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Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation

Our mission is to serve the Central Florida Marine Corps community by helping to preserve our traditions, providing a legacy for the next generation of heroes, and offering every Marine and Marine family a voice in our future.

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About Us

The CFMCF is a 501(c)(19) charitable, not-for-profit organization comprised of Veterans and current members of the United States Armed Services, Cadets, and the spouses, widows, or widowers, of these individuals dedicated to improving their local community through education and service. Each year the foundation provides thousands of dollars in grants that help drive the recipients to succeed in higher education, community engagement, and more

CFMCF BOARD MEMBERS

We proudly volunteer to bring our experience in the Corps and life after to enhance our commitment to the Marines and Marine Families located in Central Florida.

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Julian V. (Vince) Dees | Executive Chairman

Major (Ret) | USMC 1978-2002 | MOS’s 0311/1803

Vince enlisted as a Private in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1978 and retired from active duty as a Major in 2002. His specialties included being an 0311 Infantry Rifleman as an enlisted reservist, an active duty 1803 Assault Amphibian Officer as well as an Acquisition Professional.

Vince has been associated with the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation for several years and interacts with several organizations including the Marine Corps League, Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses, and the Veterans Beer Club. 

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Walt Yates | Chairman Emeritus - Gifting and Scholarship Chair

​Colonel (Ret) | USMC 1990-2018 | MOS’s 0802/8825/8061

Walt specialized in Field Artillery, Acquisition Management, and Modeling & Simulation (M&S). Walt holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation (MOVES) from Naval Postgraduate School. As Gifting and Scholarship Committee Chairman, Walt brings extensive experience in program management and M&S technology development for military applications.

Walt has served ashore and afloat with the FMF, supporting assignments including OIC Battle Simulation Center, Deputy Director for M&S at MARCORSYSCOM, & Program Manager for Training Systems. He was a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Norfolk Southern Corporation. He holds Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications for Program Management Level III and Information Technology Acquisitions Level III.

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Dr. Michael Woodman | Director & Treasurer

Major (Ret) | MOS’s 7585/7207/8057
USMC 1974-1978 Reserve | USMC 1978-1998 Active

Dr Woodman spent the bulk of his Marine Corps career in aviation, primarily in the F-4 Phantom II (B, J, and S models). Since retiring, he has been active in Modeling & Simulation for Training and in research in academia, industry (both large and small businesses), and government.
 

In this latter capacity, he served as a Project Officer at PM TRASYS and as the USMC Training and Education Command’s Modeling & Simulation Officer and Science & Technology Officer. He currently works at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as a Solutions Architect.

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Roger Azevedo | Director & Casino Night Chair

AD2 USN 1982-1991 | Major (Ret) | USMC 1991-2004 |
MOS’s 3502/0402/6002/9965/8809

Roger started his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1982. He spent 9 years as an aircraft mechanic on various fighter and cargo aircraft. In 1991, after earning his BS in Aviation Management from SIU and completing USMC Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant.
 

During his 13 years in the Marine Corps, he achieved various MOSs from Aircraft Maintenance Officer to Motor Transport Officer to Logistics Officer to Marine Officer Instructor to Recruiting Staff Officer (Ops/XO of RS Orlando), as well as Aide-de-Camp for General Fred McCorkle.
 

After retirement, Roger spent 8 years supporting PMTRASYS as a Program Analyst. Roger is currently the DRMS and VTBeSR Program Manager at NAWCTSD.

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Drina Black | Secretary to the Board
Membership/Communications/Marketing Chair / 250th MCBB Chair

Corporal | USMC 1994-1998 | MOS 1345

Drina enlisted Open Contract and was awarded the MOS 1345, Heavy Equipment Operator. She served 4 years and was stationed in MCAS YUMA MWSS 371 ENGINEER OPS.

As an Account Executive at Simple Helix, Drina brings a strong focus on customer excellence, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. With expertise in Managed Data Services, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and connectivity solutions, Drina is dedicated to delivering reliable and innovative technology solutions that empower businesses to scale and thrive. Passionate about providing exceptional service, Drina works closely with clients to foster long-term partnerships and drive success in their digital transformation journey.

Outside of her professional role, Drina is a dedicated mother of five and a passionate advocate for veterans and service members. In her position as Secretary to the Board of the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation and as the Birthday Ball Chair, she is deeply committed to serving the local veteran community, consistently leading by example through her active involvement and advocacy.

FORMAR CFMCF BOARD MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to former board members and volunteers for thier valuable contributions, time, service and expertise to our organization. Each board member commits to a three year term.

Your support of Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and serve our local Marine Corps community each year. Your professionalism, teamwork, and expertise have left a lasting impression, and we are grateful for the positive impact made to the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation.

We would like to extend our recognition and heartfelt appreciation for your outstanding work and dedication.

Semper Fi!

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Dexter Costin | Former Board Member

Captain | USMC 1995-2000 | MOS 0402

Dexter operates a real estate business as a licensed Realtor and a real estate investor. He utilizes his professional, financial, and analytical background to simplify and execute complex real estate transactions. His education includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering, from Florida A&M University and an MBA from Webster University.

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He received his commission in the USMC through NROTC and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC in 1995. After The Basic School Dexter received his MOS of Logistics Officer (0402). His operational commands included CSSD-14, El Toro, and Security Battalion at Camp Pendleton.

Monthly Social

Join us the third Friday of the month(excluding November) for an exciting Happy Hour Networking Event! Connect with fellow members, Marine Corps supporters, and professionals from various industries. More information on our Facebook & LinkedIn.

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Date: Third Friday of the Month

Time: 1630 - 1830

Location: Bar Louie, 4100 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826

Privacy Policy

| Terms

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Copyright © 1981-2025. Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation;
P.O. Box 621918; Oviedo, FL 32762-1918

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CFMCF is a 501(c)19 charitable, not-for-profit organization for military veterans.
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free, within the state,
1-800-HELPFLA, or via the Internet at www.800HELPFLA.com.
Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

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Registration number: CH34353.

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