It's Armed Forces Week: Here are some ways to celebrate

Armed Forces Week is the week leading up to Armed Forces Day which falls on Saturday, May 19 this year. In Ohio, Armed Forces Week also is Ohio Warrior Awareness Week, which honors the state's veterans who have a service-related disability.

Originally, there were single day celebrations for each branch of the military, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; this format changed on August 21, 1949, when Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. Stemming from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense, the annual celebration now commemorates all branches of the military during one solitary day.

Here's a few of the events that are happening around Ohio to show appreciation of the service and sacrifice of military members and veterans of all eras.

May 17

The Memphis Belle exhibit grand opening at the National Museum of the United States Air Force The B-17F Memphis Belle is officially placed on permanent public display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. WWII aircraft will be on static display
From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. WWII re-enactors and vehicles
At 6:30 p.m. a Living History Film Series event ($) in the Air Force Museum Theatre

May 18

Armed Forces Day Luncheon

Hosted by MilVets. Starts at 11:30 AM at the Villa Milano1630 Schrock Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43229. For over 20 years MILVETS (a 501(c)(3) organization) has sponsored the annual Columbus Armed Forces Day Luncheon to honor Americans serving in the five branches of the US Military. While all service members are celebrated; each year there is special recognition given to a specific branch. This year, that branch is the United States Marine Corps..The luncheon includes awarding of ROTC and jrROTC Scholarships, recognizing of Non-Commissioned Officers in Central Ohio who are not only outstanding within their military units by also in the efforts to support their local communities by the USO of Central and Southern Ohio, and a keynote speaker. For information on scholarships go to: http://milvetsohio.org/scholarships/

The Memphis Belle exhibit grand opening at the National Museum of the United States Air Force The B-17F Memphis Belle is officially placed on permanent public display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

9 a.m. Memphis Belle Exhibit open
9 a.m.-4 p.m. WWII aircraft on static display
9 a.m.-4 p.m. WWII reenactors and vehicles
4:30 p.m. WWII aircraft take-off
6-7:30 p.m. Big Band Concert

May 19

2018 Zoombezi Bay Sneak Peek Weekend for Military

In appreciation of their sacrifices for our freedom, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, USO of Central & Southern Ohio, G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers and Kroger have partnered to send 7,000 service men, women and their families to sneak peek Weekend at Zoombezi Bay on May 19th & 20th, 2018. Reserve your tickets here! Each ticket includes a $5 commitment fee. We have instituted this $5 fee in an effort to reduce no shows. When you arrive at will call to pick up your tickets on the day of the event you will receive your ticket/tickets for admission to the zoo as well as a $5 Creature Cash voucher for each reserved ticket.

This creature cash can be used just like cash at the Zoo or Zoombezi bay. If you do not show up on the day of the event - you will not receive a refund.

It is not our intent to cause any financial hardship to any of our service members and their families. If you cannot pay the fee and still want to attend the event you only need to email Sue Ann Carroll @ sueann@usocso.org and we will manually enter your name and number of tickets at no charge.

The Memphis Belle exhibit is opening at the National Museum of the United States Air Force The B-17F Memphis Belle is officially placed on permanent public display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

9 a.m. Memphis Belle Exhibit open
Throughout the day WWII aircraft flyovers
9 a.m.-4 p.m. WWII re-enactors and vehicles
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Armed Forces Day Plane Talks
4:30 p.m. Living History Film Series event ($) in the Air Force Museum Theatre
Additional activities will include educational programs, book signings, food trucks and more.

Schedule is subject to change. Outdoor activities are weather dependent.

The Findlay Show: Armed Forces Day Celebration

7 am - 9 pm at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St, Findlay 45840.

The Findlay Show is the largest annual military show in Ohio and plenty of events are planned for the 31st Celebration! Many activities are planned during the show! There will be military vehicles on display, an American Huey 369 Flight Demonstration, Living History Displays, flame thrower demonstrations, an awards and GI Breakfast on Saturday, Musical Performances throughout Saturday, Military Vehicle Pass-N-Review, Reenactment performances, Military memorabilia and vehicle parts swap meet and more. Admission is $5 for adults, Children 6 – 17 are $3 and children under 6 are free. Camping is available. The Findlay Show is open to the public Friday & Saturday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. – Noon. Rafi's Amigos Golf Outing at Beavercreek Golf Club

9 a.m. at 2800 New Germany Trebein Rd, Beavercreek, 45431.

Four man best ball scramble Proceeds benefit VetsLink, The Greene County Live United Fund and Fisher-Nightingale Houses. Ticket price includes range balls, greens fees, cart, continental breakfast, and Mexican buffet lunch. Awards, prizes, raffles, contests, and fun. Register on EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rafis-amigos-golf-outing-tickets-395265981192018

Tristate Women Veterans Expo

11 am – 3 pm at the Cincinnati VA Hospital, 3200 Vine St, Cincinnati, 45220.

Free admission, lunch and giveaways. Networking, career, wellness, family care, budgeting, spa exhibits.

Vets Fish Free

10 am – 6 pm at Krazy Kats Pay Lake 3451 Northup Ave, South Bloomfield, OH 43103.

In celebration of Armed Forces Day, join the Military Veterans Resource Center for a free day of fishing. Bring your own pole and lawn chair. Free admission for veterans. Limited to one fishing pole. Free bait. Free lunch. Tagged fish prizes. Catch and release. Fun and games for the family.

