DAV CHAPTER 86
Open
Closing at 1:00 PM
BUSINESS HOURS
sunday
Closed
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monthly Stats: Volunteer Hours 4245, Veterans Transported 26, VA claims assisted 20
Veterans helping Veterans in Flagler County
OUR MISSION IN FLAGLER
DAV Chapter 86 provides free professional help with VA claims, transportation, volunteer opportunities, and a supportive community.
Our Mission in Flagler.
DAV Chapter 86 provides free professional help with VA claims, transportation, volunteer opportunities, and a supportive community.
DAV 86 at the Veterans Day Parade
NEWS
DAV 86 is very thankful to the Heiser foundation for their continued donations.
Commander Larry Rekart and Senior Vice Commander Mike Gaskill attended the Palm Coast expo to promote the mission of DAV 86 in Flagler County.
DAV 86 received a donation from the office of Shelly Edmonson that has been collected over the course of the year from the patrons of the DMV.
Services We Provide
Benefits Assistance
Our accredited DAV service officers provide free, professional help with VA claims and appeals. We guide you through paperwork, deadlines, and evidence so you can receive the benefits you’ve earned.
Transportation
Need a ride to a VA clinic or hospital? If you don’t have any other way to get there—and paying for a ride would be your only option—our volunteer drivers may be able to help you get to your appointment safely, on time, and free of charge.
Community Outreach
From food drives to holiday celebrations, DAV Chapter 86 connects veterans and their families with the community. Together we honor service, build friendships, and support those in need
Events
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Member meeting 3/10
The local Palm Coast Chapter 86 needs your support! Contribute now to help make the mission a reality and our community a better place for disabled veterans.
The Mission? Empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity
WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Caregiver Resources
VA Caregiver Support Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers specialized services for caregivers of eligible veterans, including coaching, training, peer mentoring, and a 24/7 support line. Caregivers can also access financial stipends, respite care, and other assistance to help them manage the challenges of daily caregiving.
DAV Caregiver Support Program
The DAV Caregiver Support Program provides tailored support and resources to the friends, family members, and loved ones who provide care to veterans, enhancing veterans’ quality of life by filling a critical gap in services.
Transportation
Join our team of DAV volunteer drivers and help ensure no veteran misses a medical appointment. Training is provided, and your time directly supports the health and dignity of those who served
Volunteer to Dispatch
We need some folks to take calls for rides from our Veterans. It's one day a week from 9 to 1.
Volunteer to Drive
Commander's Blog
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A U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, Commander Rekart served as a Combat Medic with the 4th Infantry Division and Military Assistance Command (MACV). He and his wife Patricia have called Palm Coast home for 15 years, during which time he has been an active member of the Chapter.
March
Greetings, fellow members.
March has arrived, and with it we look forward to the welcome return of warmer weather and the many activities that accompany the spring season. It is also an especially important month for our Chapter, as March officially begins the
annual Disabled American Veterans election of officers process.
This is a vital time in the life of our Chapter. The leadership we elect will help guide our mission, represent our members, and ensure we continue to advocate effectively for the veterans and families we serve throughout our community. Strong, committed leadership is essential to maintaining the integrity, stability, and forward momentum of our organization.
The following positions will be open for election:
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Commander
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Senior Vice Commander
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Junior Vice Commander
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Judge Advocate
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Treasurer
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Chaplain
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Four Members at Large
Each of these roles carries important responsibilities. The Commander provides overall leadership and direction for the Chapter. The Senior and Junior Vice Commanders support the Commander and often oversee key programs and initiatives. The Judge Advocate ensures that the Chapter operates in accordance with DAV bylaws and procedures. The Treasurer is responsible for safeguarding and accurately managing the Chapter’s finances. The Chaplain provides spiritual support and assistance during meetings and events. Members at Large serve as representatives of the general membership and provide valuable input on decisions affecting the Chapter.
I strongly encourage every eligible member to consider becoming involved in this process. Whether you feel called to seek office yourself or to support and nominate a fellow member whom you believe would serve well, your participation is essential. Our Chapter thrives when members step forward with dedication, integrity, and a willingness to serve.
Additional information regarding nomination procedures, eligibility requirements, and election dates will be announced in accordance with DAV guidelines. Please plan to attend upcoming meetings so your voice can be heard and your vote can be counted.
Together, through active participation and thoughtful leadership, we can continue strengthening our Chapter and fulfilling our commitment to our fellow veterans.
Thank you for your continued dedication and service.
Larry
Lawrence E. "Larry" Rekart
Chaplain's Blog
Chaplain Bio
Chaplain Tom Panariello is a Navy veteran and served as an Aviation Electrician with Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron VS-38. During multiple WESTPAC deployments on board the USS Constellation, CV-64, he served as a flight deck troubleshooter for his squadron.
Upon leaving the Navy, Tom spent 40 years in the technology industry holding both engineering and managerial positions. During those 40 years he has also served bi-vocationally in various ministry roles. He is a graduate of DeVry University and Global University, Berean School of the Bible. Prior to retiring, he most recently served as Assistant Pastor at River of Life Church, Doylestown, PA overseeing Pastoral Care.
March 2026 Chaplain’s Blog
Never Alone
I think every veteran has at some point experienced the sting of loneliness.
Whether during the initial trip to boot camp, deployment at sea, the jungles of
Southeast Asia, the deserts of the Middle East or other areas of deployment
during our nations military operations, the sting of loneliness hits us all. Even
that missed birthday, holiday, or special event away from family and friends
can cause loneliness.
Often times even after we’ve left our military time of service and returned to
civilian life we can still feel that sting of lonliness, death of a loved one,
relationship struggles even retirement from our life’s labor.
We were designed for relationship with God and our fellow man. We were
fashioned by the Almighty to encourage others and to be encouraged. As
military relationships are built, comraderie’s are established and maintained,
the sting of loneliness subsides.
If you are struggling with the challenge of lonliness I want to encourage you
this month to draw near to God. He promises “Draw near to God and He will
draw near to you.” - James 4:8. The reality of it is that we are never alone.
God Himself has promised to help us in our times of challenge. As we trust
and commit our ways to Him - “He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5.
Please consider stopping by DAV86 and enjoy the fellowship and comraderie
of your fellow veterans. The coffee pot is always on and a smiling face is
always there to greet you.
Chaplain Tom Panariello