Tuesday, June 8, 2021. We take a look at burn pits, Turkey's attacks on the Kurds and much more.

Starting in the US with 10 TAMPA BAY.

At the age of 21, Andrew Brewer was deployed to Iraq. While serving there, he was exposed to burn pits. He went from a healthy 21-year-old in 2009 to a man who got winded just carrying his newborn son around the house. This year, he got COVID 19. He is one of 20,000 veterans in Florida who had contracted COVID 19. 10 TAMPA BAY notes a bill in Congress that would:

* Bill streamlines VA review process for veterans with respiratory illness or cancer

* Removes requirement of proof a veteran was exposed to toxins while serving

* It would give as many as 3.5 million veterans health care

That would be the bill that Senators Marco Rubio and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced in March. Here's the press release from Rubio's office:

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz, M.D (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) will introduce the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would provide presumptive U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to servicemembers who have deployed and have illnesses due to exposure to burn pits and other toxins. Approximately 3.5 million veterans have been exposed to burn pits that spewed toxic fumes and carcinogens into the air.

Rubio, Gillibrand, and Ruiz also announced an April 13, 2021 press conference outside of the U.S. Capitol that will feature veterans who have suffered from toxic exposure, survivors of veterans who have passed due to toxic exposure, veterans advocate Jon Stewart, 9/11 activist John Feal, Burn Pits 360, the IAVA, American Legion, and several other veterans groups.

“Our war fighters had a job to do, and they did it honorably and without hesitation," Rubio said. "We will never be able to repay them and their families for their sacrifice, but we can -- and we must -- take care of them now. This historic and long overdue legislation will cut through the red tape to ensure veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins while defending our nation will receive the care they need and deserve. No more excuses. No more delays. It is time to act.”

“More than three million service members could have been exposed to toxic burn pits, yet the VA continues to deny them care by placing the burden of proof on veterans suffering from rare cancers, lung diseases, and respiratory illnesses,” Gillibrand said. “Congress cannot sit by as the VA ignores its duty. The bottom line is that our veterans served our country, they are sick and they need health care—period. The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act will finally establish a presumptive service connection for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins and streamline the process for obtaining vital VA benefits. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation with Senator Rubio, and I thank Congressman Ruiz for his leadership in the House. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and to apply common sense and common decency to a broken process.”

“Our veterans cannot wait. Service members are returning home from the battlefield only to become delayed casualties of war, dying years later from lung diseases, cancers, and autoimmune diseases caused by their exposure to toxic military burn pits,” Ruiz said. “The VA and DoD cannot continue to neglect this self-inflicted wound on our veterans. That’s why I co-authored the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act with Senator Gillibrand to get our veterans the care they need right now.”

“Our veterans are heroes and deserve to be treated as such, yet the VA and DoD continue to deny their earned care,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our bipartisan Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act will establish a presumptive service connection for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins and streamline the process for obtaining vital VA benefits. I am proud to join Rep. Ruiz and Senator Gillibrand and a broad national coalition of VSOs to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. No veteran should die waiting for care.”

“This legislation includes presumption and actually fixes this urgent and immoral issue. Anything else just delays and denies the treatment and benefits our warriors need,” said veterans advocate Jon Stewart.

"If we can spend money on training ordinary men & woman to go into combat and do extraordinary things keeping us safe 24/7, then we should be able to spend money when these Heroes come home missing body parts, have a mental illness or are poisoned by the toxic aftermath from Burn Pits. We are fighting two fronts. Passing vital legislation, and changing the culture on how these men & woman are taken care of after they come home,” said 9/11 Responder & Advocate John Feal.

