Veteran’s Voice — All about Salesforce Military

Salesforce is a software as a service (SaaS) business used by 90% of Fortune 500 companies. Salesforce Military is a Salesforce department for veterans by veterans. We get active military, veterans, and spouses the classes, certifications, and support they need for successful tech careers. The training offered by Salesforce can lead to employment with Salesforce itself or one of several partner companies such as USAA, with automatic interviews upon successful completion of the free training. For more information see https://bit. ly/48XC9If

Valor Legal Clinic

The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. is providing free, noncriminal, legal assistance to Orlando area veterans, however, some income limits may apply. Locations are Lake Nona (1st and third Wednesday of each month), and Lake Baldwin on the second Wednesday of each month. Times are from 3-5 p.m. at both locations and based on my information it appears the service is on a walk-in basis only, no appointments. For more information, contact the VALOR Project Coordinator, Jay Mobley, Esq. at 407-841-8310 ext. 3167 or Stefanie Mohl at Stefanie.Mohl@va.gov. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a comprehensive website for this activity, however, this Facebook page has some additional information: https://bit.ly/3Ob1PsK

VetCents

The VA is re-launching its VetCents program, designed to provide lowto no-cost banking and financial counseling to veterans and caregivers. The counseling is accessible and free outside of the banking options. The counseling is tailored to your needs, and you are able to receive ongoing information and news as you progress in your financial journey. The program is administered by LifeCents, a financial education/counseling firm working on behalf of the VA. LifeCents also provides services to employees as part of their company’s benefits, and government/ nonprofit organizations as well. This link is for the financial counseling section of the program: https://bit.ly/47JjW03

Trip Wire

The Commander of Kissimmee’s American Legion Post 10 was kind enough to let me know of some upcoming occasions of importance to veterans and the community for the first half of the year. Vietnam Veterans Day is March 29. April 9 is Bataan Day, marking the tremendous sacrifices of American and Filipino prisoners of war during the notorious Death March in 1942. Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park has one of the most significant memorials to that tragic event, and I know of at least two groups that regularly hold events there in April. Hopefully more to follow on a larger, combined event. Saturday, May 18 is Armed Forces Day, and there is usually a charity motorcycle run or two sponsored by one or more area veteran rider groups. Memorial Day will be observed on May 27 this year. Finally, there is some discussion of getting the various veteran organizations in Osceola County to come together to better coordinate activities and perhaps speak with a stronger voice on issues affecting the veteran communities. As a veteran who also reports on veterans’ activities in our area, I think this would be of great benefit to the over 18,000 military veterans, and their families, in Osceola County.