great food! Info for membership and/or the meeting: Don at donaldg100@ aol .com
Young Marine Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 14 – Sponsors welcomed; This event rewards some hard working young men and women (ages 8-18) of the Orlando Devil Dogs who are our future leaders. Contact sgtmajgna@ earthlink .net
Central Florida Navy Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 14 – Event sponsorships are available. Join past and present Navy personnel and Navy supporters when we celebrate 242 years of USN service to our country! Guest speaker is Sunita L. Williams (Suni), U.S. Navy Captain, was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions. She is currently assigned to the cadre of astronauts training to fly the initial test flights for America’s first commercially built spacecraft the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Dragon. She and her crewmates are working closely with the commercial providers to develop their new spacecraft systems, which will eventually provide round-trip crew transportation services to the International Space Station. All interested persons are welcomed to attend the Navy Ball. Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando (near I-Drive.) Tickets are available from Central FL Navy League at www. cfnavyleague .org
American Patriot Gala – Sat. Oct 14 - 4th annual event hosted by Lockheed Martin to support Camaraderie Foundation - postponed from Sept. 9. One-of-a-kind evening featuring a cocktail reception, special guest speaker, silent and live auctions and entertainment. Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Dr., Orlando, 32819. A beautiful evening in tribute to the military service members who have so honorably served our country since 9/11. See website for tickets/tables. Camaraderie Foundation 407-841-0071 events@ camaraderiefoundation .org
The Foundation provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for Post 9/11 veterans/active duty and their families. They also have connections in other areas, other states. It works. It HAS saved lives, saved marriages and saved families.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Oct 14 - Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. This Mission will have 25 veterans returning at 9:55pm on Southwest Airlines# 3639 from BWI. Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of where Starbucks had been.) There are 14 veterans whose service started in WW2, 7 in Korean War including one woman, and 4 from the Vietnam War. The eldest is 94 yrs old. 7 are from Navy, 5 from Army, 7 from Air Force/Army Air Corps, 5 Marines and 1 Coast Guard.
This Honor Flight hub is a part of the nation-wide organization that takes 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. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! 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 at 7870 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, 32812 – 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 407-239-8468 chaynes11629 @yahoo .com
New: Vouchers may be 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 ticket upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will NOT work if you use the SunPass/EPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.
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!
NOTE: The next Honor Flights will be Wed. Oct 18, and the last one for the year is on Sat. Oct 21.
Family Fun Day at the Beach – Sun. Oct 15 - Come out and bond with other military families while enjoying the fishing pier, trails for walking and biking, touring the fort, games, prizes and more. Sponsored by Camaraderie Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project. 10am – 2pm at Fort DeSoto Park, Shelter 15, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, 33715. Lunch and drinks will be provided but reservations are requested for planning purposes. Bring your own beach equipment. Register by emailing or calling: Anna at programs@ camaraderiefoundation .org or 407-841-0071 with your name, email, phone number, number of attendees.
Camaraderie Foundation provides healing for invisible wounds of war through counseling, emotional, and spiritual support for all branches of Military Service Members, Veterans and their families.
