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I was talking with a vet today at the Houston VA. He has two of the four cancers from Agent Orange exposure in 1966. He isn't expected to make it. The VA doctors told him and his wife, there isn't anything more they can do. He's in a wheel chair and cannot walk. He mentioned he found out that traces of Agent Orange are in weed killers such as Round Up. I looked it up tonight and sure enough, it's true. But, as I continued to look I came across this from Wikipedia. I think you'll be concerned.
Our benevolent agricultural guardians at the USDA have announced that they are allowing the introduction of new corn and soybean seeds that have been designed specifically to withstand a dousing with 2,4-D, a key ingredient in the infamously deadly Agent Orange.
Now we get to be the unwilling guinea pigs while USDA-approved test fields are planted.
It seems that our government did not learn its lesson from the millions of people gruesomely affected by the ingredients of Agent Orange the first time around.
Agent Orange, you may recall, was brought to wartime Vietnam by the evil masterminds at Dow and Monsanto. American forces sprayed it all over the countryside of Vietnam from 1961 to 1971. Its purpose was to defoliate trees and shrubs that were providing cover to enemy forces, and to kill food crops that were providing sustenance.
image: http://cdn5.freedomoutpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Agent-Orange.jpg
Agent Orange
This caused damage to the ecosystem of Vietnam that is still present today. More than 5 million acres of forests were destroyed, and half a million acres of farmland were tainted. It will take centuries of nurturing for the land to recover.
The environment was not the only thing affected. Exposure to Agent Orange resulted in five horrible illness in those exposed: soft-tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (including hairy-cell leukemia), Hodgkin’s disease, and chloracne. (source) What’s even worse is that the damage may not be limited to those directly exposed – it can affect offspring even up to 3rd and 4th generations.
Over a million US veterans were also exposed:
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided $16.2 billion in compensation to 1,095,473 Vietnam-era veterans.[i] The agency does not relate these service-connected benefit figures directly to Agent Orange/dioxin exposure or to any other possible cause of illness, nor does it provide data on total compensation for the years since the war ended.
Thousands of U.S. veterans returning from Vietnam reported health problems almost immediately and rapidly associated them with Agent Orange/dioxin exposure. Controversy over these assertions began just as fast, and continues now.
Many questions remain: Whether (and how to test whether) the illnesses of veterans and their offspring are related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposure; Levels of dioxin present in the chemicals; The accuracy of data about veterans’ exposure; Levels of corporate, military and government awareness of dioxin’s presence; Fixing of responsibility for the contaminant’s presence and liability for its damages; Details of research protocols, accuracy of findings and reliability of interpretations; and Decisions on who should pay what to whom for which possible courses of remedial action. This “blame game” has blocked action in both the U.S. and Vietnam, needlessly prolonging the suffering of millions of U.S. veterans and Vietnamese. – (source)
Read more at http://freedomoutpost.com/2014/01/usda-approved-agent-orange-coming-farm-near/#ye18M2IrreDAADrr.99
Our benevolent agricultural guardians at the USDA have announced that they are allowing the introduction of new corn and soybean seeds that have been designed specifically to withstand a dousing with 2,4-D, a key ingredient in the infamously deadly Agent Orange.
Now we get to be the unwilling guinea pigs while USDA-approved test fields are planted.
It seems that our government did not learn its lesson from the millions of people gruesomely affected by the ingredients of Agent Orange the first time around.
Agent Orange, you may recall, was brought to wartime Vietnam by the evil masterminds at Dow and Monsanto. American forces sprayed it all over the countryside of Vietnam from 1961 to 1971. Its purpose was to defoliate trees and shrubs that were providing cover to enemy forces, and to kill food crops that were providing sustenance.
image: http://cdn5.freedomoutpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Agent-Orange.jpg
Agent Orange
This caused damage to the ecosystem of Vietnam that is still present today. More than 5 million acres of forests were destroyed, and half a million acres of farmland were tainted. It will take centuries of nurturing for the land to recover.
