this hit way too close to home yesterday in the context of my DMZ gallery and information I recently found out about a close friend during my year there. I just need to share it, and cross post to the veterans board.
GOP senators block bill expanding care for veterans exposed to toxins
Republican lawmakers blocked passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate Wednesday that expands healthcare coverage for military veterans who were exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service.
All Democrats and eight Republicans voted for the Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, but the 55 yes votes fell short of the 60 needed to end a filibuster in the Senate. Three Senators did not vote.
The PACT Act, which the House passed earlier this month, would enable additional healthcare coverage for more than three million veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits and Vietnam-era veterans exposed to the deadly herbicide Agent Orange.
https://news.yahoo.com/gop-senators-block-bill-expanding-032616654.html
I recently found that in February 2011, the Veterans Administration published its final regulation regarding the PRESUMPTION OF HERBICIDE EXPOSURE (AGENT ORANGE) as it pertains to veterans who served in or near the Korean DMZ during the Vietnam War. Specifically, VA now PRESUMES HERBICIDE EXPOSURE for any veteran who served on the DMZ between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971.
I was assigned to HHC 3rd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division from March 1970 to March 1971 on the DMZ.
I just learned my close friend for that year, passed away from neuroendocrine cancer Due to the rate of increase in my PSA, we just did an hour long CT scan and will most likely have to get a biopsy. If you are unfamiliar with a prostate biopsy, DO NOT google it, LOL.
The irony here is that in 1969, a year or so before the draft lottery was instituted, and after working a year and a half in my profession, I was drafted in the Marines. Being a firm believer that to do the job Marines have to do, one must actually want to be a Marine, and the fact that in 1969 Marines were coming home in body bags faster than 707s could fly them to VN, I joined the Army to stay in communications. What at that time, was jumping out of the frying pan and thinking I cleared the fire with room to spare, has turned out to only have bought me 53 years, but now the fire catches up and I still get burned.
Sorry to drag things down but writing, in addition to photography and my DMZ gallery, helps me get through the night, as they say.
On a lighter note, I will soon complete a new gallery of photos taken in 1976 during the Bicentennial. While driving around for work, which I did a lot, stopping to shoot anything and everything Bicentennial related!
Foretold is Forewarned! And, Vote Democratic up and down the ticket.
= new reply since forum marked as read