If you would like more information about our organization, or you would like to make a presentation to the membership, please let us know at:

(321) 446-4650

CALENDAR FOR 2024
Our Calendar is where you can find upcoming events. Dates preceded by a RED ASTERISK indicate that the event is an official Chapter 1 event. It is also a great resource to find other veteran and other community activities.
We publish all kinds of events - not just Rolling Thunder®, so If you, or your organization would like to publish your special event on our calendar, drop a note to our events coordinator.

A 7-day advance notice would be great!
CHAPTER 1 EVENTS COORDINATOR - Dena Armstrong
[email protected]

Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership meetings begin at 1400 (2:00 PM) on the 4th Sunday of every month, excluding May.

* January 28th
* February 25th
* March 24th
* April 28th
* May - Memorial Day Ceremonies
              Chapter 6 to host
* June 23rd
* July 28th
* August 25th
* September 15th - Chapter Elections
* October 27th
* November 24th - Subject to change
* December - TBD
Definitions used in our calendar:

American Legion Auxiliary
AVET Project, Inc. ([email protected])
Back Brevard Heroes
Brevard County Sheriff's [email protected]
Brevard No One Veteran Left Behind
Brevard Veterans Council
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (321) 383-2638
Good Deeds Foundation
Indian River Colony Club
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Military Officers Association of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter
Museums Of Brevard
National Veterans Homeless Support (321-208-7562)
Marine Corps League
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Point of Contact
Patrick Space Force Base (321-494-1110)
Reserve Officer Training Corps
Space Coast Harley-Davidson (321) 259-1311
Space Coast Honor Flight (321 456-7031)
Veterans Memorial Center (321-453-1776)
Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard
Abbreviation

ALA
AVET
BBH
BCSO
BNOVLB
BVC  
CCNC
GDF  
IRCC  
JROTC
MOAACC
MOB
NVHS
MCL
MOPH
POC 
PSFB  
ROTC
SCHD
SCHF
VMC 
VVB
JANUARY 2024

13th: VMC/Merritt Island High School 2024 Project Graduation Car Show with vendors, food trucks and fun for all.  Music by Johnny Danger Live.  Veteran Memorial Park 1000-1400. Car Registration $25 in advance, $30 at the gate.  Trophies for top 10 and three special awards.  Contact: Carla Garrett  at 321-213-2155 to register and for more information.

15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

19th - 21st: Space Coast Daily sponsored Space Coast  Key Lime Pie Festival at Space Coast Daily Park in Viera.  Outdoor family festival with music including  Lee Greenwood, $15 evening 19 Jan and many nature oriented shows.  Admission $6 daily.  See Space Coast Daily Web site/Key Lime Pie Festival (https://www.spacecoastkeylimepiefestival.com/) for more information.  Tickets at the gates.  NOTE:  Included in Veterans Event Calendar due to Lee Greenwood Patriotic Songs planned.  VMC will host future Florida Key Lime Pie Festivals.

* 21st: Rolling Thunder Statewide MIA recovered funeral in Lake Lady, Florida. Uniform: White shirt, Black Pants (warm jacket and white gloves)

KSU 0900 C's Waffle House on 524 (Optional breakfast prior to KSU); 1145 lunch at Ramshackle Cafe, Leesburg on 441. KSU 1245 ride to funeral escort rally post in Lady Lake.

Itinerary:
1300 – Meet at RaceTrac Gas Station 324 US Highway 27/441, Lady Lake, FL, 32159 … MEET UP FOR ROLLING THUNDER FLORIDA
1315  - KSU from RaceTrac Gas Station
1330 – Travel to TLC Surgery Center 201 W Guava St. Lady Lake (Staging Area)
1400 – KSU from TLC Surgery Center / POLICE ESCORT
1400-1430 – Travel to Lone Oak Cemetery 306 Thomas Ave, Leesburg, FL, 34748-4655 (Approx. 10 miles)
1430 – Arrive at internment for World War II  U.S. Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Franklin P. Hall.
 
A graveside service for Hall will take place on Jan. 21, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Lone Oak Cemetery in Leesburg, with Full Army Military Honors

27th: Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism Seminar VMC Gray Hall 0800-1600.  Sponsored by Museums of Brevard (MOB) Contact Dean Schaaf VMC President and MOB officer on 321-453-1776 ext 5.

27th: JROTC County Wide Run and Shoot Competition in Veterans Memorial Park 0700-1230.  Details in December.  

29th: Guest Lecture Series at VMC Gray Hall — 1300-1430:  Gary Powers Jr, son of the late, famed U-2 Pilot shot down over the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War .  Newly unclassified materials, his new book and an update of analysis about why and what happened after his father’s capture,  took his son decades to unravel as the truth.

30th: VMC Library Discussion Series 1800-1930 by Norm Desmarias on the fate of the first British Settlement in America - Roanoke,  Part history and part mystery.  Refreshments served.
FEBRUARY 2024

2nd: Groundhog Day

3rd: JROTC County Wide Run and Shoot Competition in Veterans Memorial Park 0700-1230.  Sponsored by Satellite AFJROTC with support from VMC and MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation.  