The environment was not the only thing affected. Exposure to Agent Orange resulted in five horrible illness in those exposed: soft-tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (including hairy-cell leukemia), Hodgkin’s disease, and chloracne. (source) What’s even worse is that the damage may not be limited to those directly exposed – it can affect offspring even up to 3rd and 4th generations.
Over a million US veterans were also exposed:
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided $16.2 billion in compensation to 1,095,473 Vietnam-era veterans.[i] The agency does not relate these service-connected benefit figures directly to Agent Orange/dioxin exposure or to any other possible cause of illness, nor does it provide data on total compensation for the years since the war ended.
Thousands of U.S. veterans returning from Vietnam reported health problems almost immediately and rapidly associated them with Agent Orange/dioxin exposure. Controversy over these assertions began just as fast, and continues now.
Many questions remain: Whether (and how to test whether) the illnesses of veterans and their offspring are related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposure; Levels of dioxin present in the chemicals; The accuracy of data about veterans’ exposure; Levels of corporate, military and government awareness of dioxin’s presence; Fixing of responsibility for the contaminant’s presence and liability for its damages; Details of research protocols, accuracy of findings and reliability of interpretations; and Decisions on who should pay what to whom for which possible courses of remedial action. This “blame game” has blocked action in both the U.S. and Vietnam, needlessly prolonging the suffering of millions of U.S. veterans and Vietnamese. – (source)
Read more at http://freedomoutpost.com/2014/01/usda-approved-agent-orange-coming-farm-near/#ye18M2IrreDAADrr.99
Posted in these groups: 
Vietnam War
Agent Orange
Vietnam War Agent Orange
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 32
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All I know is they said that it wouldn't hurt us. We set up perimeters around hill tops that were hit with Agent Orange and we dug fox holes in that infested dirt and we laied there for days on end. We drank water from the streams and again, they told us to just use the halogen pills. What a bunch of bull shit. We washed up in the streams and again they, the Marine Corps, said is was safe. So far, I have had two cancer surgeries because of that shit and right now I am in remission. I have been diagnosed with stage 2, adult onset diabetes. So much for Agent Orange being safe and not a heath risk. WTF-Over!
Bastards!
Bastards!
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SGT (Join to see)
What's it take for the VA to admit to unrecognized cancers and defects, when, if you look up these diseases on the VA Site, they have a list of causes they say they recognize. Once again, this isn't going to go away until all of us and our children, and our children's children are dead. I can't see any reason the VA should deny a claim of post AO illnesses, when thousands of Vietnam vets have the same diagnoses. We have to continue to keep the AO claims in the public sector going. When I asked the doctors if AO could have caused my melanoma, they just looked at each other. When I tried to pressure them, they didn't say anything and walked out. Is it because they will lose their jobs for looking into the possibility, or is it because the VA Admin warned them not to consider it? I wish I had the answers.
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PO1 Dustin Adams
In order to get a condition that is not conceded as presumptive to AO exposure service-connected you need a doctor's opinion with a supporting rationale. The rationale will have to include sources (research papers, medical journals, etc.) that support the doctor's opinion. It is a high hurdle but not insurmountable, the key is the rationale for the opinion. It would also help if the doctor is a specialist in that area of medicine.
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Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire
I have heard to be careful on claims: example; myself-filed claim for AO 1968/69 and also am included in the Camp Lejeune water issue, "one claim can cancel out another future claim. Other words: which one gave you cancer first??? Pick A. or B. there is no C. !
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PO3 Michael James
Yes Sir, heard that many times.. Trouble is I originally believed them and trusted them.. oooops..
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What do I know about Agent Orange? It sucks! Yes , it literally sucks the life out of you until one day you are gone!
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SGT Thomas Lucken
If A.O. wasn't such a danger, how come we are quietly now working with Vietnam to clean up the areas A.O. was used 40 plus years later?
