The Florida Gold Coast Chapter of American Veterans of Equal Rights (AVER) is hosting a national convention for LGBT Veterans from October 14th through October 18th in Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors.  AVER is the nation’s only VA-recognized LGBT Veterans Service Organization and serves our nation’s most vulnerable and neglected veteran population.

This biennial convention will have a welcoming dinner at Rosie’s, an Everglades Swamp Safari trip, a Military Dance Party with costume contest, veteran workshops and a Military Gala event on Saturday night.  The workshops on Friday will cover issues relating to Legislative Matters, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chapter Development, Fundraising Strategies, and Public Relations.  The Military Dance Party will be held at the Sea Monster on Thursday evening, and is open to the community.  The Military Gala will be held at the Oakland Park American Legion Hall and tickets are $65.00.  The American Legion and the Broward County Veterans Council are participating as well.

Among this year’s honorees are Dr. Nathaniel Frank, author of “Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America,” and Lt. Daniel Choi, a recent Officer casualty of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

We invite anyone who served a in the military, even a day, to attend this convention and/or the workshops and get involved in AVER.  Registration is $75.00 for the entire convention, which includes the Military Gala and workshops.

Our host “Guest Houses” are the Coconut Cove and La Casa Del Mar – only ½ block from fabulous Ft. Lauderdale Beach. (Room rates – $99/night)

Get tickets and register at http://www.aver-fgc.us
or call Mark LaFontaine at 954-903-8310.