Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, Inc.

A ceremony of dedication of the Commemorative Revolutionary War Monument was held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the City of Orlando Baldwin Memorial Park. The monument was established to honor those who served in the uniform for the United States of America from the American Revolution including all wars thereafter. This War Monument was erected by the Christian Temple Manor Colonial Dames XV11c.

A presentation explaining the Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Nona was made by Jerry Pierce to a group of Senior Citizens on June 11th at their annual God and Country Celebration honoring Veterans. There were nine WWII Veterans in attendance along with two former POW’s. The concept of the Memorial Park was as Jerry presented it was well received. Other CFVMPF members attending were Gene O’Baker, Hon. Bill Coleman, and Billy Enfinger.

The announcement of the fundraising campaign to create a world class Memorial Park which is to be located adjacent to the new VA medical center was made by Jerry Pierce, President CFVMPF, on May 27, 2010. The Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Nona will honor approximately 1,100 Veterans who served in the uniform of our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom representing Orange, Lake, Brevard, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.

This announcement was in conjunction with the unveiling of the
3-D model of the VA medical campus at Lake Nona. The VA medical center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012 and will include 134 patient beds, a 120-bed community living center and a 60-bed rehabilitation program, serving the approximately 400,000 veterans living in Central Florida.

Distinguished guest speakers at the event included Orlando VA Medical Center Director Timothy W. Liezert, Central Florida Memorial Park Foundation President Jerry Pierce, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor’s Chief of Staff George R. Rodon.

On May 1, 2010, Jerry Pierce, President of Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park, Inc., made an informative presentation of the Memorial Park to be built adjacent to the new VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. Comments in response to the presentation stated: “This will be the best memorial ever”

President and guest luncheon speaker Jerry Pierce presented the Central Florida Memorial Park architectural concept and drawings for the Memorial Park with assistance of members of board of Foundation, LTC Earle Denton, USA (Ret), Billy Enfinger, USA(Fmr)USCG/Aux, and Ltc Col
DeLloyd Voorhees, Jr, Many members of NDIA volunteered their assistance and the presentation was well received.

Architectural plans for the Memorial Park were discussed and CFVI members were updated on progress. CFVI members along with members of CFVMPF were instrumental in leading the efforts to secure funding for the new VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. So, the Memorial Park at Lake Nona is a continuation of a long term effort to help and honor other veterans. The Orlando Sentinel described those involved in both organizations as a story about veterans helping other veterans.

A presentation was made the same day to update Cong. Kosmas (memorial to be located in her Congressional District) and to gain support of other veterans organizations. Everyone in attendance was enthusiastic of the Foundations efforts on this project and many offered their assistance.

A presentation of the Central Florida Memorial Park at Lake Nona was made by President Jerry Pierce. Many well known veterans were in attendance along with various, federal, state, and local leaders to include Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman John Mica, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Jeffry Fuqua, Chairman Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, and Kevin McNamara, Manager of the Orlando Executive Airport. This was the first major presentation