“Healing Through Expression” was invited to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation Celebration held by the Orlando Region Realtors Association on November 7th, 2025. Our featured artist was Kathy Redmond, who creates exquisite paper flowers and paintings. This event was well attended, and there was plenty of interest in this worthwhile project.
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POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony, Orlando September 19th at 10:30am
I encourage everyone to come out and attend the City of Orlando’s September 19th, 2025, POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony that honors United States military prisoners of war and those still missing in action as part of National POW/MIA Day. Join Mayor Dyer and his Orlando Veterans Advisory Council at 10:30 am paying tribute to our nation’s heroes and standing together as a community to honor their service and sacrifice.
Join us in the Devos Family Room at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and hear from special guest speaker, Army Private First-Class Jessica Lynch, the first successful rescue of an American POW since World War II.
Hosted by WKMG News 6, Trooper Steve, this year’s event includes the presentation of colors by the UCF Army ROTC Honor Guard, patriotic music from the VFW Post 2093 band, and a meet and greet opportunity with the speaker. FREE parking will be available in the City Commons Garage, 460 Boone Ave, Orlando and will be validated at the event.
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The Purple Heart was instituted in 1782 by George Washington and is the first American decoration. Originally it was awarded for bravery in action, currently it is awarded to those wounded or killed in action, in the latter case posthumously. An Oak Leaf Cluster is added when a previously wounded person already has a Purple Heart. The decoration is a purple, heart-shaped badge with bronze edges. It depicts in relief a bust of George Washington wearing the uniform of a General in the Continental Army. On the reverse side is the inscription: “For Military Merit” with the recipient’s name below. It is estimated that just for World War II 1,076,245 Purple Hearts were awarded. Go to www.thepurpleheart.com to find a list of recipients.
Our very own Navy CAPT (Ret) Rich Sloane of MOAA Central Florida Chapter is a member of Chapter 400 General Bob Betts Memorial of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Central Florida. Chapter 400 meetings are at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday every month and are held at VFW Post 4287 located at 3500 South Goldenrod Road, Orlando, Florida. Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MOPH400Orlando/ . Each member is a decorated war veteran who has completed military service. “During my time and service, I lost five shipmates in a combat situation,” said Chapter 400 Adjutant Rich Sloane. Rich is a Navy man himself, but the bond he shares with his fellow service members across all branches of the military is something he says he will always cherish. “On a day like today and other national holidays around military service, it reminds me of the sacrifices of those individuals and their families,” he said. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is an organization formed in 1932. The Central Florida chapter takes the opportunity to gather and interact with the community and help familiarize people with the history and purpose of the Purple Heart medal. “We try to contribute to the community through volunteer service,” Rich says. “Pinning on the Purple Heart is just an opportunity to think about those folks who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Rich.
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May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country. Military Appreciation Month is also a time to acknowledge those who serve alongside veterans. The spouses, partners, and children of service members carry the weight of long absences, emotional distance, and silent struggles. Caring for the whole family is how we truly honor their service.
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Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 9th, 2025 Action
National Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a presidentially approved holiday and is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day in May. This year it will be observed on Saturday, May 9th, 2025. “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” — George A. Moore “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength. Loving someone deeply gives you courage.” — Lao Tzu
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Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan Free Virtual Veterans Earned Benefits May 14th 9:30am
For those of you who attend our monthly luncheons, you may have passed on congratulations to CAPT (ret) Randy Bryan, who recently retired from the Navy Reserves last year in the JAG Corps with 31 years of dedicated service. I’ve known Randy since 2004, when I met his Grandma in my Grandma’s nursing home at Lutheran Haven. Randy holds monthly free virtual informative sessions on various topics. When he has a virtual session geared toward our veterans, I recommend that any veteran or family member attend to get the latest information about our veterans’ benefits. Randy does not handle service-connected disability claims. An invitation from Randy: Are you a military veteran—or do you know someone who is? Many veterans aren’t fully aware of the extensive benefits they’ve earned. Join us on May 14th at 9:30 am for an informative session covering veteran medical benefits, service-connected disability compensation, non-service-connected pension program, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to access the support and resources available to those who’ve served. Randy C. Bryan, J.D., B.C.S. Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Elder Law and Wills, Trusts and Estates Hoyt & Bryan, LLC 254 Plaza Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765
(407) 977-8080 Push on the link below or register on https://hoytbryan.com
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