3rd: Hearts to the Troops Package Stuffing Event for deployed troops sponsored by OASIS 0900-1200 at Elks Lodge, 345 Kilmarnoch Lane, Titusville FL.  Contact OASIS to support with funding or labor their events six times per year at www.oasisofcfl.org

4th: USO Birthday

4th: Anniversary to Remember the Immortal Four Chaplains of WWII 1400-1530 in the VMC Plaza.  They went down with their transport ship helping troops in 1943 after a German Torpedo attack in the icy Atlantic.  Sponsored by VMC with support from the Marine Corps League of Brevard County.

8th: Honor America Patriot Awards Dinner 1800-2100 at The Grand Manor , 1450 Sarno Road , Melbourne.  Sponsor tables available with a three course meal as Honor America, raises funds for the Liberty Bell Museum and recognizes six members of the community for their special volunteer contributions.   Individual seats available.  Contact 3210-373-2311 or [email protected] for Reservations and information.  

10th: JROTC Squad Drill Meet 0700-1230 with 10-12 Schools Expected and more than 150 cadets in the Veterans Memorial Park on MI.  Supported by MOAA Cape Canaveral Chapter Good Deeds Foundation (all trophies) and the VMC.  

10th - 12th: Annual Pioneer Day 1000-1600 at St Lukes Church and Sam’s House Conservation Area off North Courtney on Merritt Island.  Exhibits, kids activities, food trucks, tours, nattier walks and much moire hosted by Museums of Brevard Member Pine Island/Sam's House Society.  More information at www.mipioneerday.com. 

13th: Mardis Gras

14th: Valentine's Day

* 17th: The Sebastian Area Veteran Honor Guard and the American Legion Post 189 Riders will be involved with the repatriation of a WWII Veteran whose remains were found recently.  Rally at 1000 hours at Post 189, 807 Louisiana Ave, Sebastian, FL 32958. White shirts, black pants. POC Peter Puzzo, believes the Funeral Home Service is at 11:00 hours,  followed by the escort to Winter Beach Cemetery.

19th: President's Day

20th: Women Veteran Outreach and Support Program Luncheon at VMC 1130- 1330 with Guest Speaker Lisa Martel from Orlando VA Med Center.  Women only veterans please.  Contact Dorothy Walsh to sign up and for questions:  [email protected] 

22nd: George Washington (1732-1799) was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He served as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and became the first U.S. President.

24th: Heroes Fest 1100-1600 at Space Coast Harley Davidson Food trucks, Live Music, games, giveaways, sponsorships during a Family Fun Day.  Put on by Let the Heroes Know  to support veterans and families in distress.  Call 772-277-2919 or contact [email protected].  to register or get more information.  

24th: Admiral Chester Nimitz (1885-1966) was born in Fredericksburg, Texas. He commanded Allied naval, land and air forces in the South Pacific during World War II, and signed the Japanese surrender document on September 2, 1945.

24th: JROTC Squad and Platoon Drill Meet  0700-1230 with 10-12 Schools Expected and more than 150 cadets in the Veterans Memorial Park on MI.  Supported by MOAA Cape Canaveral Chapter Good Deeds Foundation (all trophies) and the VMC.

27th: VMC Library Discussion Program 1800-1930. Topic - The French and. Indian War with Bill Wilkening.
MARCH 2024

3rd: Navy Reserve Birthday

5th: Navy Seabee's Birthday

9th: JROTC District Drill Meet with all disciplines 0700-1300 with 10-12 Schools Expected and more than 150 cadets in the Veterans Memorial Park on MI.  Supported by MOAA Cape Canaveral Chapter Good Deeds Foundation (all trophies) and the VMC.  

10th: Daylight Saving Time Begins :-(

13th: K-9 Veterans Day

15th: American Legion Birthday

16th: Ceremony to Remember the Last Naval Battle of the American Revolutionary War fought off the Coast of Cape Canaveral in 1783.  1000-1200 at the VMC Plaza Area with food and drinks and a parade pf colors and wreaths with many in colonial attire.  Put on by the Sons of the American Revolution Brevard Chapter along with the DAR and VMC.  Contact Donn Weaver 757-871-6576 for more information.

17th: Saint Patrick's Day

19th: First day of Spring

* 19th: Funeral Escort for  Daniel McFadden - a Vietnam Era Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class who served in Jacksonville with the "Fleet Angels" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2. Rally 1215 hours at Raceway Gas Station Hwy 46 & US 1, Mims - KSU 1230. *Riding a motorcycle is not a requirement to be in escort. Personal Vehicles are welcome* Uniform: White shirt, Black Pant - Address: Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL 32754
 
Daniel was living in an assisted living facility here in Brevard at the time of his death, he is not expected to have any family attend the ceremony. In fact, with the possible exception of 2 - 3 people from the assisted living facility where he lived, I am not sure if anyone besides myself and the military contingent providing honors will be there. I am sending this to you in the hope you will be able to forward to other veterans, volunteers or patriots you feel may be interested in helping to honor this veterans service to the nation by attending his service.

21st: Rosie The Riveter Day
* 23rd: 2024 Vietnam Welcome Home Commemoration Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims.  1000-1100 with Reading of the names of those who served  in Vietnam now resting at CCNC following. Open to the public.  Including pinning and Honor Guard with keynote speaker Carl Miller, Vietnam Veteran and Commander of the Brevard Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter.  

* 23rd: The Transportation Workers Union (TWU) for Veterans is having a "FREE" barbecue for veterans and their families on Saturday, March 23rd. Please take a look at the attached flyer. They have requested that Chapter 1 muster as many riders as possible for a short ride into the Veterans Center. The staging area will be Kelly Park, 10:15 am, KSU, 11:00 am to the VMC. If you have any questions, please get in touch with any of those listed on the flyer. Ride Meet up at 10:15am at Kelly Park Merritt Island, 2550 N Banana River Dr. Ride Begins at 11:00am, Ride Ends at Brevard Veterans Memorial. Asking for all riders and event attendee's to bring a stuffed animal for children's agencies in Brevard. There will be a 50/50 drawing and a free BBQ at 12:00pm for all.

Dedicated in memory of Matt Ammo Drabek


23rd: Be The One 5K Run and Walk VMC Park 0700 - 1030.  Sponsored by American Legion Post 344 with half the proceeds going to preventing veteran and first responder suicides. T-shirts included with $20 registration fee. Active duty, veterans, first responders invited, Contact [email protected]. or call 321-350-6163 to sign up or for questions.

23rd: Veterans Children’s Easter Party at VMC Park 1300-1500.  Sponsored by American Legion AUX Post 344.  Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, lunch and games.  Contact Diane at (607) 382-3405 to register families or for questions.  
24th: Palm Sunday

25th: Medal of Honor Day

26th: VMC Library Discussion Program 1800-1930, Topic - The Revolutionary War Siege at Yorktown with Doug Bisset.

29th: National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

* 29th: National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony, 1000 - 1130 hours, Orlando VA Medical Center, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. Please see flyer on the 'HOME" page. RSVP is required.

29th: Space Coast Boomer Fest Expo and Car Show at Cocoa Beach Country Club 0900-1300.  Sponsored by Senior Life.  Contact them at 321-242-1235 for more info.  Free Parking and Admission Lunch, Entertainment, Booths , Activities, Demos, Classic And Vintage Car and Truck Show.  

29th: Good Friday

31st: E A S T E R

APRIL 2024

1st: April Fool's Day

5th: Gold Star Spouses Day

5th: 2024 Shrimp Feast at Port Canaveral Terminal 5.  Sponsored by the Propeller Club to support Maritime Education  Programs.  1800- 2220 hours.  Entry $60 at the, in advance (none at the door)  door but early bird discount at $50 through 17 March.  Cocktails, Shrimp Dinner, door prizes, silent and live auction with Sheriff Wayne Ivey.  Contact 321-698-5296; www.spacewcoastshrimpfesat.com to register or for more information. 

6th: Space Coast Honor Flight to Washing DC for selected veterans to visit their memorials.  Guardian volunteers and other supporters welcome for ceremony to launch the flight —  0130 hours at the Senior Center in Wickham Park, Melbourne.  Contact SCHF on 321-456-7031 or [email protected]  for more information.
6th: American Legion Adam Quinn Post 6, Deland,  Poker Run.
9th: National Former POW Recognition Day

12th: National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) Third Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser.  For more info and to register for any NVHS event, see:  Latest Events at Updates - nvhs.org
* 13th: This Saturday, April 13, 2004, instead of gathering at Space Coast Harley Davidson to sell raffle tickets, there will be a Flag raising/Presentation ceremony at Coconuts on the Beach, 2 Minutemen Cswy Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. 
 
We will stage at 0900, KSU 0910 from Armstrong Chiropractic, 1401 N Atlantic Ave. CBPD approved us to park near the end of the street. Non-riders should be in place at Coconuts by 0915. You may find parking on A-1-A by going to 1st St South, then turning North on Atlantic Ave and searching. Or the Parking garage is available, a short one-block walk.
 
Dress Code: White Shirts, Black Pants.
Picture

































14th: Air Force Reserve Birthday

15th: TAX DAY

15th: Purple Up! Day. Held on April 15th of each year, “Purple Up! For Military Kids” is a day for Department of Defense Education Activity communities to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices.

15th: Deadline to sign up to as vendor/participant in the 36th Annual Florida All Veterans Reunion at Wickham Park featuring VVB’s Traveling Walls from Vietnam and GWOT.  Contact Doc Russo 321-652-4185 or [email protected]
20th: SAVE THE DATE. Rolling Thunder® FL Chapter 8 Annual Poker Run. In Honor and Remembrance of the 81,000 Americans Still Unaccounted From Past Wars. Prisoners Of War- Missing In Action. Meet-up and Registration and return at the VFW James W. Dearborn Memorial Post #3282 located at: 5810 S. Williamson Blvd. Port Orange FL. 32127. Continental breakfast / lunch included. Missing Man Table ceremony, Entertainment, Raffles, 50/50 and more. All proceeds go to supporting The education & public awareness of the POW-MIA issue and Veterans support programs.

Let us know if you or your group will be attending. Rich: (917) 660-7463 or [email protected].