Armed Forces Day at Hugh White Chevy/Buick/Nissan

11 am – 2 pm at 2510 N Memorial Dr2510 N Memorial Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Hugh White Chevy/ Buick/Nissan, a proud Operation Homefront supporter, will honor local military service members and veterans by having a cookout on the lot of the Lancaster dealership. Several recruiters will be there and will be bringing in static displays and games for the kids. There will also be a flyover from the local Air Museum and they will have the W. McKinley CAMP 21 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War here with their canon. The canon will be fired throughout the day. 4-5 times through out the day.

Armed Forces Day 5K

8:30am – noon at Fossil Park 5675 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560.

Support local Veterans by participating in the Armed Forces Day 5K! This is an event aiming to bring military service members, veterans and community supporters together to raise money for two local Veterans programs that work hard to make a difference in their lives.

This years event will raise funds for the American Legions 'Gifts for Yanks' program, as well as the local Toledo chapter for Team Red, White and Blue. The event will take place between Post 468 in Sylvania and Olanders' Fossil and Sylvan Prairie Parks.

In 1952, the Ohio Department of the American Legion began the Gifts for Yanks program collecting $8,000, which was used to purchase cigarettes for veterans in Ohio Veterans Hospitals. By 1994, the program has grown to support volunteer services in all of the Ohio VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Ohio Veterans Homes, and veterans residing in state mental health facilities.

Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. The Toledo chapter of Team RWB prides itself in offering Veterans and their supporters diverse opportunities throughout the year to socialize and engage in engaging physical activities. Since its charter, the Toledo chapter of Team RWB has continued to grow its offerings of activities with their steady rise in membership.

Honor Flight Columbus Mission 88 - Welcome Home

At 7am, a Southwest charter jet with 143 plus crew aboard will depart, carrying and escorting about 90 veterans to Washington DC and the Memorials. That same evening, come join us as we give an appropriately raucous and patriotic WELCOME HOME to our 88th group of heroes. Help us demonstrate to these men and women an expression of our nation's gratitude for the sacrifices they and their fellow soldiers, airmen, seamen, and marines, have given to protect and defend our freedom. "We can't all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by." - WIll Rogers Meet at Concourse A, ticketing level, in front of the Southwest ticket counters (outside of security) at 8:45 p.m. The flight will arrive soon after. Patriot Pin-ups, representatives from area JROTC troops, AMVETS, VFW, American Legion, Team RWB Columbus, Rotary clubs, Key clubs, local officials and more will be there.

Gathering of B-17's in Urbana

Hosted by Champaign Aviation Museum at the Grimes Field Urbana Municipal Airport. B-17 Rides & Static Displays. 937.652.4710.

11th Annual Fisher House Ride

Come watch the Central Ohio 12-1 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association's 11th Annual Fisher House Ride. Ride HQ’s is the - Harry Buffalo at 6150 Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081.

Rocking on the Patio with “Call Sign Charlie”
Ride to the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial
Registration 0900 – 1100 hrs & KSU 1130 hrs
$5.00 Pancake Breakfast
Charity Auction Starts at 1330 all welcome

Gun Raffle - $10 ticket. 1st Prize Ruger Precision Rifle, 2nd Rock Island Armory 1911, 3rd Taurus Judge, 4th TBR Annual and 5th Prize CHL Course.

Vets Benefit Concert and Charity Raffle Germania Singing & Sport Society, 543 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA Benefit for Vets. Hosted by the Fussballers (Soccer Club). Open to the Public! Menu: Queens Table Food Truck https://www.facebook.com/QueensTable2/ Name of band: the Drowsy Lads Admission or dinner costs: $10 donation (100% of donations are being donated from the Drowsy Lads to Veteran Organizations) Reservation information, if applicable: Reserve tickets at United-Veterans.Org Special features or instructions: a. Drink Band Special: $30 b. (a portion of proceeds are being donated from Germania to Veteran Organizations) c. Drink Bands Valid from 6:30pm with last call at 9:30pm d. Special Raffle Item: Authenticated Autographed Jim Thome Cleveland Indians Jersey.

May 20

2018 Zoombezi Bay Sneak Peek Weekend for Military

In appreciation of their sacrifices for our freedom, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, USO of Central & Southern Ohio, G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers and Kroger have partnered to send 7,000 service men, women and their families to sneak peek Weekend at Zoombezi Bay on May 19th & 20th, 2018. Reserve your tickets here! Each ticket includes a $5 commitment fee. We have instituted this $5 fee in an effort to reduce no shows. When you arrive at will call to pick up your tickets on the day of the event you will receive your ticket/tickets for admission to the zoo as well as a $5 Creature Cash voucher for each reserved ticket.

This creature cash can be used just like cash at the Zoo or Zoombezi bay. If you do not show up on the day of the event - you will not receive a refund.

It is not our intent to cause any financial hardship to any of our service members and their families. If you cannot pay the fee and still want to attend the event you only need to email Sue Ann Carroll @ sueann@usocso.org and we will manually enter your name and number of tickets at no charge.

Gathering of B-17's in Urbana

Hosted by Champaign Aviation Museum at the Grimes Field Urbana Municipal Airport. B-17 Rides & Static Displays. 937.652.4710.