Agent Orange Legacy changes name in fight to bring families together whose children are affected by the veterans exposure to toxic military exposures

Legacy of Our Veterans Military Exposures (LOVME) was built on the experiences of a widow of a Vietnam veteran exposed to Agent Orange and their daughter. Their daughter, Dee Reyes, has been ill all of her life due to her father’s exposure while serving in the ‘brown water’ Navy from 1966 – 1969.

Sharon L. Perry and her daughter, Dee Reyes founded Agent Orange Legacy in 2007. After years of researching Agent Orange, Sharon and her daughter, Dee, learned Agent Orange was just one of a multitude of military exposures affecting our veterans and their families.

This understanding was the foundation for expanding their existing efforts.

Today our troops are exposed to an onslaught of harmful toxins at a magnitude never before seen. We have learned from the Vietnam war that harmful toxins such as TCDD (Agent Orange) will not only affect the veteran it will also affect the veterans’ descendants for seven (7) generations.

The DOD has been irresponsible and reckless in the disposal of harmful toxins. The problem is so immense that the EPA listed 130 military installations as Superfund sites. Our veterans, left in the dark, about the chemicals many have been exposed to and their health effects. During the Cold War Era our veterans, many without their knowledge, were exposed to chemical and biological warfare materials such as nerve agents, blister agents, hallucinogens and biological agent testing.

Americans are also affected by these U.S. military installations added to the Superfund site, by the manufacture and testing of war time weapons such as Agent Orange along with other biological and chemical warfare agents. We are all affected when war time technology is transferred to the commercial sector. Nuclear power plants and Genetically Modified crops resistant to Roundup (a herbicide) are a couple of examples of war time technology being transferred commercially.

Not only are our veterans and their offspring being poisoned so are all Americans. We have an epidemic of cancers, autoimmune diseases, learning disabilities in our children such as Autism (1 in 160) and ADHD, food sensitivities and food intolerance to food additives such as gluten and soy.

As Americans we need to reassess how our way of life affects the world we live in. We can no longer afford to be wasteful and turn the other cheek. There are many changes we can make in order to insure our children’s future.

LOVME asks all Americans to begin this journey and help us to protect our veteran’s children because protecting our veterans’ children will also protect your children.

You can visit our website at this link>>>http://lovme.org/

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

First Agent Orange conference to be held in Virginia

What: Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting

When: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 18

Where: American Legion Post 16, 1301 Greenview Drive

Information: Contact David Stokes, (434) 993-2916

“I believe some people are still unaware of what Agent Orange has done to them and the benefits they could be receiving,” Caler, who said he served three stints in Vietnam with the Air Force. Caler flew 300 missions in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and then worked in jungles assisting Americans with secret missions on the border of Cambodia and Vietnam.

The first signs he had been affected by Agent Orange appeared before he’d even left the country but it wasn’t until 2002 that he was diagnosed and began receiving treatment.

He suspects Agent Orange played a role in his daughter’s illness as well and on Saturday he hopes to advocate for two pieces of legislation that call for continued investigation into the affects of Agent Orange.

TAKE ACTION NOW

• CLICK HERE:  Justice for the Innocent Victims affected by the use of Toxic Substances in War Time Support S. 2738 Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014

 

• CLICK HERE:  H.R. 5484 Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014

Source:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/first-agent-orange-conference-to-be-held-in-virginia/article_dc7c15cf-8cb1-5fa8-90c2-cbcbdff976e2.html

JBLM tells Vietnam vets ‘it's never too late’ to say welcome home

Stephen Stribling looked wide-eyed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Thursday as he walked into a column of uniformed sailors waiting to thank him for his service in the Vietnam War.

The 66-year-old grinned as he took in the appreciation of active-duty troops. It was nothing like the lonely homecoming he experienced at the end of his combat tour in 1968.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/10/09/3424119/jblm-tells-vietnam-vets-its-never.html#storylink=cpy

Stribling’s new Vietnam homecoming — 46 years in the making — unfolded at a JBLM salute to Vietnam-era veterans. It was meant to recognize a generation of military service members who too often felt scorned by the public after serving overseas.

“It is never too late, never too late, to pay tribute to the men and women who served and continue to serve our country,” said I Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, the senior Army officer at JBLM.

Welcome Home>>>hhttp://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/10/09/3424119/jblm-tells-vietnam-vets-its-never.html

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/10/09/3424119/jblm-tells-vietnam-vets-its-never.html#storylink=cpy

VA Telehealth Services Served Over 690,000 Veterans In Fiscal Year 2014

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that its national telehealth programs served more than 690,000 Veterans during fiscal year 2014. That total represents approximately 12 percent of the overall Veteran population enrolled for VA healthcare, and accounted for more than 2 million telehealth visits. Of that number, approximately 55 percent were Veterans living in rural areas with limited access to VA healthcare. With more Veterans seeking health care, telehealth is rapidly becoming an attractive option, especially for those Veterans who don’t have a VA health care facility close to home.

“We have to adapt to meet Veterans wherever their needs are,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “A brick-and-mortar facility is not the only option for health care. We are exploring how we can more efficiently and effectively deliver health care services to better serve our Veterans and improve their lives. Telehealth is one of those areas we have identified for growth.”  

Currently, there are more than 44 clinical specialties offered to Veterans through VA’s telehealth programs. One program at the Miami VA schedules close to 90 clinic connections every week for dermatology, eye exams, the women Veterans program, podiatry, mental health and other clinical specialties.

One tangible example of the success of VA’s telehealth program is its burgeoning TeleAudiology program because of large population of Veterans living with hearing loss. The TeleAudiology program has grown from 1,016 Veterans in fiscal year 2011 to more than 10,589 in fiscal year 2014.