Any FL1 members wishing to participate in the Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 8 poker run should be at the Sam's Club parking lot (450 Townsend Rd, Cocoa, FL 32926) (SR-520 & I-95) no later than 0715 (7:30 am) KSU 0730 (7:30 am) en route to VFW Post 3282, 5810 S. Williamson Blvd., Port Orange FL 32128.
20th: Veterans Family Fun Day 1000-1400 at a ranch in North Brevard including BBQ meal, horseback rides, feeding animals and more.  Sponsored by Their Voice of Hope, Tranquility Country and Veteran Connections.  Sign up is required for this event.  Contact Dorothy Walsh 321-426-6736 or via [email protected] to Register and for questions.  
22nd: Passover begins a Sundown

23rd: Vietnam Welcome Home Ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims 1000-1130 hrs.  Details in March.
23rd: Women Veteran Outreach & Support Program - 11:30 - 1:30
23rd: Army Reserve Birthday

24th: Administrative Professionals Day
27th: Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance 5K Walk and Run Fundraiser VMC Park Gray Hall, Plaza 0700-1200.  Contact Barbara Fradkin on 262-501-1244 to sign up or for more information.

27th: VETTES on the Island  Car Show 1000-1400 Merritt Square Mall Dillard’s Lot.  Portion of the proceeds go to Veterans Memorial Center.  VMC will have an info booth.  Registration is $25 with 200 cars expected fort a great outing.  Contact Peter Lenhard, Car Show Chair, on 321-626-5632 for entry forms and info.  

27th: Celebrate April as the month of the Military Child at First Christian Church, 470 Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach 1100-1300.  Sponsored by AVET with food/stem and many activities for the whole family.  Please RSVP and learn more at [email protected]

30th: National Military Brats Day
MAY 2024

1st: Silver Star Service Banner Day

1st: May Day

2nd: National Day of Prayer

* 5th: VVB Traveling Wall escort from Eastern State College, Cocoa, at 10:00 a.m.

5th: Cinco de Mayo

5th: Back Brevard Heroes (BBH) Hero Fest Celebration and BBQ to honor first responders and veterans at the VMC Plaza, Buildings and Park. 1000 - 1600.  Check out backbrevardhereos.com for more information.
See details in April.  

* 6th: Wreath laying ceremony at The Wall - 5:00 – 7:00pm; Wickham Park Campground, 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935. Please arrive by 1700 hrs., (5:00 pm.) There will be no staging area. Ceremony begins at 1800 (6:00 pm). Dress Code: White Shirts Black Pants.

6th: Holocaust Remembrance Day

8th: Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)
* 9th - 12th: Annual VVB Reunion at Wickham Park.
2024_vvb_reunion.pdf
File Size: 106 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
10th: Military Spouse Appreciation Day

11th: EAA Chapter 724 Merritt Island Airport Young Eagles Flight Rally 0830- 1200.  Children ages 8-17 of Gold Star Families, Disabled Vets, Service connected deaths in military and law enforcement/first responders.  Email [email protected] for more information.  Registration required.  Part of a national EAA program to expose kids to aviation and flying.  Over 2.3 million children nationwide since 1992.    

12th: Mothers Day

13th: Children of Fallen Patriots Day

13th - 20th: Armed Forces Week
* 17th: Funeral Escort 1330 (1:30PM) for Jacob Johnson, USMC; Uniform: White Shirt/Black Pants; Davis Seawinds Funeral Home, 560 Montreal Ave, Melbourne, FL
                
Funeral is at 11:00. Stage at VMC (with American Legion 394 Riders) 10:00 for those that wish to attend the funeral.

Funeral Escort Starts 1330 (1:30 PM) to Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.
 
Jacob was a Marine Corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. His military occupation was motor transport mechanic/operator. He enlisted on April 26th, 2021 and served for three years.
 
Jacob graduated from Eau Gallie High School in 2020 where he excelled both in baseball and bowling.
 
Obituary Available Here
17th: 1800 - 2200 (6:00 - 10:00 PM); Uniform: Red Shirt; Address: Orlando Ave & Minuteman Cswy, downtown Cocoa Beach. Thunder on Cocoa Beach has returned and we have another great opportunity to get our beautiful bike and our RTFL1 Chapter some visibility. Friday night is Cocoa Beach Friday Fest and with the races, you can come out and check out all the super boats! It's all quite a spectacle. Your help with the bike pop up and getting out the good word on our POW*MIA cause is greatly appreciated!! See you there!
18th: Armed Forces Day

* 18th: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 109, 435 N Singleton Ave, Titusville, FL 32796. In observance of Armed Forces Day, there will be a POW*MIA Flag-Raising Ceremony and picnic. We will stage at the Sam's Club parking lot, 450 Townsend Road, Cocoa, FL 32926. Meet by 0945 hrs (9:45 am) KSU 10:00 hrs (10:00 am) en route to the DAV.

The event will kick off at 1100 hrs. with opening ceremonies. Then, at 1115, we will start our presentation; Rolling Thunder FL 1 is scheduled for 1200 hrs. This will be the main event. We have the POW/MIA flag ready, and DAV 109 will ensure that everything is set for FL1 to present and raise the POW*MIA flag. After you are complete, we will start the festivities.

We will have pulled pork, Chicken, burgers, and hot dogs with all the sides and desserts. We do not have a liquor license, so it is BYOB. We have a live band from Tennessee starting at 1400, a DJ from 1200 to 1400, and events and activities for the children during the day.

ITINERARY FOR ARMED FORCES DAY PICNIC

11:00 am. - COMMANDER JO HARVEY:
Mimi Rodgers to lead us in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Introduction
Recognizing special quests.
Speech
11:15 am. High School ROTC to present the POW Table
Presenters:
Narrator: Jo Harvey
11:30 am.
11:30 am the 13 folds of the flag and their meaning
Presenters
Narrator: Jo Harvey
11:45 am - COMMANDER JOHN DUNN
Present Awards to Home Depot, Lowes, Garden Club and Alligator Plumbing.
12:00 pm. Rolling Thunder® Florida Chapter 1, will present and raise the POW*MIA Flag.

