2026-2028 Board of Directors Election
Thank you for your participation in the 2026-2028 Board of Directors election! You should receive a digital ballot via email if you have indicated you prefer electronic communications. If you have indicated you prefer USPS postage, you should receive ballot(s) via mail. Both electronic ballots are due, and mail ballots are to be postmarked, before or on June 8, 2026. Ballots have only been distributed to those who were dues-paid family and associate members. You can read the statements for the Board of Directors candidates below, or click here for a PDF version. If you encounter any issues or have further questions, please email us at national.league@pow-miafamilies.org
2026-2028 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
(Alphabetical Order)
Nicole Chopski: ID, POW/MIA awareness advocate and League volunteer with nearly two decades of involvement.
Background: A member of Pocatello POW*MIA Awareness Association since 2008, I started volunteering with the League in 2014. I’ve organized numerous events locally and beyond to raise responsible awareness to achieve the fullest possible accounting and garner financial support for the League.
Statement: I was introduced to the League in May 2004 on Memorial Day when participating in the Thunder Run organized by the POW*MIA Awareness Association in Pocatello, ID. Formed by Southeast Idaho Vietnam Veterans determined to do more to account for and return those with whom they served. In 2008, I became a board member and have since been involved in orchestrating 100+ mission supportive events. To date our organization has donated over $125,000.00 to the League. Drawn in by stories of our heroes who served and the anguish of the families who have dealt with ambiguity for decades, I remain engaged supporting the search for answers. I offer my experience in leadership and organization, genuine sincerity in offering a hand in the work that needs to be done, and realization that the challenges mount as time passes.
My League vision is multi-faceted. While having had key partners since inception, the League’s currently most important role is to develop new partnerships and strengthen old ones. To accomplish this, both the energy of fresh faces and factual history of the accounting mission must be leverages. Overseas connections that have stood strong through the varied administrations are key factors on which to focus for increased accounting and answers.
Thirdly, establish a strong digital presence that adapts as the environment evolves. The League must be the connection-bridge that spans the critical juncture between a generation that could never have imagined the Internet and successive generations that can’t imagine life without it. Lastly, the League must be the foundational resource to support current leaders with factual assistance and background, as well as provide necessary assets to accomplish its always reasonable accounting objectives.
Bruce Hallberg Jr.: UT, nephew of Staff Sergeant Robert C. Hallberg, USA, MIA 3/24/67, NVN;
Background: I have attended around 8-10 league meetings in Washington DC, as well as a number of family updates in California (where I'm from originally).
Statement: The mission of the National League of Families is not merely a matter of policy; it is a lifelong commitment woven into the fabric of my family’s history. From my grandparents’ involvement in the League’s founding to the current leadership of my father and aunt, I have been raised with the understanding that the "fullest-possible accounting" of our missing heroes is a sacred, multi-generational promise. With my uncle, Staff Sergeant Roger Hallberg, still among the missing, I view this board position as a duty to ensure that the passage of time never diminishes the urgency of our search.
The path forward must focus on three strategic pillars: Diplomatic Persistence, Technological Integration, and Generational Transition.
First, we must continue to advocate for the high-level diplomatic prioritization of the POW/MIA mission. As the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia evolves, the League must remain a constant voice in Washington, ensuring that access to archives and excavation sites remains a non-negotiable element of bilateral relations.
Second, we must champion the integration of modern innovation. Whether through the advancement of forensic DNA sequencing or the digitization of archival records, we must utilize every emerging tool to solve cases that were once deemed "unrecoverable." My perspective is rooted in the belief that we can bridge the gap between historical data and future scientific breakthroughs to provide long-awaited answers.
Finally, as a member of the next generation, I am committed to expanding our outreach. We must ensure that the stories of our missing—and the moral imperative to bring them home—resonate with younger Americans. By honoring the foundations laid in 1970 while adapting to the challenges of 2026 and beyond, we will maintain the momentum required to fulfill our promise to every family. I am ready to serve to ensure that no hero is ever forgotten.
