The Village Veterans Association Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) service organization based in Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee, Florida comprised of veterans, military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces, their families as well as Good Samaritan Village and Kissimmee, Florida citizens.
The association was originally formed in 1994 by a group of veterans who met for coffee and were also part of the Good Samaritan Village beautification committee. They had a vision to form a veteran’s park at Sunset Lake located in Good Samaritan Village.
They discussed having a pier for fishing, a Gazebo, picnic tables and BBQ pits that can be enjoyed by all. George Russell said “It appears to me that we need a Village Veterans Organization”. That was the beginning of our organization over thirty years ago.
Through the years our association has created and expanded Veteran’s Memorial Park to include monuments for all wars from WWI through Vietnam, USO Dances, Honor Flights, Pancake Breakfasts, Pot Luck dinners and so much more.
We raise money through donations and fundraisers for a variety of purposes:
- to provide transportation for medical appointments,
- to provide information on new and changing VA benefits,
- to provide individual care to veterans with sudden critical needs as best we can (especially for those without families),
- to maintain all Military Branch Service and American Flags at Good Samaritan Village,
- to maintain and improve Veteran’s Memorial Park,
- to provide social engagements (Burger Bingo, Sunday in the Park, Annual Car and Craft Show, Yard Sales and more) that can significantly improve the lives of our in their sunset years, many of whom live alone,
- to participate in Wreaths Across America, and
- to support the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall (with funds and by providing transportation to the event in 2025).
Now we are embarking on the next thirty years. We are seeking donations that can expand our ability to help our Veterans and Members who, late in life, have many needs.