All are welcome
18th: Grand Opening of Disabled Veterans new business. Invitation sent to Chapter 1.
18th: Space Coast Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for selected veterans to visit their memorials.  Guardian volunteers and other supporters welcome for ceremony to launch the flight —  0130 hours at the Senior Center in Wickham Park, Melbourne.  Contact SCHF on 321-456-7031 or [email protected]  for more information.

21st: Senator Marco Rubio’s Staff Mobile Office Hours at the VMC  1300-1500, specifically for Veterans and their families.
* 24th - 26th:
Rolling Thunder®, Inc Florida, State Ride For Freedom XXXVI. Mid Florida Event Center, Port St. Lucie  
* 24th: Mike Erdman Toyota Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at their dealership 0830-0930 on Rte 520 just west of I95 in Cocoa.  Special speakers, flag raising and unique ceremony for veterans, the Erdman team and the public.
* 24th: Event Time: 1830 (6:30PM); Uniform: White Shirt/Black Pant; Address: MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 Southeast Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie. $25 for members. Our chapter's Gold Star Families will be present. RTFL1 will be conducting the missing man table presentation.

At the conclusion of the Gold Star Family Dinner, motorcycle riders and personal vehicles will leave from the MIDFLORIDA Event Center to ride in for the Candlelight Vigil at Veterans Memorial Park, 2100 SE Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Port St. Lucie.
            For Ride Registration and daily activities, click HERE for details.
* 25: 1200 - 1800 (12:00 - 6:00PM); Uniform: Yellow/Green Shirt; MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 Southeast Event Center Place. Port St. Lucie.
      
Thunder Alley, Food Trucks, Car/Bike Show; Live Music by ShovelHed 1-3PM & Preacher Stone 4-6PM
25th: Mike Erdman Toyota Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at their dealership 0830-0930 on Rte 520 just west of I95 in Cocoa.  Special speakers, flag raising and unique ceremony for veterans, the Erdman team and the public. 







* 26th: RIDE FOR FREEDOM

Sunday May 26, 2024, 1130 (11:30AM); Uniform: Yellow/Green Shirt; MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 Southeast Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie.

Volunteers report at 7AM

Registration Open: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Safety Briefing 11:00 AM
Kickstands up at 11:30
Escorted ride ending at Treasure Coast Harley Davidson for after-ride celebration.

$20 Bike registration, $10 Passenger
 
Ride registration available at ALL Events
27th: Memorial Day Ceremony at VMC Plaza 0930-1100.  LTC Tim Thomas, USA, Ret is keynote speaker with special presentation by Col Herman Cole. USAF, Ret of the Tuskegee Airmen Association.  Call 321-453-1776 for more information.  

27th: Memorial Day Ceremony at the Liberty Bell Museum in Melbourne 0930-1100 featuring Gold Star Family Remembrances and Guest Speaker  CAPT Jason Schneider, USN, Commander at NOTU.  

27th: City of Cocoa Memorial Day Tribute at Riverfront Park in Cocoa following Parade.  Ceremony begins at 1700-1800. 

27th: Memorial Day
Picture
27th: Memorial Day Observance, Remember and Honor, at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor /Mims 1000-1100 Flag Assembly Area.  Special speaker and tributes at first fully open public ceremony at the CCNC since 2019.  CAPT William Toni, Navy Submarine Sailor will give the keynote with Esther Bower of Fox 35 Orlando acting as EMCEE.  Contact 321-403-0128 for more information.  
28th: VMC Library Discussion Series  1800-1930.  Wayne Rowe presents the “Adventures, of a Rebel Vessel” Drinks and snacks served.
JUNE 2024

1st: Fishlips, long time Rolling Thunder FL 1 advocate and sponsor, is holding a kickoff event to celebrate Women Veterans. 
 
From Wikipedia: Women Veterans Day is observed on June 12 in the United States, a date chosen to mark the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. The date is not recognized nationally, but is recognized by a number of states, either through legislation or proclamation, and organizations. The stated goal of Women Veterans Day varies somewhat by state, but can generally be acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognize the unique challenges that they have faced.[1] The date was first recognized when the New York State Assembly declared June 12, 2008, to be Women Veterans’ Recognition Day.

4th: Career Source Brevard Job Fare Including For Veterans 1000-1300 in the Melbourne Auditorium.  Contact Lori Robinson via careersourcebrevard.com

6th: D-Day

* 8th: 2nd Annual Zachary M. Martin Memorial Run-walk at Viera Regional Park in Melbourne, Florida. Proceeds from registrations will benefit Stop Soldier Suicide and help Brevard County veterans and discharged military with PTSD. Chip Timing by Southern Timing, LLC. This race will be chip timed by Southern Timing. All participants will receive an individual results page complete with pace, placement, a finisher certificate and a 20 second clip of the participant crossing the start and finish line. Children 12 and under are free. Strollers are welcome. For information about the run-walk, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/80573/zachary-m-martin-memorial-runwalk. To learn more about what this Memorial Run=Walk is all about, please visit https://www.zacharymartinmemorial.com/

8th: Space Coast Honor Flight to Washing DC for selected veterans to visit their memorials.  Guardian volunteers and other supporters welcome for ceremony to launch the flight —  0130 hours at the Senior Center in Wickham Park, Melbourne.  Contact SCHF on 321-456-7031 or [email protected]  for more information.