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Oct 17 - Meeting at 10am, a “Chamber of Commerce” of sorts open to all veteran owned businesses, at American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. 19 states offer contract preferences to veteran owned businesses. Florida is NOT one of them. Our goal is to change that in big business, and with our state, our cities, and counties too. See FAVOB Facebook site and website. Info: chairman@ favob .org or marketing@ favob .org
Orange County Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council –Wed. Oct 18 –Monthly meeting starting at 1:30pm of numerous organizations and individuals for the benefit of Central FL veterans and active duty personnel. Planning of events and awareness is shared. Designated representatives allow groups to coordinate efforts and unite for the common cause. If your Orange County /Central FL vet/military associated group isn’t attending, it should plan to get involved. Mayor Teresa Jacobs is very supportive of a veteran-friendly community. Contact Chairman Col. Edwin Marrero for attendance and location information. emarrero81 @cfl.rr .com
Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) mtg – Wed. Oct 18 – Join others who are in this unique status of service to our country. 7 PM at the Orlando Elks Lodge, 12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, 32803. Activities include parade participations, and currently working on getting out the JROTC Purple Heart Awards for the local high schools and college ROTC units. It’s always nice for a member to personally present the Award Certificate, Medal and Ribbon at the school awards ceremony. Info: Marcus at mmichles@ att. net 407-382-9737 or cell 407-304-6061.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –WEDNESDAY, Oct 18 –After a day spent in Washington DC, Honor Flight veterans will return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. This Mission will have 70 veterans, 70 guardians along with medical and admin. staff. This is a special chartered flight thru American Airlines and they will be returning from DCA to Orlando on AA#9459 arriving at 7pm. Airport Operations state that the veterans will enter Terminal B, Airside 3 – this is in the opposite end of the airport from the “usual” Honor Flight area and is near Dunkin Donuts. Veterans: 10 with service starting in WW2, 3 post-WW2 to KW, 49 served in Korean War, 2 post-KW to VN, 6 in Vietnam War. The breakdowns of branches are: 34 Army, 17 Navy, 7 Marines, 10 Air Force, and 2 Coast Guard. On this Mission, one of the woman veterans (USMC with service in Korean War) was a member of the Color Guard for the dedication of The United States Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial). The dedication was attended by President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon. This particular hub of Honor Flight also marks its 1000th veteran taken to Washington DC since its first flight in May 2012! Bring your flags, banners and signs to welcome these veterans home after their day in Washington DC. Your attention makes a difference!
This Honor Flight hub is a part of the nation-wide organization that takes 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. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! 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 at 7870 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, 32812 – 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 407-239-8468 chaynes11629 @yahoo .com
New: Vouchers may be 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 ticket upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will NOT work if you use the SunPass/EPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.
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!
NOTE: The next Honor Flight, also the last one for the year, is on Sat. Oct 21.
October 19, 1781 - The British surrender to the Colonies - As their band played “The World Turned Upside Down”, the British Army marched out in formation and surrendered to the Americans at Yorktown. More than 7,000 British and Hessian troops, led by British General Lord Cornwallis, surrendered to General George Washington. The war between Britain and its American colonies was effectively ended.
Korean War Veterans meeting – Thurs. Oct 19 – The Mid-Florida Chapter #173 of KWVA meets on the third Thursday of each month, 11am, at the Casselberry Veterans building, 200 Concord Dr, Casselberry, 32707. All are welcomed! Info: Chuck at 407-252-7447 gunship442@ aol .com
Central Florida Marine Corps Social – Fri. Oct 20 – Join a group of great people – you don’t have to be a Marine! 4:30 – 7:30pm at University Buffalo Wild Wings 11400 University Dr., Orlando, 32817. Info: 407-738-8735
“Salute the Troops” Concert – Fri. Oct 20 – Villagers for Veterans hosts this patriotic concert starting at 7pm at New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woolridge Dr, The Villages, 32162 352-750-4529 . Tickets are $25 for Artists Circle, $15 for General Admission. Tickets available at the kiosk and box office. Funds will provide another wounded veteran with an All-Terrain Zoom for mobility freedom. Info: Villagers for Veterans website and Facebook; villagersforveterans@ gmail .com 516-220-5068
Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test Challenge – Sat. Oct 21 – This is the 2nd annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT) challenge sponsored by the local Marine Corps Foundation and is open to all interested persons! Great way to create challenges between work departments and to have fun! 3 mile run, crunches and pull-ups. Jay Blanchard Park, 2451 N Dean Rd., Orlando, 32817. Info: 407-738-8735
Navy Seabee Veterans of America meeting – Sat. Oct 21 – Navy Civil Engineer Corps – the SeaBee’s Island-X4, meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month, 8am, at the Casselberry Veterans building, 200 Concord Dr, Casselberry, 32707. SeaBee’s info: 407-325-8915, mikegentz116@ gmail .com
Pancake Breakfast – Sat. Oct 21 – VFW Post 3282 serves up some great breakfast – 8am to 11am at 5810 S. Williamson Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32128. The fund raising $9 donation includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange or tomato juice and coffee. Limited to 100 tickets. Contact: Jim Glor at 386-675-2858.
