Posted on Jan 18, 2016
Were Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand?
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Recently, Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia introduced legislation to make for greater assistance for those affected by Agent Orange. Since AO was stored in Thailand and flights launched from Thailand, it is only right our brothers and sisters who supported operations in Vietnam also be covered. This is the tweet I sent them just a short time ago.
@SenatorWarner @timkaine Your move to get better coverage foe us vets exposed to AO Is NO DAMN GOOD unless you include Thailand veterans!!!
Will you support your brothers and sisters who are also affected by this chemical and so far are being denied their due by our government?
@SenatorWarner @timkaine Your move to get better coverage foe us vets exposed to AO Is NO DAMN GOOD unless you include Thailand veterans!!!
Will you support your brothers and sisters who are also affected by this chemical and so far are being denied their due by our government?
Agent Orange
Vietnam
Thailand
Disabled Veterans
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 62
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Good luck with them ever admitting to it.
I was stationed in the Subic Bay, and during my off time I helped out at the stables. The area was getting pretty over grown and was sprayed with Agent Orange. I've since come down with a few of the symptoms and filed a claim with the VA. I was told they only consider Vietnam in the claims, and I was rejected. They know where it was sprayed but won't admit it!!!
I was stationed in the Subic Bay, and during my off time I helped out at the stables. The area was getting pretty over grown and was sprayed with Agent Orange. I've since come down with a few of the symptoms and filed a claim with the VA. I was told they only consider Vietnam in the claims, and I was rejected. They know where it was sprayed but won't admit it!!!
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TSgt Dan Decker
Arnold, appeal your denial! Don't take no for an answer from the government, ever! File an NOD and, if it has been longer than a year since your denial, claim new information in the form of Army Field Manual 3-3, VA C&P Bulletin dated May 2010, and the AF CHECO Report titled Base Defense In Thailand. Get a VSO from one of the military service organizations, VVA, DAV, VFW, etc.
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PO3 Rod Arnold
If I had been in Thailand I proceed appeal. The problem is, I was in the Philippines when the spraying took place, and the V.A. stated the Philippines is not on their list of places sprayed. In other words, it never happened!!!
Thank you for your comment, TSgt, Dan Decker.
Thank you for your comment, TSgt, Dan Decker.
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A1C Rogelio Rodriguez
PO3 Rod Arnold - Arnold I feel your pain. I was in U-Tapao AB, Thailand 66-70. I filed an AO claim in the 90's and again in 2001. Like your case, back then when I filed, the VA responded, "We absolutely do not have any information that AO was sprayed in Thailand." Then sometime around 2011 those reports from Thailand were declassified. I agree 100% with Dan-run your case all the way. Nothing will happen if you stop. My hunch was that I felt very strongly that AO was present in the yrs I served in Thailand. The VA was making exceptions even before the declassification.
One example was a situation that occurred in Thailand. Thru VVA I made contact (1990's) with a survivor whose dad (mechanic) died from AO exposure. As it turned out he worked on the planes that sprayed AO in Vietnam. Again VA had not admitted AO in Thailand but his wife won that case and received the AO compensation.
One example was a situation that occurred in Thailand. Thru VVA I made contact (1990's) with a survivor whose dad (mechanic) died from AO exposure. As it turned out he worked on the planes that sprayed AO in Vietnam. Again VA had not admitted AO in Thailand but his wife won that case and received the AO compensation.
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MY dad died of brian cancer.. My mother fought for years trying to prove it.. He was Army signal corps stationed in Thailand... Long story but the way he and my mother were treated was disgusting. He was diagnosed two days after my graduation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I gave up my commission the USMC and took my reserve commission with the Navy to watch my dad dwindle away. He wanted a military presence at his funeral. The Army said no to cut backs.. But the Academy, a Vietnam Veterans group and an Army Soldier who gave up his own time was a powerful presence... I am proud of my Families Service and all of us that decided to serve to our nation (most doing much more than me).. But I feel our government does not appreciate the service and the sacrifice... God Bless...
