EPA Sued by Natural Defense Council Over Enlist Duo

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was sued by the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) over the approval of Enlist Duo, a Dow AgroScience product. The lawsuit was filed soon after the EPA approved the weed control product. The NRDC contends Enlist Duo will further deplete the monarch butterfly population and it is also a risk to human health.

Enlist Duo, a herbicide, contains glyphosate and 2,4-D rousing health, wildlife, and environmental concerns. 2,4-D is a known component in Agent Orange. It has been linked to life-long health conditions and severe birth defects, as well as deaths. Dow hoped to sell specialty crops along with Enlist Duo in the 2015 U.S. planting season.

Source:  http://guardianlv.com/2014/10/epa-sued-by-natural-defense-council-over-enlist-duo/

US, Japan agree on access to bases following environmental incidents

Lack of acceptable protocol over environmental issues has long been a point of contention in Okinawa, the strategic island where about half of all U.S. military personnel in Japan are stationed.

Concerns rose after empty chemical drums excavated on former U.S. military property this year were suspected to contain Agent Orange, a Vietnam War-era defoliant associated with severe health hazards and birth defects. A Japanese government report found no evidence of Agent Orange or local health risk, though it did find common herbicide compounds in the soil.

Source:  http://www.stripes.com/news/us-japan-agree-on-access-to-bases-following-environmental-incidents-1.309198

Predictors for dioxin accumulation in residents living in Da Nang and Bien Hoa, Vietnam, many years after Agent Orange use

Highlights

• Blood dioxin levels were measured from residents in Bien Hoa and Da Nang, Vietnam.

• Blood dioxin levels were related to individual and environmental risk factors.

• Fish farming was associated with higher blood dioxin levels at both locations.

• Blood dioxin levels were positively correlated with living on flooded property.

• Da Nang dioxin sites are being cleaned up so exposure should decrease.

Abstract

Agent Orange (AO) was the main defoliant used by the US in Vietnam from 1961 to 1971; AO was contaminated with dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, or TCDD). Three major dioxin “hot spots” remain from previous AO storage and use at former US bases at Bien Hoa, Da Nang, and Phu Cat, posing potential health risks for Vietnamese living on or near these hot spots. We evaluated potential risk factors contributing to serum TCDD levels in Vietnamese residents at and near contaminated sites in Da Nang and Bien Hoa, Vietnam. We used multiple linear regression to analyze possible associations of blood dioxin concentrations with demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and dietary risk factors for residents living on or near these hot spots. For the Da Nang study, fish farming on the site, living on property flooded from monsoon rains, and age were among the factors showing significant positive associations with serum TCDD concentrations. For the Bien Hoa study, fish farmers working at this site and their immediate family members had significantly higher serum TCDD concentrations. Our results suggest that water-related activities, especially fish-farming, at the hot spots increased the risk of exposure to dioxin.

Agent Orange Zone: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653514011400

North Central Veterans Stand Down

A few North Dakota corporations teamed up to host the third annual "Stand Down for Veterans" at the Armed Forces Reserve Center here in Minot. A free haircut is one of the many, many services there were available to veterans.

15,800 of those North Dakota veterans fought in the Vietnam war. The state legislature recently granted $50,000 dollars for education and outreach regarding Agent Orange and the health risks Vietnam vets still face from their exposure to it. Today's Stand Down featured round tables to discuss agent orange.

 "Hopefully it's just gonna open their eyes to what's gonna happen to their children, and grandchildren, and their grandchildrens' children," says President of North Dakota Vietnam Veterans of America Dan Stenvold. "It's not gonna go away."

Source:  http://www.kfyrtv.com/story/26809970/north-central-veterans-stand-down

VVA supports H.R. 5484 the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014

September 19, 2014

Legislative Alert – Ask your Representative to Support H.R. 5484  the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014

Representative Dan Benishek, (MI-1), has introduced H.R. 5484, the Toxic Exposure Research of 2014 formerly H.R. 4816, the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014, VVA strongly supports this bill, which reflects positively on one of our foremost legislative goals. Not only would it help achieve a measure of justice for the innocent victims of the use of toxic substances in times of war, but it offers unlimited possibilities for scientific research into the effects of these toxic chemicals.

This comprehensive legislation will construct a common mechanism and procedures that will encompass all past and future toxic wounds, as needed.

