About Us: The Legacy of The Bunker

Camaraderie, Remembrance, and Honor

The Bunker started in 1992 as a meeting place for Vietnam veterans in east Orlando. More than just a building, it was conceived as a vital, welcoming space—a sanctuary where veterans, military families, and the local Vietnamese community could gather, find healing, and honor their shared experiences.

The Bunker acquired military aircraft, trucks, and equipment to create the Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum, named after a Marine from Orlando who received the Medal of Honor.  Former SeaBees built facilities for picnics, birthdays, weddings, celebrations, memorials, and just hanging out. 

An Evolving Community Hub

Over the decades, The Bunker has flourished into a vibrant, multi-generational home for service organizations, youth groups, motorcycle riders, ladies auxiliary members, and local charities. In 2024, Orlando Bunker Inc. became our core charity, anchoring support for the Smedley Museum, its unique exhibits, and outreach to local communities.

At its heart, The Bunker remains a place to reflect and find a sense of belonging—a place where camaraderie, remembrance, and honor come together.

The Bunker

Orlando Bunker exists to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans by preserving their history, supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families, and serving Central Florida through education, outreach, charitable service, and historical preservation. Through the Cpl. Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum and our community programs, we connect the legacy of yesterday’s heroes with the needs of today’s community—ensuring their stories inspire future generations while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve today.

Our Promise: To honor the past, serve the present, and inspire the future.

What We Do: Making an Impact

The Bunker is a dynamic center of community action and historical preservation, active in three key areas:

  1. Preserving History at the Smedley Museum

  •   Maintain and enhance the Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum and its outdoor exhibit grounds.
  •   Host educational tours and programs to ensure the lessons and sacrifices of the Vietnam War are remembered and understood by students and the public.
  •   Collect and display artifacts that tell the authentic, human stories of service members and their families.

 

  1. Supporting Veterans & Military Families

  •   Provide a welcoming hub for various service organizations, including the founders, the Vietnam Veterans of Central Florida.
  •   Offer meeting and gathering spaces for veteran support groups, ladies’ auxiliaries, and family readiness organizations.
  •   Directly assist veterans in need through community and government programs and partnerships.

 

  1. Investing in Central Florida

  •   Drive charitable giving back into the community, exemplified by $13,000 contributed to the Lake Nona VA Medical Center in 2024 and 2025.
  •   Supporting local communities and civic organizations including Bonneville Elementary School, Scout and JROTC youth groups, and neighborhood food banks.
  •   Serve as a meeting and event location for local communities, youth groups, and individuals.