12th: Women Veterans Day

12th: Military Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration and Luncheon 1130-1330 at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham, Melbourne.  Details and sponsorship information at [email protected]. 

14th: U.S. Army Birthday

14th: Celebration of the US Army’s 249th Birthday at Broken Barrel in Palm Bay 1800-2000.  Sponsored by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) which will also hold a General Membership Meeting.  AUSA is the newest  partner of the VMC.  Contact Shaun McKinney for more information. 

14th: U.S. Flag Day
16th: Father's Day
20th: Summer Begins ♨

22nd: First Annual Christian Bellmore Memorial 5K at VMC Park (0700-1000).  Honors the memory of 19 year old Merritt Island HS Graduate who died while in USAF service in 2023.  Look for web site details and contact Donn Weaver (757-871-6576) of VMC for any questions about this very special event of remembrance. 

22nd: Operation MWR at The Greenhouse on NOTU Base at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station  1630-1800.  Featuring Thompson Square and sponsored by NavyMWRCapeCanaveral.com —  contact for more information.   

23rd: Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday

27th: PTSD Awareness Day
JULY 2024

4th: Independence Day
4th: Annual BCSO Merritt Island Independence Day Parade.  1000-1100.  Begins at Merritt Island HS 0900 staging.  Break off parade (1100) at Edgewood HS.  Contact BCSO to register or for more information  (www.bcsocharity.org/ 321-264-7755).  NOTE:  The VMC scrubbed plans for an after Parade event given weekday involved and other area parades and events..  

4th: Melbourne 4th of July Independence Day Parade 1000-1100 am Downtown Melbourne.  Starts at Liberty Bell Museum (1601 Oak St)   with Ceremony and Awards there afterwards.  Route along Hickory to New Haven East , ending at New Haven and Municipal.  Grand Marshalls Green Gables and Larry/Jeannette Jarnes.  Celebrate Americana. 

5th: Palm Bay 2024 Independence Day Celebration at East Florida State College, Palm Bay Campus 1700- 2100.  Food, music, vendors, FIREWORKS and much more.  Vendor Sponsorships available.  Contact Daniel Waite on 321-626-2912 or [email protected] to register as a sponsor or for more information.  

5th: The Winning number will be drawn for the motorcycle raffle at 6:00pm, Fishlips at the Port (Canaveral). ✔
Do you have your ticket yet?




AND THE WINNER IS:

the winning ticket was # 002806 -
Mr. Cabeza
* 7th:     Memorial Service - Betty "De" Daniels.
                 1500 (3:00PM)
Uniform: White Shirt/Black Pant
Address:  VFW James W. Dearborn Memorial Post #3282
                  5810 S Williamson Blvd
                  Port Orange, FL
                
Summary:
1245 hours rally at C's Waffle House by Days Inn on 524 (5600 FL-524, Cocoa, FL) KSU 1300
 
On May 3rd., 2024, Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 8 lost their Chapter President, Betty "De" Daniels. A memorial service will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, July 7th, 2024, at the VFW James W. Dearborn Memorial Post #3282 in Port Orange, FL. (5810 S Williamson Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32128) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rolling Thunder Florida, Chapter 8, at www.rollingthunderfl8.com, or may be made to American Gold Star Mothers and mailed to Vivian Allen, 12 Price Road, Chester, NY 10918.
 
Betty "De" Daniels Obituary (1942-2024)
19th: Funeral Escort for Max A. Holmquist, Corporal, United States Army Air Force, WWII.
 
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1801 S Fiske Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955, with entombment to follow at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955.
 
All participants, please meet at the Church no later than 1045 (10:45 am); the dress code is White Shirt/Black Pants.

25th: National Hire A Veteran Day

27th: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

28th: National Buffalo Soldiers Day
Buffalo Soldiers Day on July 28th commemorates the formation of the first regular Army regiments comprising African American soldiers in 1866. Since they were frontier regiments, Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries protected unsettled lands as pioneers moved westward. They also faced the hardships of the Wild West. During and after the Civil War, Army desertion rates remained high. However, among Buffalo Soldiers, low rates prevailed. They were also noted for their dedication and commitment during the Spanish-American War and other engagements during the late 1800s. 

In honor of the first Buffalo Soldiers Day in 1992, General Colin Powell dedicated a monument to the Buffalo Soldier. It's located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where the 10th Calvary Buffalo Soldiers were based. The Buffalo Soldier Museum is located in Houston, Texas.

SSG Mark Matthews, the last of the United States Army Buffalo Soldiers, so called because their black curly hair reminded Indians of a buffalo's mane, died on September 6, 2005. He served along the U.S.-Mexican border as part of Gen. John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing's 1916 expedition into Mexico, on the trail of Mexican bandit and revolutionary Pancho Villa. He was the last remaining veteran of the Mexican Border campaign.

