Commander's Message –
Greetings!
Welcome to summer in Florida—that time of year when all of our friends up north get a taste of our sunshine and humidity and wish they could enjoy it all year long.
During the summer heat, it is important that we all pay close attention to the weather conditions. Please remember to stay hydrated and limit your time outdoors whenever possible. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks, and avoid overexertion during the hottest parts of the day.
Last month, former Commander Bill May and I represented Chapter 86 at the Florida DAV State Convention in Orlando. Our Chapter was well recognized, earning fourth place in the state for volunteer hours. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and generosity of our volunteers. Thank you for everything you do. Let's set our sights even higher and move up in the rankings next year!
At our June meeting, we welcomed our newly elected officers and recognized the many volunteers who make our Chapter successful. It is my sincere hope that each of you will join us for next year's celebration.
Please join me in welcoming and supporting our new officers:

• Senior Vice Commander: Mike Gaskill

• Junior Vice Commander: Dan Lan

• Judge Advocate: Jim Schroeder

• Treasurer: Larry Sordoni

• Chaplain: Mark Schreiber

• Commander Eneritus: Bill May

• Members at Large: Jeff Kingdon, Charlie Hanger, Tom Panariello, and Tony Thibault

Oral Groves will continue serving as our Adjutant, and Ray Work remains our Sergeant-at-Arms.
Last week, we also welcomed the new Auxiliary leadership, headed by Cheryl Doubledee. Cheryl brings fresh energy and new ideas to our Chapter, and I look forward to working with her and her team in the coming year. Be sure to watch for the Auxiliary Commander's message, which will be posted on our website soon.
Finally, although it's summertime, our office remains open during our regular business hours. Please stop by for a cup of coffee, a bottle of water, and some good comradeship. I always enjoy visiting with our members and look forward to seeing you.
Stay safe, stay cool, and thank you for your continued service to our veterans and our Chapter.
Lawrence E. "Larry" Rekart
Commander, DAV Chapter 86