For more information about VA’s telehealth program, visit www.telehealth.va.gov/.        

Source:http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2646

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.

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

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

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

Monsanto ordered to pay $93million for poisoning people

Big wins can happen in small places. The West Virginia State Supreme Court finalized a big blow to the biotech giant Monsanto this month, finishing a settlement causing Monsanto to pay $93 million to the tiny town of Nitro, West Virginia for poisoning citizens with Agent Orange chemicals.

The settlement was approved last year, but details were worked out only weeks ago as to how the funds were to be spent.

Continue Learning>>>http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_67121.shtml

OPINION: VA Scandal 2014

I don’t know why anyone is surprised about trouble at some VA facilities. We have World War II and Korean War veterans passing at a quick rate, many using VA faculties in their final days. Every Vietnam veteran with boots on the ground was exposed to Agent Orange, possible prostate cancer, millions, and we’re all at that “age!”

And now we have many thousands of men and women who served in Afghanistan and Iraq using the VA system at an unprecedented rate because of a good campaign specifically aimed at getting new veterans to file claims for “service connected” injuries upon return from deployment, to get in the system! And then add in for bad measure corrupt VA employees endangering veterans through their greed!

Continue Learning>>>http://www.htrnews.com/story/opinion/readers/2014/07/25/panel-discussion/13182997/

Agent Orange Day 10 August 2014

DAY – Aspiring theatre professionals come meet actor Kate Mulvaney & be inspired by her story. Kate will be delivering x3 45minute acting workshops. Limited sessions. Bookings essential rosakwan@live.com.au
9am, 10am & 11am – At the StirrUP Gallery

NIGHT – Live music, poetry & comedy to raise awareness about the effects of Agent Orange & it’s link to Monsanto
From 6pm – At Hut 9 – Food & Drink

Agent Orange is a chemical the U.S military used during the Vietnam War to deny the Vietnamese and Viet Cong food and cover by spraying the herbicide on vegetation across huge areas of the country. This had horrific health effects on Vietnamese people and on Australian veterans and their families. Agent Orange remains in the soil and water and damages the genetic make up that replicates for generations. A hundred years from now children will be born with horrific birth defects because a villager drinks contaminated water today.

This event ties in to International Agent Orange Day

Continue Learning>>>http://agentorangejustice.org.au/2014/06/29/agent-orange-day-10-august-2014/

Agent Orange exposure and disease prevalence in Korean Vietnam veterans: The Korean veterans health study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Agent Orange exposure and the prevalence of diseases of the endocrine, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems. The Agent Orange exposure was assessed by a geographic information system-based model. A total of 111,726 Korean Vietnam veterans were analyzed for prevalence using the Korea National Health Insurance claims data from January 2000 to September 2005.

Overall, this study suggests that Agent Orange/2,4-D/TCDD exposure several decades earlier may increase morbidity from various diseases, some of which have rarely been explored in previous epidemiologic studies.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24906069

Vietnam Veterans: Fighting For Care, part 1

"They (can) never take it away from you, and nobody will ever be able to say to you that you are less."

Anderson has serious health issues connected to exposure to Agent Orange. On Tuesday, the two-part series continues as veterans like Ken try to receive help from the local Reno VA, but are finding long wait times, denials and abrupt changes to disability claims.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.mynews4.com/news/story/Vietnam-Veterans-Fighting-For-Care-part-1/m-Pz37rQCkezVReoDD5WGA.cspx

Protesters lie under ambulance during eviction of war vet

After a brief reprieve from an eviction, the King County Sheriff’s Office removed a disabled Vietnam veteran and his family from their West Seattle home, but this time, activists staged what they called an “eviction blockade” and blocked an ambulance outside the home.

Activists from the organization Standing Against Foreclosure and Eviction stood on the porch and chanted when a deputy arrived to serve the court-ordered eviction notice to Jean and Byron Barton again on Friday.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/protesters-lay-under-ambulance-stop-eviction-war-v/ngh2D/

Veterans and diabetes

Veteran’s health issues are an important concern for Americans. Veterans, their families and the communities they call home share a major health concern. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is on the rise in our country! It has been documented that some veterans are linked to Type 2 diabetes mellitus from their exposure to a chemical agent called “Agent Orange.” Other veterans are entering the “high-risk” age group for the onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) veterans who develop Type 2 diabetes mellitus and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their diabetes and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation.

Continue Learning>>>http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/veterans_and_diabetes

Veterans waiting longer for cancer care, researchers say

On August 8, 2012, a pathology report found that a growth on Mitchell's neck was "concerning" for cancer. The recommendation: "total excision," meaning surgical removal.

But Mitchell's tumor wasn't removed until October 22, more than 2½ months later.

Ten months after that, Mitchell was dead. He was 63.

The VA Medical Center in Dallas tells CNN that Mitchell's 75-day wait to have the cancer taken out of his body "meets the standard of care" at the VA.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.kspr.com/news/health/veterans-waiting-longer-for-cancer-care/21051714_26986918

Leave no man behind: Belchertown veteran fights VA for crewmates after peacetime Agent Orange exposure at Westover, other bases

One lesson retired Air Force Col. Archer Battista says he learned in his six years in Vietnam was never to leave anyone behind.

This explains why Battista, 68, has since 2010 thrown his energy into an effort to get pilots who flew stateside planes contaminated by Agent Orange qualified for disability services and compensation.

Continue Learning>>>http://www.gazettenet.com/home/12625911-95/veteran-fights-for-crewmates-exposed-to-agent-orange-on-stateside-training-flights