“Our families are calling on Congress to pass the Warfighter Presumption Bill. Your constituents, veterans and their families should not have to return from war to face the injustice of the denial of compensation and health care benefits--we will not settle for less than presumption. Together with veteran owned businesses, veteran organizations, Veteran Public Figures, police and firefighter unions and the rest of America we will mobilize a national movement to pass this legislation. We are not fulfilling our moral obligation to protect and serve these service men and women that bore the burden of America’s defense. We must take action to chip away at the complex web of barriers, erected by entrenched political and bureaucratic interests, which deprive a class of injured veterans of healthcare and benefits. It’s time we recognize these injuries as a true cost of war,” said Rosie Torres, Executive Director of Burn Pits 360

“This legislation regarding Burn Pit exposure is required to fulfill our sacred obligation to the men and women who faithfully served,” said David Shulkin M.D., ninth secretary of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

“For IAVA members, the data is clear: 86% of members have been exposed to burn pits or other toxic exposures, and 88% either have or may already have symptoms from that exposure. It is past time that veterans exposed to these deadly toxins receive the benefits that they deserve. We thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Raul Ruiz for their important leadership to ensure that veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic exposures will be able to get a presumption of illness for that exposure,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

“We look forward to Congress reintroducing and passing the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. Congress must act now to ensure that veterans exposed to toxic exposures receive the care that they need and rightfully deserve. We thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Raul Ruiz for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them to get this critical legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President,” said National Commander James W. Bill Oxford, American Legion.

“As Vietnam veterans, we know firsthand the toll of toxic exposure on our health and the high costs associated with our toxic wounds. Times is of the essence, and we call for swift passage of this crucial legislation with the hopes that our younger veterans will not face the decades-long fight for healthcare and benefits that continues to plague Vietnam veterans,” said VVA National President John Rowan.

“To do justice to Vietnam and 1991 Gulf War veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange and Gulf War Illness, Congress had to legislate presumptions. It is past time to create a similar presumption for the sick veterans of our Nation’s more recent wars and military operations in countries having toxic environments created by burn pits or other conditions — natural or man-made,” said Peter Sullivan of SGT Sullivan Circle.

“Many of our veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries are suffering from the toxic exposures from burn pits. It took the Vietnam Veterans years to fight for their benefits from exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides. In fact, we are still fighting for those who served in Guam, Panama, Thailand, and Okinawa. Vietnam veterans pushed not only for these benefits from their personal exposures to toxins, but for those suffering from PTSD as well. Let us not forget these young warriors, who are also suffering from the toxins released from the Burn Pits and in some cases radiation poisoning. No one wants to see these men and women wait decades for their earned and deserved benefits. Action is needed ASAP. Members from our organization, Military Veterans Advocacy will leave no service member or veteran behind. When these brave heroes raised their hands in an oath to defend this nation at all costs including their lives, our country promised to care for then when they returned. This country needs to be made accountable in keeping that promise. This is part of the pricetag of war,” said Susie Belanger, Legislative Director, Military Veterans Advocacy, Inc.

“We applaud Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Rubio, Rep. Ruiz, and Rep. Fitzpatrick for their commitment to servicemembers and veterans who have been dying and suffering from the devastating illnesses as a result of their exposure to toxic emissions from burn pits. This legislation does for victims of toxic exposures and burn pits what the Agent Orange Act did for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. This presumption of exposure and service connection is long overdue for veterans who were exposed to toxic emissions,” said National Veterans Legal Services Program Executive Director Bart Stichman.

"Too often, veterans have been alone in dealing with the consequences of service to their country. This is now an opportunity to stand with them, to honor their commitment, and together confront the challenges they are facing from exposure to burn pits and other toxins during their military service,” said COL Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

“For many veterans with toxic exposures, there has been -- for them -- a clear timeline connecting their toxic exposures during their military deployments to the debilitating health outcomes that followed them home. Far too many veterans who were exposed to open burn pits and a veritable toxic soup have developed terrible respiratory conditions, Parkinson's and other diseases, and cancers, including the brain cancer that has taken so many of their lives. This critically important legislation will provide the missing link to help these veterans. Indeed, this is the only current, major toxic exposure legislation to actually name presumptive conditions for VA disability claims rather than lay out a bureaucratic process that relies on trusting VA to do the right thing -- the same VA that currently denies Gulf War and Burn Pits-related claims at 80 percent denial rates. In this year of the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), we are deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand and the many powerful cosponsors for ensuring this legislation will help so many veterans who served, including Gulf War, other pre-9/11, and post-9/11 veterans alike,” said Anthony Hardie, National Chair & Director Veterans for Common Sense.