Seminole County Veterans Stand Down – Sat. Oct 21 – Resources available for veterans, especially the homeless ones. 9am – 1pm at Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, 400 W. Airport Blvd., Sanford, 32773. There are medical and dental screenings along with tables for various veterans information.
Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting – Sat. Oct 21 – The Orlando-Winter Park Flotilla 17-11 meets on the 3rd Sat. of each month, 9am, at the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, 32803. Auxiliary members are volunteers who support the Coast Guard in all its non-military, and non-law-enforcement missions. Members help to provide maritime safety, security and stewardship; to secure the homeland, save lives and property; and to protect the environment. There are several Flotillas (groups) in Central Florida and membership in the Auxiliary is open to persons 17 years of age and older – some are much older – because the call to serve doesn’t leave easily! Info: Joseph Bonaccorse bonaccorse@ usa .net 407.222.9681.
Community Kickoff for a home – Sat. Oct 21 – Homes for Our Troops (H4OT) kicks off the building of a specially adapted custom home for Army SSG Christopher Gordon in Groveland in Lake County. Ceremony beginning at 10am at American Legion Post 239, at 307 American Legion Road, Mascotte, 34753. Chris was serving as the company sergeant with A Company, 1-5 Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Tal-Afar, Iraq, when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle. The explosion resulted in the loss of his right leg above the knee and severe damage to his left leg and left arm. He has been active in the Central Florida veteran community and enjoys golf and therapeutic horseback riding. Info: Community Outreach Coordinator Alicia Berta at aberta@ hfotusa .org.
Veteran Community Fair – Sat. Oct 21 – This event provides the resource of an Expunction Workshop – some past court records (crimes or charges) can be expunged or sealed. This is an opportunity to explore and perhaps start the process. 10am – 2pm at 3000 C.R. Smith St., Orlando. Other veterans services may be available. Sponsored by the Office of the Public Defender in partnership with the Racial Justice Committee. Info: Ms. Cepero at lcepero@ circuit9.org or Peter Cartwright at 407-836-4883.
Harvest for Heroes – Sat. Oct 21 - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 183 Old Glory, 2706 Wells Avenue, Fern Park, 32730, hosts this benefit supporting “K9 for Warriors”. (www. k9sforwarriors .org) The organization provides service canines to our Warriors suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post-9/11. This family friendly event starts at 4pm with Carnival Games, Food, Live Music, Raffles and Drinks Specials. Free admission to the public. Outside vendors welcome ($25.00 with own table, $35.00 if need table) Contact Penny Kanbara 407-879-2528 or email gatorpenny@ icloud .com or ALA Unit 183 at 407-831-8004.
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Oct 21 – See general info listed on October 14. This Mission will have 25 veterans returning at 9:55pm on Southwest Airlines# 3639 from BWI. Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of where Starbucks had been.) Bring your flags, banners and signs to welcome these veterans home after their day in Washington DC. Your attention makes a difference! This is the LAST Honor Flight for the year!
Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) – Sun. Oct 22 – The Camaraderie Foundation is proud to be a Charity Partner for the MCM in Washington DC. The lottery-based entry system allowed 80 entry slots to be granted to Camaraderie – thousands of others get turned away for the coveted spots in this prestigious event that is limited to 30,000 persons. There is a $750 fundraising minimum & $160 entry fee for the runners. You can help our local runners represent Central Florida with your donation. Contact 407-841-0071
FAVOB Social Mixer РWed. Oct 25 РJoin the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses at the Ace Caf̩, 6pm Р9pm at 100 W Livingston St, Orlando, 32801. A great networking opportunity for veterans and non-veterans! Free for FAVOB members and $10 for non-members. Bring your business cards and friends! See FAVOB Facebook site and website. Info: chairman@ favob .org or marketing@ favob .org
United States Submarine Veterans mtg – Thurs Oct 26 – The Central Florida Base meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7pm, at the Casselberry Veteran's Club, 200 Concord Dr., Casselberry, 32707. Fun and networking with membership open to all Navy personnel and veterans who are qualified in submarines. Guests are always welcome at meetings. Info: Jay D Mack 407- 920-9347 jmack349@ gmail .com
October 28, 1886 - The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor. The statue was a gift from the people of France commemorating the French-American alliance during the American Revolutionary War. Designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the entire structure stands 300 feet (92.9 meters) tall.
