Welcome
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The GlenLakes Veterans and Friends Association was established in 2016 with a mission to support our veteran members as well as local veteran organizations and the veterans they support.
Click the button below to learn more about our mission and about us.
Veterans Memorial
Groundbreaking: Jan 30, 2023
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After a lot of effort over the past year, today was the day where this project finally broke ground. On hand were GLVFA representatives Dicky Keane (project manager) and Mike Fulford (director) along with Extreme Pavers owner David Stachowiak and his crew members. Denny Blum and Ron Ford, co-founders of GLVFA, were also present.
After initial groundbreaking efforts today, the project will continue to the next phase which will be to install a paver brick pathway and the surrounding memorial area.
Be on the lookout for more commentary and pictures as the project continues. Use the button below to review pictures of the project as it evolves.
After initial groundbreaking efforts today, the project will continue to the next phase which will be to install a paver brick pathway and the surrounding memorial area.
Be on the lookout for more commentary and pictures as the project continues. Use the button below to review pictures of the project as it evolves.
Feb 2nd 2023 Meeting
Mike Fulford (l) and Dicky Keane (r)
The associations' monthly meeting for February 2023 was a very informative meeting. For more details and pictures of the meeting, click on the button below.
Florida State Cemetery
Eligibility
If any of our members are thinking about being interned at a state national cemetery, such as the national cemetery in Bushnell, FL, it is a great option. The national cemeteries are managed by the National Cemetery Administration, a component of the VA.. All national cemeteries are beautiful, have continuous perpetual care, and are offered free of cost for qualified veterans and their spouses (click on button below to learn more about eligibility).
Availability / Pre-Need
But availability could be an issue for the future, especially in more populated states like Florida where many qualified veterans and spouses live. Aside from space availability, the qualification and approval process could take 3-4 weeks, if not longer. Therefore, it is advisable to plan early and pre-qualify -- the VA call this "pre-need" -- even if it will be years before the need arises. (click on the button below to learn about how to apply early with the state cemetery of your choice). Don't wait, start the planning process as soon as possible. In doing so, the burden of your loved ones will be significantly lessened.
If any of our members are thinking about being interned at a state national cemetery, such as the national cemetery in Bushnell, FL, it is a great option. The national cemeteries are managed by the National Cemetery Administration, a component of the VA.. All national cemeteries are beautiful, have continuous perpetual care, and are offered free of cost for qualified veterans and their spouses (click on button below to learn more about eligibility).
Availability / Pre-Need
But availability could be an issue for the future, especially in more populated states like Florida where many qualified veterans and spouses live. Aside from space availability, the qualification and approval process could take 3-4 weeks, if not longer. Therefore, it is advisable to plan early and pre-qualify -- the VA call this "pre-need" -- even if it will be years before the need arises. (click on the button below to learn about how to apply early with the state cemetery of your choice). Don't wait, start the planning process as soon as possible. In doing so, the burden of your loved ones will be significantly lessened.
January R&R Event
The annual winter R&R event held on Jan 21, 2023, was a great event enjoyed by all. Lots of good comradery, food, and most importantly, the organization presented grants to a number of veteran organizations. Additionally, this year, an award was granted to a local JR ROTC high school unit to aid in supporting their military education and uniforms.
R&R Guest Presenter
Major General (ret) James A. Hartsell
James "Hammer" Hartsell, retired Major General from the USMC, honored the GLVFA annual R&R as a guest award presenter and speaker. He is now serving as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
Free Balance Class(s) Opportunity
Laura Gamba, an instructor on many aspects of balance and well-being, guest presenter at the GLVFA Jan 2023 monthly meeting, has offered to conduct free classes to our membership. Please consult the Jan 2023 meeting link (at the top of this page) to review a sampling of what Laura offers (watch the videos!).
Those that are interested, please click on the button below to review the class schedule Laura put together and follow the instructions given in order to "sign up" for one or more of the classes she is offering to our members.
Those that are interested, please click on the button below to review the class schedule Laura put together and follow the instructions given in order to "sign up" for one or more of the classes she is offering to our members.
Honor Flight Network
The Honor Flight Network was formed in 2005 with a mission of honoring our nation’s veterans by bringing them to Washington, DC to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. While originally focused on honoring our nation’s World War II veterans, the Honor Flight Network now also honors those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, intermediary operations, and in special cases of terminal illness or injury, veterans from more recent service eras.
Several members of GLVFA have participated as attendees of an honor flight. If any GLVFA member desires to learn more about how to qualify for a flight, visit the official Honor Flight West Central Florida (Tampa-St Petersburg areas) website for further information.
Several members of GLVFA have participated as attendees of an honor flight. If any GLVFA member desires to learn more about how to qualify for a flight, visit the official Honor Flight West Central Florida (Tampa-St Petersburg areas) website for further information.
GLVFA Charities
Partner With Us
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Be an integral part of these efforts to honor and aid veterans by making a gift on our DONATE page. Current fund-raising initiatives include GLVFA Veterans SAVES, the new Veterans Memorial, and several sponsorship levels of our Veterans Day Golf Scramble.
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