“At VoteVets, we believe caring for our men and women in uniform — both during and after their service — is a national security priority, and it is essential to keep our sacred promise to those who’ve fought for our freedoms. Veterans and military families are suffering severe health consequences as a direct result of toxic exposure to burn pits. We're grateful to Senator Gillibrand and her colleagues for their leadership on this critical issue. Our heroes deserve the comprehensive solution this bill will provide,” said Mary Kaszynski, Director of Government Relations for VoteVets.

“The Stronghold Freedom Foundation is grateful for Senator Gillibrand’s proposed Presumptive Benefits for War Fighter Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. Upon passage, this legislation will provide some respite for Karshi-Khanabad Airbase (K2) veterans denied the care and benefits earned through their service and will greatly benefit many more. The Stronghold Freedom Foundation will continue to advocate for full recognition by the government and agencies which placed K2 veterans in harm’s way and will continue working with legislators, the DoD, and VA to obtain complete recognition, preventative care, screening, and registry for all K2 veterans,” said The Stronghold Freedom Foundation.

During military operations in the Global War on Terror and the Gulf War, the military employed open-air burn pits in order to burn garbage, medical waste, plastics, and other waste from military installations. According to estimates, at least 230 pits were utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many others were used across the world. The largest of these burn pits were located at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and during its operation, was comprised of 10-acres of burning trash, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

It has long been established that burning waste and garbage has significant negative impacts on the environment and human health--which is why using burn pits on American soil is against the law and exposure to other toxic substances is highly regulated. However, the military exposed millions of our men and women in uniform to carcinogenic toxic fumes released by burn pits that were used throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. It is estimated that more than 3.5 million military personnel could have been exposed to burn pits and the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry website shows that nearly 235,00 veterans and service members have completed and submitted a questionnaire to self-report medical information about burn pit exposure.

Furthermore, the exposure of our service members to dangerous chemicals and environments has not been limited to burn pits. Shortly after 9/11, the U.S. military established Camp Stronghold at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, known as K2, a former Soviet base in Uzbekistan that had held chemical weapons enriched with Uranium. Thousands of veterans were exposed to these dangerous toxins at this base, and many now suffer from rare cancers and other ailments.

Veterans are now sick and dying from lung diseases, cancers, and respiratory illnesses after living among this toxic cocktail of dust, smoke and debris while serving our country overseas. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to deny many veterans access to the VA with the excuse that there isn’t enough science to prove their ailments are service-connected.

Under current law, a veteran who has an illness or disability must establish a direct service connection in order to be eligible for VA benefits. Direct service connections means that evidence establishes that a particular injury or disease resulting in a disability was incurred while in service in the Armed Forces. For veterans exposed to burn pits, this means they would need to provide medical evidence of a current disease or disability, provide personal or other evidence of in-service physical presence near a specific burn pit or exposure to specific toxins or substance and provide evidence of a link between the disability or illness and exposure. Upon completion of these steps, the VA determines if there is enough evidence to provide a medical exam and continue with the disability compensation claim. Therefore, it is currently the veteran’s responsibility to provide their illness or disability is directly connected to burn pit exposure.

The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act would remove the “burden of proof” from the veteran to provide enough evidence to establish a direct service connection between their health condition and exposure. Rather, the veteran would only need to submit documentation that they received a campaign medal associated with the Global War on Terror or the Gulf War and they suffer from a qualifying health condition. Campaign medals are awarded to members of the armed forces who deploy for military operations in a designated combat zone or geographical theater.

Presumptive conditions include a wide range of cancers and respiratory illnesses, including: asthma, that was diagnosed after service, head cancer of any type, neck cancer of any type, respiratory cancer of any type, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, reproductive cancer of any type, lymphoma cancer of any type, lymphomatic cancer of any type, kidney cancer, brain cancer, melanoma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis.

