The Explorers Club - Florida Chapter

Who’s ready for ECAD?! Please let us know if you are planning to attend this year’s event. We’d love to say hello to Florida Chapter members and share a drink. Similar to last year, we will also coordinate a Florida Chapter photo at The Club on Friday evening. If you would like to be included, please respond to Ryan Crutchfield at [email protected].

It is our great honor to announce the recipient of the Florida Chapter’s 2025 Kittinger Medal: Robert Boswell, MD, LM’83.

Dr. Boswell began his tenure at The Explorers Club in 1983, recommended by James Lassiter, member of the Finne Ronne Expedition and namesake of the Lassiter Coast, Antarctica. Bob’s military service included 3 years in the United States Naval Reserve with Operation Deep Freeze. His Squadron, VXE6, handled air operations and support for the Office of Polar Programs for the National Science Foundation.

As a Flight Surgeon, Bob actively served as a doctor for both McMurdo Station and the Pararescue Jump Team for Antarctica. He was involved in cold weather planning for expeditionary operations while also teaching extreme, cold weather survival operations. Their work was conducted under extreme remote conditions—minus 40 degrees—on the Polar Plateau, hundreds of miles from any other habitation.

Since leaving the Navy, he has practiced as a Cardiologist for 45 years. For decades Bob has been an active Chapter member, regularly participating in events and gatherings. He is also known for buying the occasional round.

The Kittinger Medal will be awarded during our 28 March Speaker Event, 4-6 pm, at the Cloisters in Winter Park, Florida. This event is open to members and their guest Space is limited so RSVP is required by 16 March via email at [email protected]

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, 21 February, at 5 pm via Zoom, Dr. Shelby Thomas FN’25 will present her work on artificial reef designs that mimic natural reef geology and integrate art to connect and engage local communities. Dr. Thomas is the CEO and Founder of Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), a nonprofit revolutionizing how we restore and protect marine ecosystems. She also serves as CEO and Director of Research for the 1000 Mermaids Project. Under her leadership, hundreds of artificial reef structures have been deployed that not only enhance biodiversity and coastal resilience but also serve as public art, ecotourism attractions, and education platforms. To date, she has coordinated over 30,000 coral outplants in Florida, Australia, and Mexico. Her presentation can be accessed by a link included in our February Chapter Member email. The presentation will be recorded for those unable to attend live.