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CMSgt John Momaney
No wife should have had to go through that. Our VA system and government were still need to be held accountable for the pain and suffering family members went through. They were casualties also. I pray for your mother and all families that had this happen to them. Your a good man Russell.
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LT Russell Giambrone
PO2 Brian Harrington - Thank you. For the record I am not sure If I believe of my dads cancer came from agent orange or from working high tension lines or from any of the other various "causes" it might have just been his time.. He was not concerned how he got his cancer he fought it like a beast .. He died on his terms.. My mom was looking for cause.. My disappointment was the treatment that he received.. He loved the Army (as a Navy man I forgive him... lol.. his dad was Navy .. My moms daad was Army my uncle on moms side Jar Head - Made army navy games fun) he was proud of his service. Either way our community (army vets and academy midshipmen) came together and did the right thing.. Bitter sweet memories... God Bless
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And then you have the individuals that participated in locations that are still classified and/or there was never a record made of them being where they were. They will continue to suffer and be unable to get the care and benefits they deserve.
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SFC William Adamek
I was referring more to classified missions that still plague the memories of many that served during Viet Nam time period. Those individuals still cant get benefits for any exposure, let alone anything else they endured, while on those missions based on the nature of their missions. Many veterans will only elude to the fact that they participated in such missions and wont discuss them further. Some are simply stories but some are obviously not.
As far as Korea...
But only that it was in country until 1975. Even with overwhelming evidence by Army veteran Steve House (http://www.ibtimes.com/judges-surprise-ruling-veterans-exposure-toxic-chemicals-us-military-base-called-turning-1569225) showing that it was in country as late as the early 1980's and affecting soldiers years after that. Not sure if connected or not, but I ended up in a tent for a few days at an unknown location near a ROK guarded road into the DMZ in the fall of 1978. As a then young PFC on a detail, I didn't know where I was, and didn't ask, but remember getting locked and loaded on by the ROK soldiers one night when I stepped out of the tent. While there, we had dump trucks of soil and truck loads of 55 gallon drums being hauled into the DMZ and coming out empty.
As far as Korea...
But only that it was in country until 1975. Even with overwhelming evidence by Army veteran Steve House (http://www.ibtimes.com/judges-surprise-ruling-veterans-exposure-toxic-chemicals-us-military-base-called-turning-1569225) showing that it was in country as late as the early 1980's and affecting soldiers years after that. Not sure if connected or not, but I ended up in a tent for a few days at an unknown location near a ROK guarded road into the DMZ in the fall of 1978. As a then young PFC on a detail, I didn't know where I was, and didn't ask, but remember getting locked and loaded on by the ROK soldiers one night when I stepped out of the tent. While there, we had dump trucks of soil and truck loads of 55 gallon drums being hauled into the DMZ and coming out empty.
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SGT Ronald Audas
I understood. My comment was to show how far they will go to ignore what`s going on.
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Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller
SFC William Adamek - You mean like when you took ALL the tags out of your clothing, painted over the tail numbers on your aircraft, and left your dog tags behind?
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PO1 Aaron Baltosser
It's always hard to get compensation for something when your description of the events sounds like this: "I was exposed to AO when I went to the place, order by some guys, to do the thing for those people that caused an effect. The VA and the military service refuses to work off of anything without documentation. They are also equally unwilling to put many things in writing to the detriment of the service member. Why our 'leaders' expect full faith in service to accomplish our mission, then disavow any knowledge of our service later is very troubling to me.
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The list of locations where VA knows Agent Orange was used or stored and military personnel were exposed includes bases in Thailand, Korea, and others. You can see the locations at http://goo.gl/s99zqm
Exposure to Agent Orange by Location - Public Health
Information on where Veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service
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A1C Rogelio Rodriguez
SP6 Ron W. - There had been in the past several attempts for those countries to get comp pen from the USA. Even as far back as survivors of Nagasaki & Hiroshima tried but only US personnel qualify for comp pen.