VVA urges you to go to our Legislative Action Center site athttp://capwiz.com/vva/home/  and Take Action NOW by entering your zip code and sending the prepared letter to your U.S. Representative, asking them to please join their colleagues Brownley, (CA-26), Conyers, (MI-13) Honda (CA-17) and Rahall (WV-3) to co-sponsor H.R. 5484, the Toxic Exposure Research Act of  2014.

Veterans’ Bellingham town hall meeting to discuss impacts of Agent Orange

IMAGE by The NAM

The Bellingham Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 165, and Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 19, are sponsoring a Faces of Agent Orange meeting from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the Health Education and Community Conference Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway. With the largest Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter in Washington and a county veteran population higher than the national average, a large turnout is expected. This meeting is being coordinated with Vietnam Vets in Canada, Chapter 75, and American Legion, Post 75, also in Canada, as a number of Canadian veterans were exposed to Agent Orange. Panel participants for this town hall include the founder of the Association of Vietnam Veterans of America as well as local, state and regional officers of the organization, each with Agent Orange-related conditions themselves or in their families.

The goals of the town hall meeting are to reach out to affected veterans and their families, raise awareness on medical conditions tied to Agent Orange, reach health practitioners and disability-related service agencies, develop a fresh approach to research and back legislation that facilitates research, care and compensation and to direct local services to veterans and their families.

In addition to information on Agent Orange, there will be information for newer veterans and their families including the effects of modern chemicals, “burn pits,” and depleted uranium ammunition.

It is also important to note that some veterans may not have served in Vietnam, but were exposed to Agent Orange by working with equipment and aircraft used to produce and distribute Agent Orange, or in the facilities used to store Agent Orange. This exposure may have come even after the war ended.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/09/04/3828720/veterans-bellingham-town-hall.html?sp=/99/122/

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/09/04/3828720/veterans-bellingham-town-hall.html?sp=/99/122/#storylink=cpy

Agent Orange Awareness Bracelet>>>Agent Orange We Survived and Came Home but Death Followed Close Behind by Ed Travis, Disabled American Vietnam Veteran

Ed Travis is a disabled Vietnam veteran affected by exposure to Agent Orange. Ed wants to promote Agent Orange Awareness by making and selling Agent Orange bracelets.  

Description:

The bracelets sport an engraved dog tag and are made of heavy orange and black para cord with a heavy duty shackle closure. 

 The engraving reads as follows:

 Agent Orange
"We Survived and Came Home but Death Followed Close Behind" 

Contact Ed:

Please email Ed Travis at eftforester@gmail.com for more information or if you would like to order a bracelet .

Donations:

**One-third (1/3) or $5.00 from the sale of each bracelet will be donated to an Agent Orange charity 501 3-C. 



Absolutely no funds will go to Agent Orange Legacy.  Agent Orange Legacy's only role is to help Ed get the word out.  

Thanks for your continued support...Sharon & Dee

Agent Orange Awareness Bracelet

Agent Orange and VA battles Wife recounts years of struggles for late husband to finally receive benefits

Over the following decades, he suffered from cysts and boils on his body and post traumatic-combat stress that nearly tore his family apart. He sought disability benefits for exposure to Agent Orange — a blend of chemicals used by U.S. armed forces in Vietnam to eliminate foliage that provided cover for the enemy — but theDepartment of Veterans Affairs repeatedly rejected his claims until days before he died, according to records.

"He was denied so many years until he was on his deathbed," Francesca Cesare said from her home in the Luther Forest development. "What good is that? At the end of his life, they finally admit it."

Continue Learning>>>http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Agent-Orange-and-VA-battles-5727316.php?cmpid=fb

Some Vietnam Vets Left to Wonder Whether Agent Orange Made Them Sick

To date, researchers blame Agent Orange for causing 14 illnesses in veterans, who are eligible for federal compensation and health care.

But some Vietnam vets are sick with conditions not on the official list, but insist Agent Orange is the cause.

However for many purported connections, there is no proof, at least so far.