October 28, 1962 - The Cuban Missile Crisis ended.
6th Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Oct 28 – You are challenged to “Walk a Mile in their Boots.” Participants can choose from three different participation levels AND three different course lengths. You can walk for fun or compete as a Runner or Warrior. Warriors must carry at least 35 lbs. in a ruck sack or backpack. Then select a 5k, 10k or 12-mile course length so you can participate or compete at the level you want. First place finishers and top fundraisers receive great prizes. Families are welcome! Lake Nona will be the site and Registration is open; Sponsorship opportunities are available. See Camaraderie Foundation website for info and registration. (407) 841-0071.
Participation in this Camaraderie Foundation event provides counseling resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for military, former warriors and their families seeking assistance. It works. It HAS saved lives, marriages and families. Contact 407-841-0071
Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting – Wed. Nov 1 – The Osceola Flotilla 17-10 meets on the 1st Wed. of each month, 7pm, at American Legion Post 10, 205 Lakeview Dr., Kissimmee, 34741. Auxiliary members are volunteers who support the Coast Guard in all its non-military, and non-law-enforcement missions. Members help to provide maritime safety, security and stewardship; to secure the homeland, save lives and property; and to protect the environment. There are several Flotillas (groups) in Central Florida and membership in the Auxiliary is open to persons 17 years of age and older – some are much older – because the call to serve doesn’t leave easily! Info: Jim Nickles at jimnickles2@ gmail .com 407-390-9611 ** Recent CG Aux persons were able to assist local sheriff department and State Fish and Wildlife Dept. personnel with boat safety checks on the Lake Butler, Chain of Lakes. Way to go!
JOBS / EDUCATION
Veteran Infused Employment Workshops – Various free seminars offered to veterans that will assist in job searching. Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona site, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Seminars include “Creating your Job Search Plan”, “Create a Marketable You”, “Define your Resources”, and others. Seminars are held 10am – 2pm, Lunch is NOT provided. Contact Annie Artis, ellamay.artis@ va .gov 407-646-5500 x27246 Contact her to get on future job fair lists, employer events and future employment workshops.
CFDC Veterans Business Initiative (VBI) –The VBI runs for eight weeks and is a no cost program for all Military Veterans and their spouses who are seeking employment, entrepreneurial training and continuing education paths. Partners attending the sessions often include major hotels, healthcare, entertainment and defense industries. (Disabilities not required.) Veterans and spouses can info/register for next session at the www. cfdisabilitychamber .org/vbi/ Info: 407-420-4875
Business Incubation Program for Entrepreneurs – Univ. of Central FL offers assistance with the many aspects of starting or advancing businesses, including veteran owned businesses. Expert advice, mentoring, and classes available – See incubator.ucf .edu/ for more information and enrollment. A wide variety of class topics are offered on various dates and locations - held in Apopka, Winter Springs, Kissimmee, and other places. This is a must if you want to start or grow a business. Info: 407-823-2346 michael.weiss@ ucf .edu
Valencia College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center offers short-term, hands-on training needed to earn nationally-recognized industry certifications in as little as 9 weeks. These include Mechatronics (industrial Maintenance Tech), Computer Numerical Control (Machining), Welding Level I and II, and Electronic Board Assembly. Info at: manufacturing.valenciacollege .edu Approved for veterans education benefits. Veterans recruiter Mike at 321-682-4466 mkepner@ valenciacollege .edu
HBI (Home Builders Institute) Classes – HBI offers 3 certifications in 4 Weeks and job placement at No Cost to Military Members, Past or Present. OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR/AED, Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate, Training, and Job Placement Promotion Class. 9200 Southpark Center Loop, Orlando FL 32819 (Inside Everest University off John Young Parkway.) Info or to secure your seat: Erwin Jamieson at 407-793-4360 ejamieson@ hbi .org
A current OSHA 10 card is a valuable asset in any industry. Safety training enhances your professional marketability.