Also, they admit to using it along the southern boundary of the DMZ, but no cleanup and no admitting that we have exposed our Troops and the Koreans to the half-life that can last 30 to 100 years per the EPA! 1969+30 = 1999....
I served up on the DMZ numerous times and years, starting in 1983.
Also, they admit to using it along the southern boundary of the DMZ, but no cleanup and no admitting that we have exposed our Troops and the Koreans to the half-life that can last 30 to 100 years per the EPA! 1969+30 = 1999....
I served up on the DMZ numerous times and years, starting in 1983.
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SGT (Join to see)
SGT Thomas Lucken, did you see the pictures of the Vietnamese children? The government has agreed it causes cancer, deformities, diabetes, death, etc. I think it's our responsibility to help Vietnam clean up our mess we left for them. They farm rice paddies, which uses tons of water. They bathe in that water. As much as I despised the NVA and Victor Charlie, I loved the kids and mothers who were doing the best they could in a war, they didn't want.
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SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA
Viet Nam and the Marshall Islands are the same. Annawetok is the containment island from the clean up from testing nuclear weapons. Agent Orange clean up is a "good luck" with that, because everything that was contaminated with the herbicide is permanently manifested in the plants and other field crops.
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SGT Thomas Lucken
SGT (Join to see) - May problem with it, they keep denying it was used more then 68 to 69 in Korea along the southern part of the DMZ!!!!! To many veterans are suffering from the early 60s to early 90s from A.O. related illnesses now. Hell my 26 yr old son has spina bifida and a 3rd kidney......
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I know that it's the cause of a lot of non-combat related Vietnam Veterans Deaths related to Cancer. THE VA has a very long list of Presumptive conditions they will give compensation for just being in contact with it.
I also personally know some very awesome soldiers who have lost their battle with cancer because of Agent Orange. CW2 Jeffrey Tillman Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for Gallantry in action in the country of Vietnam.
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp
I also personally know some very awesome soldiers who have lost their battle with cancer because of Agent Orange. CW2 Jeffrey Tillman Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for Gallantry in action in the country of Vietnam.
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp
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Sgt (Join to see)
Thank you Charles. My VFW VSO told me about the "within one year limit." I will press the issue.
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PO1 Dustin Adams
Skin cancer is not a presumptive condition recognized as associated with AO exposure by the VA. There are three AO related conditions that must be diagnosed within one year of last exposure in order to be considered presumptive to AO, they are: chloracne, peripheral neuropathy, and porphyria cutanea tarda.
There is a list of conditions (not AO related) that the VA concedes as presumptive to service if diagnosed within one year of separation from service.
I would recommend looking up 38 CFR 3.309 as that is the regulation for the VA on presumptive conditions, 3.309(e) is specifically for herbicide (AO) exposure.
A lot of the back pay is due to re-adjudication of previously denied claims under the NEHMER court order.
There is a list of conditions (not AO related) that the VA concedes as presumptive to service if diagnosed within one year of separation from service.
I would recommend looking up 38 CFR 3.309 as that is the regulation for the VA on presumptive conditions, 3.309(e) is specifically for herbicide (AO) exposure.
A lot of the back pay is due to re-adjudication of previously denied claims under the NEHMER court order.
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SGT (Join to see)
Yes Sir SFC Darrell Adams , it's that little clause they have in there, "must be diagnosed within one year of last exposure". Hell, you don't know you are affected by it for years and they know that.
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SFC Charles S.
Sgt (Join to see) Yes, PO1 Dustin Adams is correct. My Step-Father-In-Law had Prostate and Bladder Cancer which is on the Presumptive condition list.
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We use to sell one of the chemical that was in Agent Orange, farmers used it as an herbicide, the other half of the A O formula was outlawed.
