District 22 Power Squadrons Installs Burson as District Commander

Gene Burson, from the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron, DBA America’s Boating Club-Marco Island, was installed as District Commander for 2022-2023. This was the United States Power Squadrons®, District 22, 64th Change of Watch. The installation ceremony was held April 2, 2022, in Punta Gorda at the Charlotte Harbour Event & Conference Center.

District 22 covers Southwest Florida from Marco Island north to Clearwater Florida with 15 squadrons/clubs.

The ceremony was presided over by National Rear Commander David Allan. R/C Allan presented the Chief Commander’s message on the status of the organization. The presentation centered around the organization’s mission to provide up-to-date Boating Educational Classes for members and the public, along with the need to encourage new membership.

“Marco Island Boaters of all kinds are invited to join our organization,” said District Commander Gene Burson. “The new name of America’s Boating Club signifies that power boaters, sailors, kayakers, paddle boarders, wave runner operators, fishing enthusiasts – all boaters, regardless of type or use -- are welcome to be part of America’s Boating Club-Marco Island,” he said.

“Since the founding of the Marco Island Squadron/Club in 1978, we have taught thousands of people ways to enjoy and safely operate their vessels. The Club has organized thousands of boat outings and social events to help our members enjoy boating here,” Burson stated. “We want everyone with a watercraft to know this is a club dedicated to them and to safe fun on the waters surrounding Marco Island,” he said.

Also at the installation ceremony, the Club’s members elected new officers for the bridge and approved the organization’s annual budget for 2022-2023. Officers elected are: District Commander – Gene C. Burson from Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron; Executive Officer – Matthew P. Braatz from Manatee Sail and Power Squadron; Administrative Officer – Ronald C Jones from Peace River Sail and Power Squadron; Educational Officer – Melissa A Butler from San Carlos Bay Sail and Power Squadron; Assistant Educational Officer – David J Haddox from Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron; Secretary – Carolyn J Perkins from Peace River Sail and Power Squadron; Katheryn A Considine – from St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron.

The United States Power Squadrons® are a 108-year-old 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered with 326 chapters within 33 districts extending throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Japan.