The following organizations support the bill: Vietnam Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, The American Legion, Burn Pits 360, Vote Vets, Military Veterans Advocacy, Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Dixon Center, Veterans for Common Sense, Sergeant Sullivan Circle, National Veterans Legal Services Program, Warriors Project, Grunt Style, Feal Good Foundation.

We'd gladly include Gillibran's press release as well; however, her office is down this morning (I'm told it tries to load and load but never does). Gillibrand has been working on veterans issues for some time -- and female veterans know this probably better than anyone when she attempted to bring accountability to so-called military justice with regards to assaults and rape but was stabbed in the back by Democratic colleagues (chief among them, then-Senator Claire McCaskill).

She has also been working on the burnpit issue for some time. That's sad because Congress has been 'addressing' this since Bully Boy Bush occupied the White House. And we've got a press release from Gillibrand to copy and paste in thanks to a friend. And I'm told it's a long one which is fine, this is a serious topic that deserves far more attention than it ever gets.

April 13, 2021

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand And Marco Rubio, Representatives Raul Ruiz And Brian Fitzpatrick, Jon Stewart, John Feal, And Veterans Advocates Call On Congress To Pass Landmark Legislation To Help Veterans With Diseases Linked To Burn Pits And Other Toxic Exposures Obtain Benefits From Va

Gillibrand And Rubio, Ruiz And Fitzpatrick Recently Introduced The Bicameral, Bipartisan Presumptive Benefits For War Fighters Exposed To Burn Pits And Other Toxins Act; An Estimated 3.5 Million Veterans Could Have Been Exposed To Burn Pits That Spewed Toxic Fumes And Carcinogens Into The Air; Years Later, Sick Veterans Suffering From Diseases Linked To Burn Pit Exposure Have Been Burdened By Denials From The VA For Veterans’ Benefits; The Landmark Bill Would Establish A Service Connection For S

KEGburnpits

Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz, M.D, (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), alongside Jon Stewart, 9/11 activist John Feal, members of BurnPits 360, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and numerous veterans advocates stood together to call for landmark bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. The bill would streamline the process for veterans to obtain benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for illness due to exposure to burn pit and other toxic exposures. Approximately 3.5 million veterans have been exposed to burn pits that spewed toxic fumes and carcinogens into the air.

The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act would remove the “burden of proof” from the veteran to provide enough evidence to establish a direct service connection between their health condition and exposure. Rather, the veteran would only need to submit documentation that they received a campaign medal associated with the Global War on Terror or the Gulf War and they suffer from a qualifying health condition. Campaign medals are awarded to members of the armed forces who deploy for military operations in a designated combat zone or geographical theater.

“The stories we heard today are proof that the system is failing veterans and their families. Veterans who are sick with illnesses due to exposure to toxic chemicals while serving this country do not have time to spare,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “The connection between exposure to burn pits and the devastating health effects of respiratory illnesses and rare cancers is clear. No one should have to spend years jumping through hoops, doing research, and paying for doctors and biopsies to prove to the VA that their illness is service-related. And no one who is grieving a spouse lost to these diseases should have to fight the VA to get the benefits their family is owed. This is more than a health care crisis, it’s a moral outrage. The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act will finally establish a presumptive service connection for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins and streamline the process for obtaining vital VA benefits. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and to apply common sense and common decency to a broken process.”

“Our war fighters had a job to do, and they did it honorably and without hesitation," said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. "We will never be able to repay them and their families for their sacrifice, but we can -- and we must -- take care of them now. This historic and long overdue legislation will cut through the red tape to ensure veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins while defending our nation will receive the care they need and deserve. No more excuses. No more delays. It is time to act.”

“Our veterans cannot wait. Service members are returning home from the battlefield only to become delayed casualties of war, dying years later from lung diseases, cancers, and autoimmune diseases caused by their exposure to toxic military burn pits,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. “The VA and DoD cannot continue to neglect this self-inflicted wound on our veterans. That’s why I co-authored the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act with Senator Gillibrand to get our veterans the care they need right now.”

“Our veterans are heroes and deserve to be treated as such, yet the VA and DoD continue to deny their earned care. Our bipartisan Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act will establish a presumptive service connection for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins and streamline the process for obtaining vital VA benefits,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to join Rep. Ruiz and Senator Gillibrand and a broad national coalition of VSOs to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. No veteran should die waiting for care.”