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A1C Rogelio Rodriguez
SP6 Ron W. - Hey Ron I don't what your situation is but I remember my brother and I worked and worked on our in-law. He was frontline in Vietnam-Lord knows he probably saw some awful things right in front him. His behavior was very indicative of someone that came back just totally disoriented-his behavior just out of touch. He kept saying there is nothing wrong with me. Poor guy he was totally lost!
He was finally able to go to the round table sessions with other vets just like him. Well the VA granted him his 100%. He didn't think he deserved. He just did not know how much his wife (sister) was suffering.
My wife's sister-her husband was frontline. I worked on him for his benefits some 7 yrs ago. Up to know he hasn't done anything as far as a VA claim. He just doesn't realize that once he is gone his wife might could use some benefits. Funny thing about us vets we never know what is in store for us.
He was finally able to go to the round table sessions with other vets just like him. Well the VA granted him his 100%. He didn't think he deserved. He just did not know how much his wife (sister) was suffering.
My wife's sister-her husband was frontline. I worked on him for his benefits some 7 yrs ago. Up to know he hasn't done anything as far as a VA claim. He just doesn't realize that once he is gone his wife might could use some benefits. Funny thing about us vets we never know what is in store for us.
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My VA report says exposure to Agent Orange, then denies service connection. What moron finds AO in me, then says it is not service connected. I have most of the symptoms, and presently rated at 100% permanent and total. What gives here?
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A1C Rogelio Rodriguez
SSgt James McChesney - That is the right attitude! You might want to get into the habit of writing to your Congress and Senate. Those folks will help especially if you see the VA drag their feet. You have a very strong case.
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CPO David Sharp
Prostate Cancer is one of the presumptive diseases on the list for AO. I hope you sought out an accredited Veteran Service Officer before a Lawyer. The VSO can get Power of Attorney and file the proper forms to represent your Husband and is free. I am sorry for the wall you keep hitting as I currently involved with two cases. One is up for Video hearing before a Judge, also free, at the local VA Clinic. The main thing I have found, sadly, is the attitude of "do your eight and hit the gate". I wish you the best and advise to visit a local American Legion or VFW.
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TSgt Dan Decker
TSgt Dan Decker - Since my previous reply, I have discovered that going beyond 100% disabled will help the widow obtain benefits after you pass.
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SSgt James McChesney
TSgt Dan Decker
After my last post here, he went over the heads of the VA, and contacted our senator. Just before they finally
deemed my husband 100% disabled through the VA. The problem is they only paid him back 1-1/2 years retroactive. We have been out 10 years in losses for not only medical, but job loss from the muti-disabilities. We even had to pay VA Medical during times of unemployment.
My husband is now in stage 4 cancer suffering effects of radiation to the lymph glands.
After my last post here, he went over the heads of the VA, and contacted our senator. Just before they finally
deemed my husband 100% disabled through the VA. The problem is they only paid him back 1-1/2 years retroactive. We have been out 10 years in losses for not only medical, but job loss from the muti-disabilities. We even had to pay VA Medical during times of unemployment.
My husband is now in stage 4 cancer suffering effects of radiation to the lymph glands.
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The Fleet Reserve Association, Vietnam Veterans Association and VFW are all involved in the AO issue. FRA is especially involved with "Blue Water" Navy exposure, Thailand and Guam. Australia has proved it's Sailors off the coast waters were exposed and suffering from the effects of AO. The U.S. Govt., in my opinion, is conducting a response via attrition. By this I mean there is evidence about this issue, needed attention but this will only come to light once enough Veterans have died and the numbers are low enough to make it financially acceptable. However, as I previously stated, some very strong Organizations are acting together on this issue to bring it to the forefront. Support one of these Organizations to make the efforts come to fruition.
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A1C Rogelio Rodriguez
I agree with you David. Look how long it took for our government to notify all military veterans that served Thailand that Agent Orange was present there. I have actually contacts some of those Vietnam groups that have worked on those AO case in 'Nam. I asked them why they don't include our Vets that served in Thailand. There was an empty silence - then I was asked, "Are you interested in starting a help group for our vets that served in Thailand?" I said not @ my age.
