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Veterans Advisory Council

Mayor Demings' Seal
Mayor Demings

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

Fred Robinson, Committee Chair

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 Tommie Maldonado, US Army (Retired)
US Marine Corps Service Representative Luis A. Cambal, USMC (Veteran)
US Navy Service Representative Rich Sloane, US Navy (Retired)
US Air Force Service Representative David Romero, US Air Force (Veteran)
US Coast Guard Service Representative To Be Announced
Space Force Service Representative To Be Announced
Veterans Advocate Catherine Haynes
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)

Contact Us

Office of the Orange County Mayor
201 S. Rosalind Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801

Email: VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-7370

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.