“This legislation includes presumption and actually fixes this urgent and immoral issue. Anything else just delays and denies the treatment and benefits our warriors need,” said veterans advocate Jon Stewart.

"If we can spend money on training ordinary men & woman to go into combat and do extraordinary things keeping us safe 24/7, then we should be able to spend money when these Heroes come home missing body parts, have a mental illness or are poisoned by the toxic aftermath from Burn Pits. We are fighting two fronts. Passing vital legislation, and changing the culture on how these men & woman are taken care of after they come home,” said 9/11 Responder & Advocate John Feal.

“We are excited and hopeful for today’s event. It’s been over 10 years of building on the issue and sustained momentum for the veteran community and the families affected by toxic exposure. We will not negotiate with ourselves and will not settle for anything less than presumption. Our hope is that the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act will pass.” – Le Roy Torres, Co-Founder of Burn Pits 360

“Our work has centered on service members with shortness of breath following deployment. Over 100 service members have had lung biopsies showing deployment related toxic lung injury including bronchiolitis. They leave military service due to exercise limitation but usually fail to receive disability benefits.” - Dr. Robert Miller, Professor of Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center

“This legislation regarding Burn Pit exposure is required to fulfill our sacred obligation to the men and women who faithfully served,” said David Shulkin M.D., ninth secretary of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

“For IAVA members, the data is clear: 86% of members have been exposed to burn pits or other toxic exposures, and 88% either have or may already have symptoms from that exposure. It is past time that veterans exposed to these deadly toxins receive the benefits that they deserve,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). “We thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Raul Ruiz for their important leadership to ensure that veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic exposures will be able to get a presumption of illness for that exposure.”

“The VFW’s top legislative priority is comprehensive toxic exposure reform. The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act is a great step in taking care of the millions of men and women exposed to toxic hazards during their service overseas. The VFW is thankful Senators Gillibrand and Rubio have highlighted this issue and we are looking forward to the day new toxic exposure legislation is signed into law.” - Pat Murray, Director of VFW’s National Legislative Service

"Veteran Warriors supports this legislation as it is a step forward to give those affected by toxic exposures during military service more access to benefits and services that they have earned. Veteran's should not have to jump through hoops to get medical care for specific conditions when it has been proven that these conditions are linked to toxic exposure. While this legislation is not an end-all be-all resolution, it is a step in the right direction to providing much needed care to those exposed." - Holly Ferrell, Executive Director of Veteran Warriors, Inc.

“We look forward to Congress reintroducing and passing the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. Congress must act now to ensure that veterans exposed to toxic exposures receive the care that they need and rightfully deserve. We thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Raul Ruiz for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them to get this critical legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President.” – National Commander James W. Bill Oxford, American Legion

“As Vietnam veterans, we know firsthand the toll of toxic exposure on our health and the high costs associated with our toxic wounds. Times is of the essence, and we call for swift passage of this crucial legislation with the hopes that our younger veterans will not face the decades-long fight for healthcare and benefits that continues to plague Vietnam veterans,” said VVA National President John Rowan.

“To do justice to Vietnam and 1991 Gulf War veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange and Gulf War Illness, Congress had to legislate presumptions. It is past time to create a similar presumption for the sick veterans of our Nation’s more recent wars and military operations in countries having toxic environments created by burn pits or other conditions — natural or man-made.” - Peter Sullivan of SGT Sullivan Circle

“Many of our veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries are suffering from the toxic exposures from burn pits. It took the Vietnam Veterans years to fight for their benefits from exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides. In fact, we are still fighting for those who served in Guam, Panama, Thailand, and Okinawa. Vietnam veterans pushed not only for these benefits from their personal exposures to toxins, but for those suffering from PTSD as well. Let us not forget these young warriors, who are also suffering from the toxins released from the Burn Pits and in some cases radiation poisoning. No one wants to see these men and women wait decades for their earned and deserved benefits. Action is needed ASAP. Members from our organization, Military Veterans Advocacy will leave no service member or veteran behind. When these brave heroes raised their hands in an oath to defend this nation at all costs including their lives, our country promised to care for then when they returned. This country needs to be made accountable in keeping that promise. This is part of the price tag of war.” - Susie Belanger, Legislative Director, Military Veterans Advocacy, Inc.