Lorraine Huberth Larsen: NV, sister of Captain Eric J. Huberth, USAF, MIA 5/13/70, CB;
Background: Personal family effort- VFW Eric J. Huberth Post 11395-- VFW monetary donations towards purchase and distribution pf POW/MIA bracelets. Initiated various Memorials and interviews from 1995 thru 2019 in Eric's hometown of Thousand Oaks, Ca. CNN Live TV-interview. Veteran's Day- Family Anquish 2015. Attend SOAR Annual Meeting. POW/MIA Recognize Day, Nellis AF.Base. NV State Coordinator, and current Secretary of The National League of POW/MIA Families. Attend numerous Veteran's activities.
Statement: I am committed to supporting the National League of POW/MIA Families by raising awareness and advocating for pro-active policies supporting families. Participating in activities and engaging with responsible government agencies. These efforts continue to enhance the League's capacity to obtain answers on missing loved ones. I will persist in advocating for positive steps forward to promote the League's longstanding accounting objectives. I will strive to protect future generations by championing government accountability and commitment to bring home our missing service personnel and civilians captured and missing while serving this great Nation!
Caroline Johnson McCall: NC, sister of SFC William D. Johnson, USA, MIA 1/19/68, SVN;
Background: Active since League's founding in 1970; NC State Coordinator since 2005. Generated public awareness of League and government efforts, working with VSO Community organizing National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day ceremonies. In social media communication with Veterans and families about League, DPAA, and DIA-Stony Beach activities.
Statement: Your support for my election to again serve on the Board would be deeply appreciated. My knowledge and experience are based on personal involvement since our family’s 1968 loss and with the League since founded in 1970. Top priority must be expanding and prioritizing Vietnam War accounting. Disappointment and frustration have expanded with COVID-19 limitations. Promised priority on Vietnam War accounting field operations declined due to DPAA’s focus on WWII and Korean War disinterment, IDs, and media coverage of colorful nationwide interments. DPAA must rebalance, putting greater emphasis on ending uncertainty for Vietnam War POW/MIA families. Obtaining clarifying answers must be DPAA’s policy & operational priority, as pledged by Director McKeague.
Public awareness is critical, and our POW/MIA Flag atop the White House offers opportunities to raise visibility of our flag’s meaning. Necessary actions include urging local, state, and national officials to issue proclamations commemorating POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 17th this year, reaching the VSO community, nearby military installations and other publicly recognized organizations to expand responsible awareness. Dedication of highly visible Missing Man Chairs in athletic stadiums has also increased.
Time is ripe for action to expand and consistently signal as a matter of principle the importance of standing behind, beside and with those who serve our Nation. League strength and continuity are vital to ensuring resumption of priority and successful investigation and recovery operations necessary to account for truly missing American servicemen & civilians. Achieving continuity is largely dependent upon active volunteerism, robust fundraising, and active social media programs.
All must focus on responsible League actions to expand fundamental accounting processes and reinforce the importance of answers to end uncertainty of the families, our Nation’s Veterans and those now serving. All must be confident that if captured or missing while serving our country, we’ll be there for them.
Stephen Mills: VA, Nephew of CDR James B. Mills, USN, MIA 9/21/66, NVN, RR 2019;
Background: I’ve been a voting member since age 18; am now 57!. Although MIA before my birth, Uncle Jimmy’s life-presence has been with me since early childhood. I’ve watched and participated in the accounting mission’s evolution seeking answers to end uncertainty and engaged in activities implementing President Reagan’s highest national priority.
Statement: Fullest possible accounting for POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia has evolved over 50+ years, continually influencing US foreign policy, ensuring the best technologies and expertise are used in field operations. Several areas continue to evolve:
Recovery - Continue to raise questions to USG officials to adhere to requirements established during the Reagan Administration, defining the USG priority as achieving the fullest possible accounting for all missing servicemen and civilians. This issue became imprinted on public conscience through efforts pursued by the League, supported by the VSO Community.