Matthews lived to be 111 years old, and for his dedicated services, he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Picture
SSG Mark Matthews' final tribute
Picture
Buffalo Soldiers Monument in Fort Leavenworth, KS
29th: Army Chaplain Corps Anniversary

* 30th:
Event Time: 1400 (2PM)
Uniform: Yellow/Green Shirt
Address: Viera Middle School
                 6090 Stadium Parkway
                 Viera, FL            

Summary:
There will be a flag raising at a brand new middle school in Viera. We will rally 1330 (1:30PM) at the 7-Eleven Mobil Station at 5450 Stadium Parkway. KSU 1345.
AUGUST 2024

2nd: St Francis Reflections "Suds for Support" on International Beer Day at Dirty Oar in Cocoa Village and World of Beer in Viera at the Avenues 1400-2300.  Raise a pint to honor veterans with a percent of proceeds going to St Francis Reflections Lifestage Care to support their veteran related missions.  

3rd: Annual Coast Guard Birthday and Family Day at Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral 1000-1500.  USO, MOAACC Good Deeds, VFW 10131 and many other sponsors and booths.  Free food and fun, great activities for kids.  Come celebrate the USCG Birthday and support the Station’s people and families.  Access and parking just before closed entrance to Space Force Station CC south gate.  

4th: Coast Guard Day

4th: Annual Purple Heart Recognition Ceremony at the VMC Gray Hall 1400-1600 sponsored by Chapter 453 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  Special recognition of 10 PH recipients and ceremony to tell their stories and recognize their sacrifices.  Contact Donn Weaver, 757-871-6576 for more information.  

7th: Purple Heart Day

9th: SOLD OUT. Annual National Veterans Homeless Support Fundraising Dinner 1715- 2100 Radisson Resort at the Port.  Hosted by Brevard County Constitutional Officers including Sheriff Wayne Ivey.  Sponsorships and individual tables/seats available.  $100 per seat, $1250 for Sponsor tables.  Silent auction, Live Auction , 50/50 raffle and a great dinner!!  Visit www.nvhs.org/events to register or email [email protected].  

10th: U.S. Department of Defense Birthday

10th: Agent Orange Awareness Day

14th: Navajo Code Talkers Day

14th: Senator Marco Rubio’s Staff Mobile Office Hours at the VMC  1300-1500, specifically for Veterans and their families.    

16th: National Airborne Day

20th: Florida · Primaries - get out and make your voice heard

Florida · Primaries · United States House of Representatives

Florida · Primaries · United States Senate

Florida · Primaries · Florida House of Representatives

23rd: Calling all female veterans to Chair Yoga , 1100-1200 at the VMC Gray Hall.  Class is free and open to only female veterans, first responders and women family members of vets and firs6responders.    Contact Dorothy Walsh at VMC for more information.  

24th: Seminar for High School Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors on Military Academy, ROTC Scholarships and other military paths to education and leadership.  VMC Gray Hall, Foyer and Library 1300- 1700.  Contact Donn Weaver, 757-871-6576 for more info or to request a Poster about the event,.  

24th: Bowling for Heroes Charity event by Heroes United to Heal Foundation at Palm Bay Shore Lanes 4851 Dairy Rd, Melbourne 1300-1500.  Five man team entry fee is $70 for each lane with grand prizes available in Juniors (under 21). Corporate/Private Business, Hero (Vets and First Responders) categories.  Register your team by email:  [email protected]. The event is aimed at “Striking Out” the stigma of PTSD and vet/first responder suicide.

27th: Women Veteran Outreach Pot Luck Luncheon 1130- 1330 VMC Gray Hall.  This event is for women veterans only please and will celebrate the first year of the program.  RSVP required to Dorothy Walsh at [email protected]

27th: VMC Library Discussion Series 1800-1930.  9/11 Missed Warnings. CAPT Bill Toti, USN (Ret). Drinks and snacks served.  

29th: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Birthday
SEPTEMBER 2024

2nd: Victory over Japan (V-J Day)

2nd: Labor Day

* 2nd: The family of United States Marine Corporal Daniel James Norton has requested Florida Chapter 1 provide an escort of his cremains from their home to Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. The date is Monday, September 2nd, and the arrival at CCNC should be before 1100 hrs. (11:00 am). Staging will be the Beef O'Brady's parking lot, 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island. The family will meet us at Beef O'Brady's. 

7th: Space Coast Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for selected veterans to visit their memorials.  Guardian volunteers and other supporters welcome for ceremony to launch the flight —  0130 hours at the Senior Center in Wickham Park, Melbourne.  Contact SCHF on 321-456-7031 or [email protected]  for more information.

7th: Kiwanis Club of Cocoa Beach Gala Masquerade Ball - 6 to 10 PM. Click HERE for more information 📌
11th: National Day of Service and Remembrance (Patriot Day)

11th: Annual Brevard County 9/11 23rd Anniversary Memorial Tribute  and Patriots Day Ceremony at VMC Plaza 1730 -1900.  Sponsored by Club 1013 of retired NYPD Police and FD Officers,  many of whom were in NYC on 9/11/2001.  Also supported by the VMC and MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation.  Citizens of Brevard are asked to join in supporting and remembering the Fire, Police , EMS, Civilians and Military who lost their lives on 9/11/2001 and all those afterwards who fell in combat or as a result of 9/11 medical challenges.  Contact Club 1013 or VMC for more information.  