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Sad but true statement. I do separation briefings and this is the very reason I emphasize making sure everywhere you've been is documented and included on your DD 214 so if ever a situation arises later you will have documentation that proves you served in the AO.
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SFC Marty Jones
Block 13 is where the campaign you've participated in and if that's full that same info can go in the remarks area. My point is ensure you records are updated because that's the info your DD 214 is generated from. I retired in 2002 and in the remarks area my service in SW Asia is listed from initial in country date to departure.
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TSgt Dan Decker
Also, your Enlisted Performance Reports from your time in Southeast Asia will provide you with location, job, and time you were anywhere. it will describe your job and where you performed it.
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PO1 Aaron Baltosser
My evals don't include operations or locations I've been to as a Sailor. Our evals have an extremely limited number of lines available to describe performance. Mine have had the country and unit of assignment, but never anything as specific to operation or physical location. Those I wrote for others often did mention such things for just this reason. If I could have convinced my seniors to do the same occassionally, life would have been far easier.
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SFC Marty Jones
Sorry about your situation. When serving in certain operations or campaigns medals and citations are awarded. Maybe if you have evidence of these awards or citations being awarded to you maybe this could be a starting point for you.
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I got infected with it on an Air America flight from Bangkok to Saigon late 67.
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CMSgt John Momaney
I almost worked for Air America in 1969. I new the gentlemen running it who offered me a job. He asked me how many planes I thought they lost every month? I said Five. He laughed and said that is the number reported but it was much higher. I would have been a "Kicker" the person kicking pallets out the door. These guys always had lot's of money, booze and women. The movie Air America with Mel Gibson is very accurate. I laugh like crazy the first time I saw it. There were many more special ops missions that civilians and soldiers performed over there. Some you will never know.
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CW3 Jim Norris
Wayne, God bless and keep you.....I disticntly remember seeing those silly CIA guys walking off Air America flights wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes, thinking to myself who are those guys....then off to fire base Nancy and a year of fun in the sun....later it occurred tome, did they think anyone was fooled? Except for young NCO's who didn't know better....
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I was assigned to Korat Thailand from Oct 75 until Mar 76 during close out. I was at the time, an AF Security Police and preform duties which included nightly (perm Mids), walking the inner and outer perimeter, slogging through swampy areas, WSA activities, AC Security and of course being the jeep, not just me, but all jeeps... we given the crap duties the other SP's did not want to do and as SP's there was plenty of Crap to go around. I have often wonder what all crap was used to kill the insistent growth of weeds and jungle. Seemed like the crap could grow in front of your eyes. I know we used DDT for the mosquitoes and then the smoke trucks which nightly fumigated the whole area... the problem lies is they established a random date of 7 May 75 and say that is the cut off... like the poison really has an effective termination date when it stops being a health threat.
I am all for anyone who was subjected to these chemicals ensuring they are check and annotated in the medical records. I am also wanting to make sure we who served during the close out of Thailand also are considered. If it is anything like asbestos I doubt the VA will do anything until it is to late. I was subject to excessive levels of asbestos specifically at 2 assignments (that I know of) and was medically check out and monitored until I retired. I brought this up with the VA and they only said... if you get asbestos's or whatever it is called, they would then consider looking into the possibility.
Keep those who served during the close out of SEA through 1976 included for our long term health.
I am all for anyone who was subjected to these chemicals ensuring they are check and annotated in the medical records. I am also wanting to make sure we who served during the close out of Thailand also are considered. If it is anything like asbestos I doubt the VA will do anything until it is to late. I was subject to excessive levels of asbestos specifically at 2 assignments (that I know of) and was medically check out and monitored until I retired. I brought this up with the VA and they only said... if you get asbestos's or whatever it is called, they would then consider looking into the possibility.
Keep those who served during the close out of SEA through 1976 included for our long term health.
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