Thank you to all those who helped make the 2022 DVCF Retreat a success on August 12, 2022 at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary in Lake Mary, FL at 1501 International Parkway. Because of Covid-19, this Retreat was a single-day event featuring a business luncheon and an evening reception rather than a full weekend event. Veterans, other caucus members, candidates and friends had a wonderful time coming together to share ways to reach out to veterans in this campaign season.
After an elegant and delicious luncheon, our President Elena McCullough started the event with a heartfelt welcome, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chair Danny Fuqua. Our guests were treated to an interesting discussion about the current political climate by Keynote Speaker, The Honorable Dick Batchelor. Mr. Batchelor is a Vietnam Veteran and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, as well as an accomplished Orlando businessman and community activist. He was named by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City Commission as 2021’s “Visionary Community Leader.” Mr. Batchelor was presented a DVCF Award for his participation.
Following Mr. Batchelor, Democratic Chief Financial Officer nominee Adam Hattersley, Iraq War veteran, presented a fascinating talk about his experiences in the military and his take on life during and after service. Two of the DVCF Directors followed with presentations that spurred good discussion. Thanks to Osceola County DVCF President Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson for his discussion about the rising homelessness rate among veterans. Then Director Dr. JJ Walcutt gave an interesting presentation on the national security situation. The DVCF presented all of its guest speakers with a small award to mark their participation.
DVCF Certification Chair Marian Williams, Founding Director Milli Smith and President Laureate Phil Giorno were honored to present presidents or other officers of DVCF county caucuses with their caucus charter certificates. Those counties that received their charters at this time were Bay, Hernando, Lake, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Caucus presidents and past presidents were also presented with a challenge coin by Membership Chair Marian Williams. Many of the officers of these county caucuses spoke about the progress they were making in their counties. There was a healthy exchange of ideas and information.
A good number of candidates attended the Retreat to learn more about veteran issues for when they win their office. Candidates were given the opportunity to address the attendees briefly during the evening’s reception.
In summary, the DVCF thanks everyone who attended or in other ways contributed to the success of this event. We are very grateful to the many name sponsors of the Retreat who helped support this effort. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to our Event Chair, Treasurer Marian Williams, for all her organizing work. This event would not have been possible without her efforts.
Many of those who attended have expressed how much they enjoyed themselves and found the speakers informative. And the food was great too!
Here is the program for the retreat from the inner cover to the innermost pages, in two-page spreads: