Wound Warrior Retiring to Florida

[SAN210Pat]

Hey guys!

Been on the forums for a short while now and wanted some input.

I have been in the military for some time and am getting medically retired from the Wounded Warrior Battalion for combat and service related injuries.

I am hoping to move to Orlando, Florida with my wife and kids in about 6-9 months. I am looking to use my GI Bill to attend college at the university of central Florida. I am going to pursue my doctorates and ultimately would like to practice as a surgeon. (Long term plan)

I am currently in the predicament that I won't be able to purchase a house since I will not have a true form of income quickly after separation and renting has seemed incredibly expensive!

Does anyone have any advice? Recommendations for the area? My dream is to have a house on a lake that will allow my 02 SAN 210 and enjoy water sports.

As everyone knows the military is not a profession that makes a ton of money. Especially being separated from unpredictable injuries before my time.

Just looking for any help from some of the locals, so I can get my family established in the Orlando area without completely risking my financial well being.

Greatly appreciate it guys!
Pat


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[MaineDR]

Perhaps not directly related to your question, but this group tries to provide a lot of support in the wake community to wounded warriors. They may be a good resource to network in your area. http://www.wakeforwarriors.org/ In the meantime, sounds like you need to get some clinical hours. I would try and find a job working at a doctors office and try and get that under your belt.

[SAN210Pat]

I have been interning with an Orthopedic Surgeon for some time now. Able to fill some gaps for clinic hours as well. I appreciate the information. I will look into it!

Really interested to see if any Orlando locals have any advice for good locations that will allow for a fresh start at a good price point.

Thanks again!
Pat


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[nukemustang]

I don't know what the BAH is for Orlando, or how the GI bill determines what zip code BAH you will get, but don't forget about getting the E-5 bah at least while you are drawing the GI Bill.

tim

[Bevostein]

I can't offer any advice for Orlando but thank you for your service and sacrifice. Best of luck

[shag]

Hello and thank you for your service and sacrifice. I would probably look outside the Orlando area but still in Central Florida. Winter haven or even a little south of Davenport have some small lakes. You would have a longer commute to UCF, but I think anything close might be cost prohibitive.. I can tell you that everything in Orlando is experiencing an explosion in expansion, bringing with it rapidly increasing home and rent prices, especially in more desirable areas... I live near Sea World where there have literally been a few thousand apartments built in the last year or two, and most have one bedrooms renting for 1200 - 1400! And they are renting them as fast as they can build them. I can also caution you that crime has escalated quite a bit in the last year (work as a LT/Pm with the FD here, and have worked in same area since 97'). Pay is low for first responders and thus there is a shortage of deputies (over 100 deputies short of budgeted). There has been a shooting in central florida just about every day this year.

[SAN210Pat]

I really appreciate the input, I just wrapped up another surgery yesterday so it's giving me some down time to house shop. I contacted wakeforwarriors.org and they reached back out immediately. Once I have my wits about me again I'll give Dave a call. I asked if they would be willing to put on an event at Camp Lejeune, NC for the Wounded Warrior Battalion and I offered the use of my 02 SAN, boards, vests, gear, etc. as well as the best location to hold the event at the New River Air Station Marina. Hopefully we will be able to put something together!

I also asked if they had and resources or advice to help with my transition in to the Orlando area. I really look forward to having a conversation with them, really seems like a great organization.

Once again thanks for the advice, if anyone has more information on good locations in the general area that would be great!

*Shag* thanks for that bit of information. I have looked in to the area of Winter Haven a little bit, just having a hard time knowing what lakes are good to wakeboard on. There are so many and it's hard to know just by looking on the map if they are big enough and deep enough. So if you know of any that are good spots to look there please pass along the information! Hard house shopping while not being there!

-Pat


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