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Sgt Jim Belanus
I believe the spray used was very high concentration Like 90%. the amounts used today on farms is 2 to 16 oz per 10 gal of water per acre. Without the use of chem. the weeds would take over and we would have a lot of hungry people.
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This is the area where agent Orange barrels were stockpiled for use by the 12th Special Operations Squadron, "Ranch Hands " at Da Nang, Viet Nam who with the C123 aircraft sprayed Agent Orange. To this day in 2018 nothing will grow there, the chemical even got into the water system esp as this wasn't far from a swampy area. I had worked a post located 100 feet at best from this location in 1968-69 and some of My co-workers within My own unit, as well as 12th SOS people either have ill effects from AO exposure or have died from it.
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SGT (Join to see)
Cpl (Join to see), I just don't know what to say about that. It's really hard to believe AO would be used in food, after all the cases of AO at the VA's. Incredible.
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Well Sgt. Bodine, Its been 45 years.. 13/14 operations, (paid for by civilian employer) and finally the VA has just recognized a partial compensation, however, they continue to ignore the two Cancers, and the heart disease.. Also, they refuse to consider the STRESS they put on the wives and the children of the Veterans !! Talk about PTSD.. But I am making some headway, and I will NOT quit !!
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SGT (Join to see)
It's a shame veterans have to fight and wait to be able to get what they deserve. They say in war, there is collateral damage, which means sometimes someone innocent gets killed or injured in a war. I think Vetetans are collateral damage and once you get home, you have to prove you earned what should be given, to a vet. It sucks.
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My father is a Veitnam vet 25th ID was exposed to agent orange for 14 months. He now has dementia and they are linking it to the exposure. I am learning a lot thanks to the VFW and other agency's. We use things in a time of war that we shouldn't and the long time effects are horrible for sure.
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SGT (Join to see)
MSgt (Join to see), I'm so sorry about your dad. Yes we use things in war we shouldn't use. If it saved thousands of lives, we'll never know. It is causing long term illnesses. It took the government years to accept the fact it was carsonigentic and caused lots of things to returned vets. It will happen again by someone who classifies the crippling and deaths as collateral damage.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Thanks we are coping and making everyday he is still mentally with us the best we can.
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My grandfather fought in Vietnam. God rest his soul. He was exposed to the Agent orange while over there. He developed lung cancer from it. The doctors had said there was nothing they could do. By the time it was discovered, the cancer had wrapped completely around his lungs. At that point, it was irreparable.
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) , I am so sorry about your grandfather having to endure all of that pain. At least his war is finally over and I offer a slow hand salute to him, you, and his family. God Bless, Keith
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SSG (Join to see)
No worries Mr. Keith. Thank you for your condolences. He's in a better place now. I just hope that others aren't gonna be exposed to that agent....
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Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire
I wish the VA had a simple, accurate, conclusive type test that would show, "yes or no" you've been hit by agent orange. Simple an to the point!
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Subject: Agent Orange – Korea – Where is the Truth?
Feb 2015, I was at the VA Hospital in Marion, IL getting shots to my right knee and hips at the Orthopedic Clinic. As I was discussing some of my other issues with my limbs, they proceed to claim that I probable have neuropathy in my hands and possible feet. Going to recommend me to a Neurologist for that and some other issues! Neuropathy is another symptom of Agent Orange Dioxins, in less then a year I have been detected with 3 A.O. Illnesses!
On top of that, I had a another veteran of the Korean DMZ contact me about A.O. He served up on the DMZ only 87-88. He explained to me that his nurse mention to him, asking if he been in contact with Agent Orange whatsoever! He did not even know that A.O. was used in Korea. When the nurse mention it, he started doing some online research and realize that his service in Korea quite possible put him in contact with A.O.
I myself did not know till a year ago, that Agent Orange was used in Korea! VA gives the bogus presumptive dates of 68 to 71 for Korea! But we all know that is untrue, to many veterans before and after those dates are suffering from way to many A.O. related illnesses! Also in the past year, there has been VA Claims won before and after those dates! So they are slowly admitting there is a A.O. issue that is a lot bigger then they will admit.
