Thursday, December 03, 2009
(graphic: Printfection)
Participating in secret military operations has meant falling into a bureaucratic void for some American service members unable to draw on veterans benefits. For about 50 members of the 707th Airlift Squadron, which flew some of the first missions during the 1991 Gulf War, the Department of Veterans Affairs has denied treatment for serious illnesses because flight records were kept out of the military’s databases. But following a media investigation by a local Indianapolis TV station, WTHR, Congressman Steve Buyer (R-IN), the ranking Republican on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, demanded the VA look into the matter. Agency officials are now complying.
According to one squadron member, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Avery, personnel were diagnosed with brain tumors, brain cancer, leukemia and ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) following the war. It’s believed the illnesses stem from the crews transporting spent tank shells covered with uranium dust. Some cargo may also have included high amounts of insecticides.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
WTHR Report Prompts Review of Veterans Affairs Policy (by Sandra Chapman, 13 Investigates)
Sick Desert Storm Vets Denied Benefits (by Sandra Chapman, 13 Investigates)
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