MISCELLANEOUS
“Leaving Vietnam…” – Sept. thru Nov. 5 – Local PBS station WUCF and the Orange County History Center unveiled a new exhibit, "Leaving Vietnam: Building a New Life in Central Florida." What turned Orlando's Mills 50 neighborhood into Little Saigon? Discover the roots of Central Florida’s Vietnamese community and its impact on leadership, local commerce, and Orlando’s food scene. This exhibit parallels the airing of the Ken Burns series about the Vietnam War on PBS stations. Orange Co. History Center (the old courthouse), 65 East Central Blvd., Orlando, 32801. The exhibit runs thru Nov.8.
Hurricane Maria assistance – Many Central Florida residents have friends and relatives who live in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. There has been an urgent call for short term and long term assistance and many have stepped up. But it gets confusing about what and how to donate. Two local veterans have had a strong finger on the pulse of the efforts: Army LCol Dennis Freytes (ret.) (liaison of many organizations and instigator of the Congressional Gold Medals for the Borinqueneers) and Army Col. Edwin Marrero, (ret.), (the Chairman of the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council and Deacon of South Orlando Baptist Church.) You and your groups may contact these gentlemen for information about what, how, and where to take donated items so that they can get shipped where needed, especially to the inland part of the islands.
Contact Dennis at dennisfreytes@ hotmail .com 407-298-1151 or 321-276-1309
Contact Col. Marrero at emarrero81@ cfl.rr .com 407-592-3371
(Items needed in PR include CLEAN grocery bags – plastic and reusable – to allow sorting and distribution of items.)
Service Dog - American Legion Winter Garden Post 63 has sponsored the training of a Service Dog to the tune of $18,000. Unfortunately they are having some challenges with placing the dog with a Central Florida veteran who has a need. The dog is trained for mild PTSD and slight mobility assistance. Help them match a winning pair - contact Kurt Gies (1st Vice Commander) at 407-701-9416 or kurtgies@ gmail .com
Fisher House at Lake Nona – Construction at the site across from the Orlando VA Medical Center is coming to an end and the site will receive the first guests early in 2018. It will allow family members to be close to their beloved veterans who are hospitalized. But there is a need for various items to turn this House into a home-like setting. A wish list has been set up at the Bed, Bath and Beyond stores and is also accessible at the Lake Nona Fisher House website. Organizations have the opportunity to sponsor a portion or an entire room! Contact Fisher House Manager Teresa (Terri) Turner at 407-631-9800, (cell) 321-200-7754 Teresa.Turner2@ va. gov
Veterans Resource Radio – Rob Newton on the radio: Thursday’s at 1pm on WLBE 790 – my790am.com; Friday’s at 2pm WQBQ 1410 “The Q” on tune in radio, and at my-oldies.com. (Both stations are in Leesburg.)
National Veterans Crisis Line - A brief request and a favor. Right now, while you're reading this … put this in your phone. National Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255. You never know when you or a veteran you know might need some help, right now. Now you have a number that can help.
Donating and Helping Without Spending Another Dime – You may have noticed a series of numbers and letters inside Coca-Cola caps and packaging. Those codes can be entered into the computer to earn prizes but even better: To make donations! For quite a while I have personally been using my codes to donate to the USO. Since the hurricanes, Coca-Cola is giving double the code value donations until October 20 to the American Red Cross to assist with their relief efforts from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Go to: Coke.com/redcross
Collect those caps from your neighbors recycling bins when you are making your cardio-exercise walks and enter those codes to donate without spending another dime!
Avoid the confusion - Just a bit of a reminder - There is a difference between veterans and military. Sometimes people get confused that veterans were once active military but they are not officially serving anymore. And our military who are serving now and will one day be veterans. Retired veterans served a specified required time in service. All military retirees are veterans but not all veterans are military retired.
Veterans Day honors all persons who once were in the military - especially the living. Formerly known as Armistice Day after WWI – 11/11/11 – Eleventh day of the Eleventh month at the Eleventh hour.
Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May - it was established in 1950 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Days. That is a day to pay tribute to men and women who ARE currently serve the United States’ armed forces.
Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military; Observed on the last Monday in May.
Send me your Veterans Day and November events ASAP! I’m HOPING to compile the next list within the next week…….
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/volunteer/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations
407-239-8468
