Veterans of Foreign War posts nationwide have lost numbers steadily since the early 1990s, when membership peaked at 2.2 million. Today, approximately 1.45 million vets belong to the organization, and more than 30 percent of them are older than 70.
Declining membership has forced many posts across the country to close, a fact that does not deter the passionate leaders and members of the newly chartered Marine Lance Cpl Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122.
Post Adjutant and Quartermaster Dick Skarnes said it’s been at least 20 years since the VFW had a post in Kona. While Skarnes did not know the exact details of the last post’s dissolution, he thinks it had to do more with the lack of a permanent facility to accommodate its needs.
It took roughly nine months to establish Post 12122, named after 19-year-old Camero, of Waimea, who died in July 2011 of injuries he suffered in action against enemy forces in Afghanistan, Skarnes said. The post strives to strengthen comradeship among its members; assist worthy comrades; perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, as well as assist their widows and orphans; maintain true allegiance to the U.S. government and fidelity to its constitution and laws; foster patriotism; maintain and extend institutions of American freedom; and preserve and defend the U.S. from enemies, he said.
Reviving a post means making it relevant to the new generation of war veterans, armed services personnel, their families and the community, Skarnes said. It means correcting misconceptions and breathing life into an organization that some still view as a place where old men wear special caps and gather just to trade war stories. It means eventually launching a website and using social media to attract and update the island’s estimated 17,000 veterans.
Furthermore, it means having a permanent place for veterans to go to. There’s a severe lack of facilities to meet the needs of local veterans groups and Rep. Cindy Evans (D-North Kona, South Kohala) has been working toward establishing a multipurpose, inter-generational veterans center near the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Until then, the post is looking for a donated building or one with low rent. It’s also meeting the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Kona Elks Lodge, said Post Commander Daniel Malakie.
To date, Skarnes said the post has more than 40 members. The oldest is a 93-year-old retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and the youngest is an Army recruiter in his mid-20s. The post is also reaching out to homeless veterans, he added.
For decades, veterans’ organizations have supported armed services personnel before, during and after deployments, lobbied government officials on their behalf, as well as promoted civic education and community service — all of which is still vital today, Skarnes said.
With roots tracing back to 1899, the VFW has a history of serving as a strong voice for veterans, helping them access services and benefits promised by the government. Skarnes envisions the same at the local level for the post. He said support for a VFW post can be especially helpful to returning veterans, who may have to deal with problems, such as dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicide, injuries or loss, readjusting to their families and civilian life, finding employment in a bleak economic situation, filing for disability compensation, and getting the rehabilitation, education and training programs needed.
Malakie agreed the post was still viable; pointing to the tens of thousands of new veterans minted in Iraq and Afghanistan during the last decade, as well as the many more active-duty service members currently stationed and fighting overseas. He listed several challenges faced, including the erosion of medical benefits, overhauling of retirement and a 20 percent workforce reduction. Besides helping members get what they’ve earned and cut through the bureaucratic tape, the post provides endless support and camaraderie.
Skarnes believes the experience of serving in the military is a unique one, with commonalities that cross time and generations. What makes the VFW different from some other military organizations is all of its members have served in harm’s way to protect and defend the country and have a special bond of experience forged in sacrifice and danger, Malakie said.
Membership in the VFW is restricted to those who have served in the Armed Forces by putting their boots on foreign soil during any war, insurrection or expedition, Skarnes added. Post 12122 members pay annual dues of $25.
The post is strengthening its programming, Skarnes and Malakie said. Since its formation, the group has sent nearly 20 care packages, each costing $13, to an Army combat aviation brigade in Afghanistan. It’s helping plan a Military Appreciation Day and Job Fair in September at Old Kona Airport Park. The post is participating in the nationally organized fundraising campaign for the annual distribution of Poppies assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in rehabilitation centers.
Members regularly promote programs and organizations like Hire Heroes USA, which creates job opportunities for military veterans and their spouses at no cost through personalized employment training and corporate engagement. They also hope to hold regular social events for members, active-duty personnel and their families, as well as participate in community and school programs, such as serving as guest speakers or doing static displays.
To get involved, donate or learn more, contact Skarnes at 329-6261, (818) 384-7500 or dickskarnes@yahoo.com.
