About the Council
The Orange County Mayor's
Veterans Advisory Council
The Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council is made up of military members, veterans service organizations and community partners. The function and duties of this Council are:
- To advise the Mayor on issues of importance to military members, veterans and their families based on input from the veteran community;
- To communicate with various groups relative to veteran’s issues;
- To provide a source of liaison and communication with various groups relative to veteran’s issues; and,
- To promote veterans’-related events and functions within the County.
Council meetings are held monthly. Please email VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@ocfl.net for more details.
Mission Statement
In the spirit of collaboration and inclusion, the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council’s overall mission aims to encourage building stronger relationships and resources among the various Military Service organizations within our community. The group’s primary goal is to inform the general public about the importance of our veterans and their service to our Country. In addition, the Veterans Advisory Council works to support our local veterans to enhance their life through healthcare, job programs/placements and business initiatives through community engagement and outreach.
Statements on Armed Forces Day
“On behalf of the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, thanks to the women and men currently serving in the US Armed Forces. It is an honor to serve those that have served and still serving!” – Daila Espeut-Jones, U.S. Army (Ret)
“Armed Forces Appreciation Day to me is confirmation that I made one of the best decisions of my life by becoming a United States Navy Sailor. I am forever grateful for the life lessons, friendships, and opportunity to serve my country.” – Paulette Julien, US Navy (Vet)
“As our nation celebrates its 71st annual Armed Forces Day, we are reminded that our men and women in uniform comprise the finest fighting force the world has ever known. They not only continue to serve and defend our country with unparalleled skill, compassion, and devotion; they also provide a better and more peaceful world for our children to live in.” – John Gionet, USMC (Ret)
“On ships at sea and stations around the world, America’s Navy stands strong. I, along with all the Sailors on watch today, express appreciation for the support Orange County, Florida, and our nation displays for their service on Armed Forces Day. Anchors Aweigh!” – Rich Sloane, US Navy (Ret)
“Armed Services day is where we can show our appreciation to a very special group of men and women who are making the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us don’t have to. Freedom has a cost, and they are paying the cost for us.” – David Romero, US Air Force (Vet)
“Armed Forces Appreciation Day is an opportunity for me to honor all of those who serve, to show my gratefulness for their sacrifice and to do small acts of kindness to show my gratitude to them for volunteering to protect and defend our country.” – Teresa Turner, US Army (Vet)
“Armed Forces Day symbolizes Freedom through Unity of All Services.” – Lorraine Holland, US Army (Ret)
Membership Application
If you are interested in participating in the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council, please complete the Membership Application (PDF) and submit it to VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@ocfl.net.