11th: AVET Firearms Fun Night 1700-1800 at Frogbones Family Shooting Center,   404 South Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne.  AVET Fundraiser for their mission to empower military families.  Registration required at email. [email protected].  Details on AVET web site:  www.avet-project.org

13th: Rosh Hashanah

18th: Texas Roadhouse Special Supporter Night for Veterans Memorial Center 1700-2000 at the 1975 Viera Blvd,  Rockledge Restaurant.  A portion of all sales go to support the missions at the Veterans Memorial Center.  

18th: U.S. Air Force Birthday

18th: Air National Guard Birthday

20th: National POW*MIA Recognition Day 🔔

21st: JROTC Raider Challenge Invitational Competition at the Veterans Memorial Center Park (0630-1300).  Support  hundreds of JROTC cadets engaging in five grueling events in 10 person male, female and mixed teams. 

27th: Native American Day

28th: JROTC Raider Challenge Invitational Competition at the Veterans Memorial Center Park (0630-1300) .  Support  hundreds of JROTC cadets engaging in five grueling events in 10 person male, female and mixed teams.

29th: VFW Day

29th: Gold Star Mother’s Day
OCTOBER 2024

2nd: Rosh Hashanah begins at Sundown.

11th: Yom Kippur begins at Sundown

12th: Space Coast Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for selected veterans to visit their memorials.  Guardian volunteers and other supporters welcome for ceremony to launch the flight —  0130 hours at the Senior Center in Wickham Park, Melbourne. Contact SCHF on 321-456-7031 or [email protected]  for more information.

12th: JROTC Raider Challenge Invitational Competition at the Veterans Memorial Center Park (0630-1300). Support  hundreds of JROTC cadets engaging in five grueling events in 10 person male, female and mixed teams.  Hosted by Viera HS JROTC.  

13th: U.S. Navy Birthday 🤗

14th: Columbus Day

14th: Indigenous Peoples' Day

16th: National Boss's Day

24th: United Nations Day

26th: Day of the Deployed

26th: JROTC Raider Challenge District Championship Competition at the Veterans Memorial Center Park (0630-1300) .  Support  hundreds of JROTC cadets engaging in five grueling events in 10 person male, female and mixed teams.  Hosted by Cocoa Beach HS JROTC.  

31st: Halloween

31st: BCSO Shred Event in VMC Park 0900-1030.  BSCO conducts monthly shred services at various locations and will release their 2024 schedule in January.
NOVEMBER 2024

1st-2nd: Rolling Thunder® National Conference, Washington, D.C.

1st - 5th: National Veterans Small Business Week

1st: All Saints Day

5th: ELECTION DAY - MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT

9th: St Francis Reflections Lifestage Care Veterans Day 5K at VMC Park.  0800-1030   More details bin September.   

3rd: Daylight Savings Time ends😀

10th: Marine Corps Birthday

10th: Seventh Annual Homestretch 5K for At-Risk and Homeless Vets.  For details and to register see Latest Events and Updates on:  nvhs.org

11th: Veterans Day

11th: Veterans Day Ceremony at VMC Plaza 0930 - 1100.  Many others in Brevard as well.  

16th: Annual MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the Indian River  Colony Club 0800-1300.  Save the date.  Looking for sponsors and golfers.  Contact Donn Weaver, 757-871-6576.  Sign up at moaacc.org web site. 

16th: Annual Dinner and Fund Raiser by the Support Committee of the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (SC/CCNC) 1730- 2000 at American Legion Post 1, US 1 in Titusville.  50/50 raffles, silent auction, Music by Dave Johnson, great food and more all to support the SC/CCNC during the year.  They organize ceremonies and events at CCNC; support the CCNC Director and her team, as well as through the Cape Canaveral Ladies, who make sure no veteran is ever buried alone.  Reservations required by 01 Nov to Priscilla Southworth  ([email protected]. ). Dinner costs $20 with checks made out to SC/CCNC. Priscilla has all details.  

17th: Bowling for Heroes Charity event by Heroes United   to Heal Foundation at Palm Bay Shore Lanes 4851 Dairy Rd, Melbourne 1300-1500.  Five man team entry fee is $70 for each lane with grand prizes available in Juniors (under 21).Corporate/Private Business, Hero (Vets and First Responders) categories.  Register your team by email:  [email protected]. The event is aimed at “Striking Out” the stigma of PTSD and vet/first responder suicide.    

19th: International Men's Day

28th: Thanksgiving Day

29th: Black Friday
DECEMBER 2024

1st: Civil Air Patrol (USAF Auxiliary) Birthday

2nd: Cyber Monday

3rd: #GivingTuesday (The Tuesday after Thanksgiving)

7th: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

13th: U.S. National Guard Birthday

14th: Wreaths Across America Day in many Brevard Locations.  Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 1000-1200 with details on all WAA events in October.
 
14th: Second Annual Merritt Island Community and Gold Star Family Tribute Christmas Tree Illumination and Holiday Party.  VMC Park 1500- 2000.  More details in August.  

14th: JROTC District Invitational Air Rifle Meet at Palm Bay HS 0800-1200.  Support dozens of cadets from 10 or more High Schools compete at the indoor range for marksmanship team honors. 2

18th: National Wreaths Across America Day

21st: Winter begins

24th: Christmas Eve

25th: Christmas Day

25th: Hanukkah begins at sundown

26th: Kwanzaa begins

31st: New Year's Eve
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