MVCV News Release
Molokaʻi Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) will hold its officer election on Tuesday, November 3, at 5 p.m. at its center at 81 Kaunakakai Place https://www.google.com/maps/search/81+Kaunakakai+Place?entry=gmail&source=g, with current leaders encouraging veterans from all generations to participate in shaping the organization’s future. Veterans who wish to run for office or vote must submit their DD-214, the military document verifying their service, before November 3. Documents may be emailed to koakahikomvcv@gmail.com. Veterans may also contact Annie B. Lansing at (808) 419-4346 for assistance. To be eligible to vote or run for office, veterans must have a DD-214 on file, be in good standing with the organization and reside on Molokai. The positions include commander, vice commander, treasurer, secretary, sergeant-at-arms and adjutant. Each officer is expected to serve a two-year term.
Kelson Poepoe, known to many as Uncle Mac, is the organization’s current commander. A U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971, Poepoe said he became involved because he believed he had a responsibility to contribute to the needs of fellow veterans. He said MVCV was founded by Vietnam-era veterans, but its future depends on participation from veterans of more recent generations as well, including those who served in the Middle East.
“I hope the present veterans can enjoy those benefits too,” Poepoe said, describing his desire to restore the organization’s focus on connecting veterans with services and benefits they have earned through their military service.
For Poepoe, the challenge is not simply filling officer positions, but also encouraging veterans to come together, take part and help sustain an organization that was created to serve them. He hopes more veterans will show up, support the organization and take an active role rather than leaving its responsibilities to those who have served for many years.
The center provides a gathering place for veterans and supports activities that bring veterans into the community, including a paddling group that meets Wednesdays and Sundays. The organization has worked to bring benefits counselors to Molokai and has organized events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. Maintaining those services takes ongoing commitment. The upcoming election offers veterans an opportunity to help determine how MVCV can continue serving veterans and their families. Poepoe said he hopes the organization can return to its core purpose: helping veterans understand and obtain the benefits available to them while rebuilding the camaraderie that brings people through the center’s doors. Veterans interested in voting or seeking an officer position must submit their DD-214 before November 3. For eligibility questions or additional information, contact MVCV at koakahikomvcv@gmail.com or Dr. Annie B. Lansing