Also in the past year, I have been in communications with many veterans that have served before and after the bogus dates, who are and now just realizing, they are battling A.O. related illnesses! And the one common factor we all have, we served in Korea especially up on the DMZ!!! “Hello Houston, we have a problem!!!”
In Vietnam, the government is quietly assisting in cleaning up in the areas that Agent Orange was used, but we have not in Korea yet! They are cleaning up, do to the long term effects of A.O. in the soil and water, that has effected the Vietnamese people! What about Korea? The American and Korean people who have been exposed to it for 40 plus years? Is the Korean government in cohoots with the American government to keep this coverup going?
For those that never served in Korea especially before 1991 up on the DMZ, don't realize the coverups that have gone on for years, and years, and years! Apparently Agent Orange is also in that mix of coverups! When is the VA and our politicians going to realize, many of our fellow DMZ Veterans and fighting dying from their hidden Agenda! They talk about taking care of our Veterans, but they are still omitting those Veterans that served in Korea!
Thomas J. Lucken
“Imjin Scout”
Feb 2015, I was at the VA Hospital in Marion, IL getting shots to my right knee and hips at the Orthopedic Clinic. As I was discussing some of my other issues with my limbs, they proceed to claim that I probable have neuropathy in my hands and possible feet. Going to recommend me to a Neurologist for that and some other issues! Neuropathy is another symptom of Agent Orange Dioxins, in less then a year I have been detected with 3 A.O. Illnesses!
On top of that, I had a another veteran of the Korean DMZ contact me about A.O. He served up on the DMZ only 87-88. He explained to me that his nurse mention to him, asking if he been in contact with Agent Orange whatsoever! He did not even know that A.O. was used in Korea. When the nurse mention it, he started doing some online research and realize that his service in Korea quite possible put him in contact with A.O.
I myself did not know till a year ago, that Agent Orange was used in Korea! VA gives the bogus presumptive dates of 68 to 71 for Korea! But we all know that is untrue, to many veterans before and after those dates are suffering from way to many A.O. related illnesses! Also in the past year, there has been VA Claims won before and after those dates! So they are slowly admitting there is a A.O. issue that is a lot bigger then they will admit.
Also in the past year, I have been in communications with many veterans that have served before and after the bogus dates, who are and now just realizing, they are battling A.O. related illnesses! And the one common factor we all have, we served in Korea especially up on the DMZ!!! “Hello Houston, we have a problem!!!”
In Vietnam, the government is quietly assisting in cleaning up in the areas that Agent Orange was used, but we have not in Korea yet! They are cleaning up, do to the long term effects of A.O. in the soil and water, that has effected the Vietnamese people! What about Korea? The American and Korean people who have been exposed to it for 40 plus years? Is the Korean government in cohoots with the American government to keep this coverup going?
For those that never served in Korea especially before 1991 up on the DMZ, don't realize the coverups that have gone on for years, and years, and years! Apparently Agent Orange is also in that mix of coverups! When is the VA and our politicians going to realize, many of our fellow DMZ Veterans and fighting dying from their hidden Agenda! They talk about taking care of our Veterans, but they are still omitting those Veterans that served in Korea!
Thomas J. Lucken
“Imjin Scout”
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PO1 Dustin Adams
The VA is limited by what information DoD provides on who was exposed and when. There have been claims of exposure stateside, one place being Chanute Air Force base in Illinois where after the base was decommissioned several barrels of AO were found in the base land fill. DoD has not yet conceded that anyone was exposed there, thus the VA's hands are tied until either Congress passes a law or DoD concedes exposure.
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SGT Thomas Lucken
Also, Congress base their decision on what the Institute of Medicine says! Chanute AFB was in Rantoul, IL just a few miles north of the Champaign/Urbana area!
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