About Us
Central Florida Marine Corps 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. We proudly serve the following seven Central Florida Counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia.
CFMCF BOARD MEMBERS
Drawing on the experience of many who served in the Marine Corps, we remain committed to supporting Marines and Marine families throughout Central Florida.
Walt Yates | Director
& 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.
Drina Black | Executive Chairman
& Marine Corps Birthday Ball 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 Executive Chairman 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.
George E Grabher | Director
​Corporal | USMC 1992-2000 | MOS 6060
George served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1992 to 2000. His roles included MOS 6060 Safety & Survival Marine, parachute rigger, weapons training instructor, and aircrew chief. While assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152), he supported Fleet Marine Force (FMF) air operations by providing aerial refueling as well as assault air transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies.
Following his military service, George built a distinguished career as a program and project management executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex initiatives and driving organizational success. He brings deep expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and business process optimization to maximize productivity and revenue. His accomplishments include establishing Project Management Offices (PMOs), implementing GDPR and ISO standards, and developing standardized processes and procedures.
George is an active member of the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation and is deeply committed to giving back to the veteran community. He volunteers with multiple organizations, including the Camaraderie Foundation, where he serves as a mentor and committee member for the Mentor Leadership Program.
Daniel Driskell
Director & Golf Tournament Chair
Capt (Ret) USMC 1996-2021
Don Long
Director
MGySgt (Ret) USMC 1971-1999
CFMCF OFFICERS
Dr. Michael Woodman | 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.
Juan A. Ramos Rodriguez |
Secretary to the Board & Membership Chair
Sergeant | USMC 2007 - 2016 | MOS's 1341 / 3521
Juan Ramos Rodriguez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2007 and honorably served for over eight years, separating at the rank of Sergeant. His military occupational specialties included Engineer Equipment Mechanic (1341) and Automotive Maintenance Technician (3521). During his service, he was assigned to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division; 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California; and Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 (MWSS-373), San Diego, California, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom / ISAF.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (two awards), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two service stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (two service stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (four awards), NATO Medal (ISAF Afghanistan), and the Expert Rifle Qualification Badge.
Following active duty, Juan built a civilian career in maintenance and service leadership. He served as a Maintenance Manager and later as Service Manager in the concrete industry supporting system deployment, reliability, preventive maintenance, and operational readiness.
As Secretary to the Board and Membership Chair for the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation, Juan is committed to strengthening organizational governance, supporting membership engagement, and advancing CFMCF’s mission to serve Marines, veterans, and their families throughout Central Florida.
FORMER 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!
Julian V. (Vince) Dees | Chairman Emeritus
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.
Roger Azevedo | Former Director
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.
Dexter Conrad | Former Director
1stSgt (Ret) | USMC 1986-2008 | MOS’s Many
Dex Conrad 1 st Sgt (Ret)
First Sergeant Dex Conrad was born on 20 November 1965 in Huntington WV. He graduated from Milton High School and joined
the United States Marine Corps where he attended Marine Corps Basic Training at Parris Island SC. Upon graduation he was
assigned to 2 nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2 nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 3 rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 4 th Marine Aircraft Wing,
Marine Air Support Detachment Andrews AFB, 22 nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC), The All-Marine Corps Shooting Team,
Marine Corps International Shooting Team, United States CISM Shooting Team, FBI National Academy, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Instructor Battalion-The Basic School Quantico, Va.
Selected career highlights: 2 nd Marine Division Rifle/Pistol Champion (Meritorious promotion by General Al Gray-
Commandant), 4 th Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Athlete of the Year, 4 th Marine Aircraft Wing NCO of the Year, 4 th Marine Air
Wing SNCO of the Year, All Marine Rifle/Pistol Champion, National Pistol Team Champion, Canadian, Swiss, French Open pistol
medalist. SNCOIC-Marine Corps Pistol Team. Combat tours in Desert Shield/Storm, Afghanistan Campaign, Iraq Campaign.
Honor Graduate: NCO School, Honor Graduate SNCO Academy, Honor Graduate Marine Corps Supply-Logistics School, Honor
Graduate Air Force Six Sigma Program, Honor graduate West Virginia State Police Sniper Course
Military schools attended: Squad Leaders Course, NCO School, SNCO School, Advanced SNCO Academy, Expeditionary Warfare
School/CDET, FBI National Academy Firearms Instructor Course, Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course, High Risk Personnel
Course, Mountain Warfare School, Swift Water Rescue, Supply/Warehousing School, Aviation Logistics School, Lean/Six Sigma-
Air Speed Instructor Course and Certification,
His awards include:
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Navy Commendation Medal (2 Gold Star)
Navy Achievement Medal (3 Gold Stars)
Humanitarian Service Medal
Combat Action (Gold Star) (Desert Shield/Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq)
His Shooting awards include:
Distinguished Rifleman
Distinguished Pistol Shot
Walsh Trophy - All-Marine Pistol Champion
Lauchheimer Trophy - All-Marine Rifle and Pistol Champion
National Champion
Following retirement in July 2008 after 22 years of active service, First Sergeant Conrad joined L-3 Communications as a Senior
Instructor for Infantry Weapons and shortly thereafter became Program Manager of the Infantry Weapons and Anti-Armor
Program. After 4 years he was moved to Orlando and became the PM TRASYS SETA PM and RTS PM for L-3/Engility. Following
stints as Program Manager he moved into the Business Development role where he currently sits as the VP of Business
Development for Cole Engineering Services Inc. He is married to the former Lyn Ronci and they have 4 children.
Dexter Costin | Former Director
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 PME & Socials
Join us the third Wednesday of the month (excluding November & December) for an exclusive Primary Military Education from 1500-1600 right before our networking social. Each month we will have opportunities to hear about current events with the Marine Corps that effect our community., Presentations from Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS), Recruiting Station Orlando (RSO) 6th Marine Corps District, Motor Transport Co, Combat Logistics Bn 451, 4th Marine Logistics Group, and a couple reverse industry presentations with PMTRASYS. After the PME we will host our 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 Wednesday of the Month except November & December
PME: 1500-1600 at Partnership III 3039 Technology Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32826
CFMCF Social Hour: 1630 - 1830 at Buffalo Wild Wings 11400 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817