Explore the Council
Council Leadership
Orange County Mayor
Jerry L. Demings
Mayor’s Message
It is my honor to welcome you to the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council webpage. The council is comprised of over 35 veterans which includes active-duty personnel, and organizations that support veterans and their families. The council is chaired by Fred Robinson and co-chaired by John Gionet. They meet monthly to plan community outreach and engagement events.
Orange County is proud to have over 70,000 veterans that call our community home. In addition, we have more than 700 Orange County employees that are veterans, and over 300 active service members. The council works closely with the Orange County Veterans Services Office which has been dedicated to helping veterans and their families with their benefits since 1945.
I encourage you to explore the webpage and review the resources and community events planned this year. I applaud the work of our council and their continued efforts to promote and educate the community on veterans-related issues.
Thank you to those who have served and our active military service members who continue to protect our freedom and this great nation.
Sincerely,
– Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor
Sgt. Fred Robinson, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Chair’s Message
It is my honor to serve as Chair of the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council. Our Council is leading the way for representing veterans and their families in the county and throughout its surrounding communities.
My duties are to support and be in accordance with the vision of the Mayor. Being at the forefront for the advancement of those who are currently serving or have served in the past. Our Mission is to provide 1st class resources and services for veterans and their families living in Orange County and to address their issues and challenges.
It is a privilege for me to represent you. I look forward to continuing to build inclusive working relationships for the enrichment and development of those currently serving and our veteran community.
– Sgt. Fred Robinson, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Council Leadership
| Position 2023-2024
|
Name
|
| Chair
|
Fred Robinson, USMC (Veteran)
|
| Vice Chair
|
John Gionet, USMC (Retired)
|
| Chaplain
|
Paulette Julien, US Navy (Veteran)
|
| US Army Service Representative
|
To Be Announced
|
| US Marine Corps Service Representative
|
To Be Announced
|
| US Navy Service Representative
|
Rich Sloane, US Navy (Retired)
|
US Air Force Service Representative/
Space Force Service Representative
|
William Jordan, US Air Force (Veteran)
|
| US Coast Guard Service Representative
|
Gary Smith, USCG (Veteran)
|
| Veterans Advocate
|
Catherine Haynes
|
| Veterans Advocate - LGB
|
David Romero, US Air Force (Veteran)
|
| Orange County Veterans Services Ex-Officio
|
Alnita Whitt, US Army (Veteran)
|
| Veterans Service Organization – Mission United
|
Norris Henderson, USMC (Retired)
|
| Veterans Service Organization – MOAA
|
Lorraine Holland, US Army (Retired)
|
| Veterans Service Organization – Camaraderie Foundation
|
Ruben Gonzalaz, US Army (Retired)
|
| Veterans Service Organization – Soldiers' Angels
|
Cheryl Sims
|
| Immediate Past Chair
|
Daila "Dee" Espeut-Jones, US Army (Retired)
|
Veteran Resources
Veteran Claims and Career Support Services
Crisis Hotlines
Housing, Financial & Support Services
Service Organizations
Operation Outreach
Operation Outreach is brought to you by The Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council. Find out all about services offered through a wide variety of providers to veterans and their families.
Veteran of the Year
Orange County Veteran of the Year
The Mayor’s Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will honor a local veteran who has made significant contributions to Orange County veterans, military members, and their families. The Orange County Veterans Advisory Council’s Veteran of the Year Committee will select one veteran annually for their exceptional service and dedication to veterans and their continued willingness to serve the community. Please review the eligibility criteria included in the nomination form.
Orange County Veteran of the Year 2024 –
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Norris Henderson
To nominate a veteran, please review the eligibility criteria and then click on the button below to complete the form.
Eligibility Criteria
- The nominee must be a living resident of Orange County, Florida.
- The nominee must have received a discharge with honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Document the nominee’s significant contributions made at the local, state, and/or national level demonstrated by going above and beyond the call of duty, specifically for volunteer work supporting veterans, the military, and the community.
- The nominee demonstrates leadership, excellence, creativity, and initiative in the community.
- The nominee's volunteer work must have contributed to the advancement of veterans, the military, and their families in Orange County.
- Nominee participates in activities that help promote veterans and their families, enhancing the awareness of veterans and their sacrifice.
- Document significant achievements and accomplishments in the following three (3) areas: volunteer support to veterans, volunteer support to the military and their families, and volunteer support to Orange County.
- List accomplishments and service not to exceed the last ten years.
- Previous Orange County Veterans of the Year are not eligible.
Nominations Closed
Flag Retirement Program
Orange County Government’s U.S. Flag Retirement Collection Boxes
When an American flag becomes worn out or torn, the U.S. Flag Code dictates how to respectfully retire it.
Orange County Government and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the National Association of Counties and the Florida Association of Counties, is offering flag retirement boxes for members of the public to properly dispose of U.S. flags.
Flag disposal boxes located:
Orange County Government’s Administration Building
1st floor in the lobby area
201 South Rosalind Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Central Operations
2500 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
2025 Events