Education – This issue’s relevance must remain, be reinforced and continue to evolve. The primary reasons for priority on achieving accountability is that they are our most precious resource – our soldiers, sailors and airmen – and must always be reinforced. These heroes, and their families, require priority attention. "Fullest possible accounting" is dynamic and evolving, and not every family will get answers, but we must ensure the best possible chance.
Organization - The League must regain fullest possible strength, requiring reliable revenue streams and membership to ensure success. Americans are aware of this issue. With today’s social media donation platforms, all can more easily read and be connected to the issues and donate if able. The League must expand outreach over prior years, using such advantages. and, if elected, I can help!
The League has overcome undeserved, purposely inflicted challenges, surviving with determination and hope. DPAA’s formation in 2015, subsequent addition of WWII and Korean War ID requirements, expanded scientific technologies and vast upgrades in communication capabilities make clear we must again play an increased role. That means being the primary watchdog over USG policies and implementation, ensuring that all possible family members get answers to end so many years of uncertainty. League efforts must not only continue but expand, and I pledge to help!
Fred Pringle: OH, son of SGM. Joe H. Pringle, USA, MIA 2/2/68, SVN;
Background: Board Member (2023 - Present), serving as Treasurer; Southern Ohio State Coordinator (2020 - Present), West Virginia State Coordinator (2021 - Present), Life Member VFW Post 3663 (WV) & American Legion Post 107 (OH) and POW/MIA Chairman 6th District, Department of Ohio American Legion.
Statement: The National League of Families remains the prominent and well-respected organization on the POW/MIA issue, with over 50+ years of experience, both domestically as well as internationally, in achieving the fullest possible accounting of our Servicemen and civilians still missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War.
The League must remain a viable organization going into the future both financially as well as reaching the next generation of family members to keep the Vietnam War accountability mission at the forefront of DPAA's efforts. We must continue the hard work from the past to carry on into the future.
Since the end of the pandemic, we need to get the recovery efforts back to its pre-2020 level and higher due to current environmental and site issues at each of the incident areas. The National League of POW/MIA Families must remain a viable organization to keep the promise to the families of the 1,566 service members still missing and unaccounted for to either bring them back home or the fullest possible accounting.
Col. Ed Sykes, USAF(R): KS, VN War Fighter Pilot & POW/MIA Accounting Advocate;
Background: BS-Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin (1967); MBA-Wichita State University (1980). After 28 years, I retired as USAF Colonel, with 118 combat missions in an F-105. For the last 16 years I’ve sought information on three missing pilot-brothers and found one; two to go, plus many others not yet brought home.
Statement: The decision to include Associate Members as eligible to serve on the League Board was a good one. I hope to prove the wisdom of that decision.
When I first began attending League Annual Meetings in 2012, and over the next several years, I developed the view that the most important role the League played was to serve as the conscience of DPAA, while acting on behalf of the POW/MIA families.
Over the last few years, DPAA has been able to move beyond the League’s influence. The reasons for this are numerous, but the most significant factor seems to be DPAA leadership’s actions aimed at “killing its mother.” Without the League’s “motherly” influence, DPAA has been able to rid itself of any guilty conscience as it withdraws from its pledge to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing Vietnam War veterans as its operational priority.
So, how does the League proceed? First, the issues of financial stability and increased membership must be addressed. A significant solution to both challenges might be a campaign to recruit a larger base of Associate Members.
The history of the League is the best recruiting tool we have, and there are wealthy and influential Americans out there who might be willing to join the fight if we presented them with our legacy.
We should also team up with other like-minded groups to form a coalition that is pursuing shared accounting goals. I have made such a proposal to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, and their reception has been very positive.
There are other organizations with similar views, and we need to be actively seeking their cooperation and support. The aim of this alliance will be to place maximum, reasonable pressure on DPAA to get serious about Vietnam War accounting….The clock is ticking.