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The Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13th, 2025

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The Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13th celebrates the sacrifice of military children who have lost a parent in service to our country. This day helps to raise awareness of the sacrifices and struggles children must endure in the wake of their parent’s death. The numbers are staggering, and in the past 25 years, more than 15,000 children have lost parents in military conflict. This date reminds us to applaud their resilience and strength and show appreciation for the young people whose lives were forever changed. May 13th was selected as the date of observance due to being the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864. Note: Beginning May 7, 2025, individuals over 18 who enter Arlington National Cemetery in a vehicle should be prepared to present a REAL ID at the security checkpoint.

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Memorial Day Ceremony 05-23-25

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The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23rd at 10 a.m.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. The event will take place at the amphitheater located at the rear entrance of the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona.

Cindy VanBibber, Director of Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, will serve as the keynote speaker. A proud U.S. Army Veteran, VanBibber brings more than 25 years of combined military and federal service to her role. She has dedicated her career to ensuring Veterans and their families receive the honor and respect they deserve, particularly in their final resting place. Her leadership at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery has helped uphold the NCA’s sacred mission of memorializing those who served with dignity and reverence.

Orlando VA Director/CEO, Timothy J. Cooke emphasized the importance of community remembrance and Veteran support. “Memorial Day is a time for reflection and gratitude,” said Cooke. “This ceremony is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and an opportunity for our community to come together in honor of those who gave all.”

Event Details:

  • Date/Time: Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m.
  • Location: Amphitheater at the rear entrance of the Orlando VA Medical Center, Lake Nona, Orlando, Fla.
  • RSVP Requested: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TQG5VTL
  • Parking: Available in the east and west parking garages, as well as the south parking lot near the emergency department

Attendees are asked not to park in the Community Living Center or Domiciliary parking areas. Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist guests to and from the event location.

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MOAA CFC Celebration JROTC Scholarship Program 2025

Chapter News, Special Events / By

The success of the Cadet of the Year scholarship program depends upon nominations of deserving cadets by the senior JROTC instructor at one of the 37 high schools in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties with JROTC detachments. The nominations are accompanied by a written recommendation from the nominating senior instructor. Each cadet nominated is interviewed in dress uniform by a diverse selection committee composed of three retired officers who are members of the Chapter. The interviews last approximately 15-20 minutes. Factors considered by the selection committee include but are not limited to: military bearing and appearance in uniform, cadet JROTC assignments, Advanced Placement and Honors classes taken or completed, GPA, school activities, service in the community and plans for future military service.

Three of us spend two Saturdays interviewing the top two senior cadets that the cadre instructors select from each school. On average we end up interviewing about 25-30 cadets. The competition is fierce, and we usually select the top 8-10 cadets based on our donations from our members (each cadet is awarded $1,000). Our JROTC luncheon is a favorite luncheon event as it’s an opportunity to showcase our future military leaders and recognize them with the generous financial donations from our chapter members for their achievements. It’s also an opportunity to show our gratitude to the cadre instructors and family members.

The Chapter believes the cadets benefit from the interviewing process whether they win a scholarship because they will be interviewing for positions throughout their lives. It was a privilege to share in the exciting achievements of not only what the cadets have accomplished in High School, but we shared in the excitement that two received Service Academy Appointments, and some qualified for ROTC Scholarships, and one is enlisting in the Coast Guard! Each year I think I can’t be more impressed with our selection of cadets, and each year I hear and see more potential for military service in the cadets we selected. On behalf of all three selection board members, I want to thank the hard-working Cadre Instructors who take their job seriously to train and mold our future leaders, and the family members who help guide and support their children who in many cases want to follow in their footsteps and serve our country. Job well-done Cadets!

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Women Veterans’ Whole Health Summit

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This year’s Conference will be “Women Veterans Whole Health Summit”, on November 2, 2024, the event will focus on promoting the overall health and well-being of women veterans. The summits will feature workshops, panel discussions, and resources aimed at addressing unique health issues faced by women in the military and veteran communities.

Topics may include mental health, physical wellness, reproductive health, and access to healthcare services.

Please join us for some engaging and encouraging topics and  activity.

Event Date: November 2, 2024

Location:
Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort
555 NE Ocean Blvd
Stuart, Florida 34996
Resort Website:
For Tickets to the Summit

Vanessa Thomas
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
State Women Veterans Coordinator
9500 Bay Pines Blvd
Bay Pines, Fl 33778
Email: Vanessa.Thomas@fdva.fl.gov

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Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse Corner

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Many of the MOAA Chapters in Florida take the summer off. I had hoped to start the summer with the MOAA STATE CONVENTION. Unfortunately, I had to miss it because I had contacted Covid. Looking through the attendee list, I did not see many names of Surviving Spouse Liaisons. I hope that many of you can make arrangements to come to the Florida Forum in January 2023. There will be programs for you and Spouses at this gathering. When the date is officially announced, clear your calendar. Make attendance a priority.

Before that there is an opportunity to attend the MOAA National Meeting in October 2022 in Kansas City. Watch for more information.

Meanwhile, enjoy your summer. My plans are to engage my grandsons and granddaughter in the military. Recently while traveling with one grandson, we stopped at Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Macon, GA. They have a fantastic museum there. My 13 year old, Jackson, was amazed. We did a little car tour of the base, also. Wide eyed, he exclaimed…There is a grocery store, a gas station, a bowling alley, a church…why it’s just like a town. Having health issues, neither his mom nor dad had been able to serve in the military, so this was his first exposure to a military base. I had not realized what a great experience it would be for him.

Maybe you don’t live near a base. Then, I suggest a road trip. Check online for tours available on the base, an Inn for guests. If that’s not possible, there are great books about the military at your library. (The MOAA Magazine often suggests books to read, and has reviews.) Just now there are so good movies about the military also. Be sure and check for age appropriateness, though.
I suggest having an overnight party with the grandkids and bring out the photo albums and scrap books. Relive some of your adventures at overseas assignments. The kids will love it. They’ll enjoy learning a new dimension of your life, and viewing pictures recording your youth.

Have a fun summer. Come back in the fall refreshed and ready to engage in Chapter meetings and activities.

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