Continue Learning>>>http://wuwm.com/post/some-vietnam-vets-left-wonder-whether-agent-orange-made-them-sick

Agent Orange Legislation 2014...for families of U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange

S.2738 TOXIC EXPOSURE RESEARCH ACT OF 2014

S. 2738 Toxic Exposure Research Act is supported by Agent Orange Legacy, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) as many other group do as well.  
ACT NOW>>>http://capwiz.com/vva/issues/alert/?alertid=63293526&type=CO

Learn more about S. 2738 Toxic Exposure Research Act 2014>>>
http://www.agentorangelegacy.blogspot.com/2014/08/update-s-1602take-action-now-ask-your.html

VVA PRESS RELEASE S. 2738 Toxic Exposure Reserach Act 2014>>>
http://www.vva.org/PressReleases/2014/pr14-018.html

Do not confuse H.R. 2519 with S. 2738.  Our families should be united in supporting the legislation that best serves our veterans and our families.  Support S. 2738 Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014.

H.R. 2519 WILL NOT SERVE OUR FAMILIES BEST
H.R.2519 -- Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2013 Does Not Cover VVA’s Objectives>>>
H.R.2519 -- Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2013

Does Not Cover VVA’s Objectives

It has come to our attention that Rep.  Lee of California has introduced legislation about Agent Orange.  Although Rep.  Lee’s legislation is meant to help many, it unfortunately does not cover Vietnam Veterans of America’s objectives for American service members and our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Herb Worthington, Chair 

Agent Orange and Other Toxic Substances Committee
hworthington@vva.org 

Source>>>http://agentorangezone.blogspot.com/2013/10/hr2519-victims-of-agent-orange-relief.html

Take Action NOW ask your Senator to Support S. 2738, the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014

Senator Richard Blumenthal, CT  has introduced S.2738 the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014 formerly S.1602, the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013.

Among the so-called invisible wounds of war are those brought home by troops that may not manifest for a decade or more.   And most tragically, they may pass on genetically to the progeny of our nation’s warriors.

If enacted into law, this bill would establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces.

TAKE ACTION>>>http://capwiz.com/vva/issues/alert/?alertid=63293526&type=CO

Navy veterans need help getting politicians to act: PennLive letters

The main item that needs to be addressed by Congress when back in session is House Bill HR543, The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act. We vets need the American people to call their members of Congress and urge them to support this bill.  

Navy Vietnam veterans are the most-often denied for VA benefits because they served at sea not on land, yet are still infected and sick with Agent Orange. The deadly herbicide was in the air and in our drinking water at sea, a proven fact by the Institute Of  Medicine, which the VA ignores. 

Continue Learning>>>

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2014/08/congress_navy_agent_orange_bil.html

Put action behind empty veterans honors

Do folks personally apologize for the way Vietnam veterans were treated, being spit on after returning from a war they didn’t start? How do folks assist veterans suffering from poisoining in Vietnam by Agent Orange, the chemical the public was told would do no harm to humans, who are on oxygen?

Who helps the World War II veterans we see returning from the Honor Flights when they need snow shoveled or lawns mowed, ensures they receive one nutritional meal every day or takes them to a doctor or vision appointment?

Continue Learning>>>http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/opinion/2014/08/05/put-action-behind-empty-veterans-honors-column/13610825/

Vietnam veterans speak on effects of Agent Orange

Jim Hackbarth was a helicopter door gunner in the Vietnam War.

“Some people asked me one time, ‘Were you ever in contact with Agent Orange?’ ” he said. “I said, funny you mentioned that. We landed in it, we breathed it, we got sprayed with it.”

“I’ve seen forests of dead trees,” said Hackbarth, of West Bend, Wis. “On guard duty at night, we’d be on the perimeter and there would be no vegetation for 200 yards out beyond the perimeter. You ever ask the question why?”

Hackbarth has diabetes.

Continue Learning>>>

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/08/07/3586919/vietnam-veterans-speak-on-effects.html#storylink=cpy

R“I’ve seen forests of dead trees,” said Hackbarth, of West Bend, Wis. “On guard duty at night, we’d be on the perimeter and there would be no vegetation for 200 yards out beyond the perimeter. You ever ask the question why?”

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/08/07/3586919/vietnam-veterans-speak-on-effects.html#storylink=cpy

ead more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/08/07/3586919/vietnam-veterans-speak-on-effects.html#storylink=cpy

Meeting scheduled to gather comments on Agent Orange impact

Next month, the Spokane Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of American is organizing a town hall meeting to collect testimony from veterans and their families about the health consequences of Agent Orange.

