Celebrating National Armed Forces Day – May 21, 2022
U.S. Army (Ret) Daila Espeut-Jones: “On behalf of the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, many thanks to all military members past and present for their service and dedication to our country.”
US Army (Vet) Teresa Turner: “Armed Forces Day gives people all over the world an opportunity to honor the men and women that have served or are serving in all six branches of the U.S. Military. It also reminds us of how important the role our military plays in keeping our citizens and our country safe.”
US Navy (Ret) Rich Sloane: “Armed Forces Appreciation Day means to me that we are inculcating in today's service members the core values that have sustained our nation's freedom since its founding.”
USMC (Ret) John Gionet: “Annually, the United States of America celebrates the third Saturday in the month of May as Armed Forces Day. This day is dedicated to the servicemen and servicewoman who are protecting our country from harm’s way. We are safe and happy in our homes because they are out there, facing the harshest conditions to protect this great country. We have no words to express our gratitude to the men and women who keep us safe, however, take the time, to think of ways to reach out to the patriotic men and women guarding our borders by thanking them for their service or perhaps sending them an Armed Forces Day thank you card. As a veteran myself, I personally; salute all the men and women currently serving our country.”
US Army (Ret) Lorraine Holland: “Armed Forces Appreciation Day is a day of honor, and an opportunity to show our gratitude to America's Patriots who serve in one of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.”
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.
Partnership Application
If you are interested in participating in the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council, please complete the Partnership Application form.