Happy Holidays from Vet Info

Thank you to all our Veterans and to those who continue to serve our great nation. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Wishing you and your families a Happy Holiday season and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Team Vet Info

Message from Founder Bill Watts

As a former member of the United States Army, the holidays always remind me how important it is to honor those who have served—and those who are serving right now. I spent more than one holiday season far from the people I loved, proudly wearing the uniform of our nation.

From the deserts of Egypt, to the DMZ ( Camp Casey ) in South Korea, and during Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991, those moments were not easy. One holiday, I received a care package from my mother filled with some of my favorite foods and cookies. That simple gesture meant everything—bringing warmth and comfort to me in the middle of a desert, more than 10,000 miles from home.

When we speak of those in uniform, we must also remember the families who feel their absence every single day. Behind every service member is a family missing them, especially during the holidays.

SSGT Jimmy Haws—gone but never forgotten. To those I proudly served alongside—1st Sgt. Maynard Meadows, Jonah Booth, Steven Mafnas, Cpl Cruz, SSGT Berley, and so many others from C Battery, 4/5 ADA, 1st Cavalry Division—you are truly missed. I hope one day our paths cross again.

To all Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families: thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, and your service. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a strong, hopeful New Year.

VISN 8 VA Hospital and Clinic Closures for Federal Holidays

Veterans you should check your VISN schedule but these are recognized Federal Holidays and the VA Clinics and Hospitals should be closed except Emergency Room Units.

Veterans who require urgent care or tele-emergency care can call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 for 24/7/365 support or visit an in-network urgent care facility. To find an urgent care facility near you, please visit: www.va.gov/find-locations/.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please dial 911 or visit the closest emergency room.

VISN 8 VA Hospital and Clinic Closures for Federal Holidays

Veterans you should check your VISN schedule but these are recognized Federal Holidays and the VA Clinics and Hospitals should be closed except Emergency Room Units.

Veterans who require urgent care or tele-emergency care can call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 for 24/7/365 support or visit an in-network urgent care facility. To find an urgent care facility near you, please visit: www.va.gov/find-locations/.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please dial 911 or visit the closest emergency room.

Christmas Extravaganza

Spread the Cheer!

Vendors Contact: Patrick C. “Action” Jackson – 786-702-6525 / Email: actionnpack@yahoo.com

Veterans / First Responders / Educators – FREE Wednesdays

By Oom Yung Doe Casselberry

1455 SR-436 Casselberry Commons FL 32707

Past or Present Teachers, First Responders (To Include Doctors and Nurses) and Military, this day is for you.

Being in a career of giving and putting others first, we invite you to our school every Wednesday for FREE. It’s time for you to do something for yourself and increase you Physical and Mental Wellbeing.

If you are looking for self-defense, increase your energy or reduce stress, Traditional Martial Arts can help you achieve your goals through proper martial arts training.

Reachout to us and save a seat. – Contact for Times as they May Vary.

CARS AND CIGARS

It is extremely exciting to announce the Q1 Mission United Veteran Advisory Council REC COMMITTEE event!  Please see attached and below.  All are welcome!  It is free for Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Fire Rescue and a charge for civilians.  Please feel free to share this flyer along with the registration link below.

We are still looking for a food sponsor for this event if anyone knows of a company that may be interested.  Another email with the flyer/registration will be sent after the first of the year, too.

Thank you!

Register hereà https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/x95vj2q

 

Jolly Jamboree

AN AFTERNOON FULL OF HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Photos with Santa

Fun and Friendly Activities

Vendors

Open to all DOW ID Cardholders and USSOUTHCOM badge holders!

Doral Military Advisory Board Meeting

Veterans and Active-Duty join the Doral Military Advisory Committee to discuss the needs of our Veteran Community here in Doral.

We hope to see you there and bring a Veteran Friend.

American Legion Post 144 Monthly Meeting

Tentative Agenda Below:

Will discuss the need to reach out to our current members, as well as to any Veterans that you may know, but have never approached them about joining our Post.

THE NEW MEMBERSHIP YEAR (2026) BEGAN ON JULY 1, LET’S RENEW EARLY. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RENEWING FOR 3 YEARS TO PROTECT YOU FROM UPCOMING DUES INCREASES. AT THIS TIME, THE COST TO RENEW FOR 3 YEARS IS ONLY $ 120.00 ($40 X 3), BUT YOU ARE PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST FUTURE INCREASES (trust me they will be coming)..

Please note, that our annual membership dues are being increased to $ 45.00 effective January 1, 2026. This was necessary as our Department Headquarters increased all Post’s annual portion of our dues by $5.00. Please renew early to avoid the increase, and by all means if you can renew for 3 years, you will be saving $ 15.00. 

YOU CAN RENEW AT THE MEETING. VIA CHECK, CREDIT/DEBIT CARD, OR CASH.

  • Inform and vote on increase to our annual dues effective January 1, 2026. Must do as our Department HQ has raised their cost. 
  • Meet and Greet of our Auxiliary Unit, apply for our EIN #, Please bring your spouses this Saturday so they can meet, and make plans for the Christmas Party. Auxiliary members, if you haven’t already done it, Please bring back the “Post 144 Polos”, can’t wear them.
  • Welcome new membrs expected to be in attendance
  • Update about our co-hosting event of Casino and Dominoes night at Pace High School on Feb 26, 2026.

As always we will have “free” goodies to eat and enjoy, as well as coffee, and above all great camaraderie.

Should you have any questions, you may reach me VIA TEXT at 786-942-5700, or via email at garycardenaspost144@gmail.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM VET INFO

The Founders and Volunteers of Vet Info would like to wish all the Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans and their families a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for your Service and Sacrifice because of you we can enjoy the day in a free country.