In an announcement Saturday about the meeting, organizer Bob Raymond said that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to do more research on the birth defects linked to Agent Orange and to compensate those affected by the defoliant’s widespread use during the Vietnam War.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2384939-8/meeting-scheduled-to-gather-comments-on-agent-orange

Monsanto in bed with DOD over Ebola can't be good

Monday, Fox news reported that "The experimental drug used to treat two American aid workers who have been infected with theEbola virus has never been tested on humans before and was only identified earlier this year as part of an ongoing research program backed by the U.S. government and military."

Fox also said, "The Defense Department has long had a hand in researching infectious diseases, including Ebola. During much of the Cold War period this served two purposes: to keep abreast of diseases that could limit the effectiveness of troops deployed abroad and to be prepared if biological agents were used as weapons." It was also stated that the U.S. military currently has no biological weapons program

Continue Learning>>>http://www.examiner.com/article/monsanto-bed-with-dod-over-ebola-can-t-be-good

More Ala. support for bill to expand Agent Orange coverage

Agent Orange is a herbicide the U.S. military used to kill vegetation in Vietnam. It is also linked to a list of health problems.

But Jack Swann is not eligible for Agent Orange-related benefits through the VA.

According to VA policy, veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam must have actually stepped foot on Vietnam soil or served on its inland waterways between January 1962 and May 1975, to be presumed that their illnesses are related to Agent Orange exposure.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.myfoxal.com/story/26192022/more-ala-support-for-bill-to-expand-agent-orange-coverage

Moran Introduced Legislation to Research Health of Descendants of Vets Exposed to Toxins

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has introduced legislation to research the health conditions of descendants of veterans who were exposed to toxins during their military service. The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014, which is supported by the Vietnam Veterans of America and AMVETS, would establish a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions stemming from exposure to toxins such as Agent Orange in Vietnam, Gulf War neurotoxins, burn pits in Iraq and other chemicals from recent overseas conflicts. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Sen. Moran in introducing the legislation.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.hayspost.com/2014/08/04/moran-introduced-legislation-to-research-health-of-descendants-of-vets-exposed-to-toxins/

VVA PRESS RELEASE>>>Sen. Jerry Moran Joins With Senator Blumenthal To Introduce Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014

“We applaud Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for joining forces to introduce The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014, said VVA National President John Rowan. “Among the so-called invisible wounds of war are those brought home by troops that may not manifest for decades. And most tragically, the damage done by the toxins may pass on genetically to the children and grandchildren of our nation’s warriors. Our children are the innocent victims of our military service.”

This bill, (S.2738), instructs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxins during service in the Armed Forces. Further, S.2738 calls for the establishment of an advisory board to oversee and assess the work of the center; to determine health conditions that result from toxic exposure; and to study and evaluate cases of exposure. The advisory board will advise the Secretary of VA on issues related to research conducted at the National Center and the particular benefits and services required by the descendants of individuals exposed while serving as members of the Armed Forces.

Toxins, such as Agent Orange, have been shown to cause birth defects in the children of military personnel who came into contact with them, either during the Vietnam War, in the storage and transportation of those toxins, or by riding in aircraft that had been previously used to transport the toxins. For Gulf War veterans, the exposure was to chemical weapons that were in an Iraqi ammo dump that was blown up by U.S. Forces at the end of the Gulf War, to oil fires, and possibly to tainted vaccines. This is comprehensive legislation that will construct a common mechanism and procedures that will encompass all past and future toxic wounds, as needed.

We thank Senator Blumenthal and Senator Moran for constructing this bi-partisan bill, and we thank Senator Begich for being an original co-sponsor. We look forward to many additional co-sponsors, and to the support of many of our colleagues in other veterans organizations. We also look forward to quick action by the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs when Congress returns in September.

Source>>>http://www.vva.org/PressReleases/2014/pr14-018.html

Veterans and descendents live with effects of chemical warfare

Forty years after American military personnel were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, veterans and their offspring are still experiencing medical conditions that studies have increasingly linked to the toxic herbicide.

A town hall meeting organized by the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will inform local veterans and their families of the latest research and efforts to secure medical benefits for families who have suffered due to exposure to toxins during military service. The meeting, called “The Faces of Agent Orange,” will be held in Bellingham on September 19.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.thenorthernlight.com/news/article.exm/2014-07-23_veterans_and_descendents_live_with_effects_of_chemical_warfare