I want to thank the membership of the Department of Arkansas for electing me to serve as you Commander for 2022-2023.  I'm truly honored and will strive daily to make every member proud.  We have truly dedicated leaders and with Auxiliary President Amanda Pipkin and her team I have no doubt that 2022-2023 will be one of the best on record.

  This year the leadership team and I will be putting a heavy emphasis on our membership.  It does us no good to have all of our great programs because without members those programs will cease to exist.  Arkansas has always done a great job with getting new members into our ranks.  Where we can make a massive improvement is with our retention numbers.  Recruiting does not stop once a membership application has been processed.  It's a 24 hour a day, 7 day per week, 365 day a year task.  I encourage you to take a new member under your wing.  Bring them along with you to Post, District, and Department meetings.  Expose them to all of the great people throughout this Department.  That is our future!

    A lot of you have been asking about this year's Commanders Special Project.  As a proud Eagle Scout (Class of '95) it was an easy decision that this year I'll be raising funds for the benefit of the Boy Scouts of America.  The scouters of Arkansas are served by three counsels; DeSoto Area, Westark Area and the Quapaw Area.

    In closing, this years motto is "You Call, We Serve".  Should you need anything from my team or I we will be available at any time to anyone who needs assistance.  ARKANSAS STRONG!