“We applaud Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Rubio, Rep. Ruiz, and Rep. Fitzpatrick for their commitment to service members and veterans who have been dying and suffering from the devastating illnesses as a result of their exposure to toxic emissions from burn pits,” said National Veterans Legal Services Program Executive Director Bart Stichman. “This legislation does for victims of toxic exposures and burn pits what the Agent Orange Act did for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. This presumption of exposure and service connection is long overdue for veterans who were exposed to toxic emissions.”

"Too often, veterans have been alone in dealing with the consequences of service to their country. This is now an opportunity to stand with them, to honor their commitment, and together confront the challenges they are facing from exposure to burn pits and other toxins during their military service." - COL Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

“For many veterans with toxic exposures, there has been -- for them -- a clear timeline connecting their toxic exposures during their military deployments to the debilitating health outcomes that followed them home. Far too many veterans who were exposed to open burn pits and a veritable toxic soup have developed terrible respiratory conditions, Parkinson's and other diseases, and cancers, including the brain cancer that has taken so many of their lives. This critically important legislation will provide the missing link to help these veterans. Indeed, this is the only current, major toxic exposure legislation to actually name presumptive conditions for VA disability claims rather than lay out a bureaucratic process that relies on trusting VA to do the right thing -- the same VA that currently denies Gulf War and Burn Pits-related claims at 80 percent denial rates. In this year of the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), we are deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand and the many powerful cosponsors for ensuring this legislation will help so many veterans who served, including Gulf War, other pre-9/11, and post-9/11 veterans alike.” - Anthony Hardie, National Chair & Director Veterans for Common Sense

“At VoteVets, we believe caring for our men and women in uniform — both during and after their service — is a national security priority, and it is essential to keep our sacred promise to those who’ve fought for our freedoms. Veterans and military families are suffering severe health consequences as a direct result of toxic exposure to burn pits. We're grateful to Senator Gillibrand and her colleagues for their leadership on this critical issue. Our heroes deserve the comprehensive solution this bill will provide." - Mary Kaszynski, Director of Government Relations for VoteVets

“The Stronghold Freedom Foundation is grateful for Senator Gillibrand’s proposed Presumptive Benefits for War Fighter Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. Upon passage, this legislation will provide some respite for Karshi-Khanabad Airbase (K2) veterans denied the care and benefits earned through their service and will greatly benefit many more. The Stronghold Freedom Foundation will continue to advocate for full recognition by the government and agencies which placed K2 veterans in harm’s way and will continue working with legislators, the DoD, and VA to obtain complete recognition, preventative care, screening, and registry for all K2 veterans.” – The Stronghold Freedom Foundation

“Blinded Veterans Association sincerely thanks Congressman Ruiz, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Senator Gillibrand, and Senator Rubio for their dedication to our service members and veterans by ensuring they receive the compensation for toxic exposure related diseases they deserve,” said BVA National Service Director, Veterans Benefits & Policy James Vale. “Toxic exposure related illnesses need to be provided for just as any physical or mental injuries are with proper healthcare and compensation benefits. Our service members and veterans battling severe illnesses need the support of Congress and the VA immediately to correct injustices created by the barriers to care for military toxic exposures.”

Several veterans advocates shared their stories of the challenges that they and their family members have faced when trying to receive benefits from the VA:

Army Captain Le Roy Torres was deployed to Balad, Iraq from 2007-2008 and served the State of Texas as a State Trooper for 14 years. He suffers from complications from illnesses caused by toxic burn pit exposure during his deployment. After experiencing delay, denial of benefits, and ineffective treatment from his physicians for his illnesses, Le Roy alongside his wife, Rosie, founded Burn Pits 360. The organization works to ensure that no other service member or Veteran suffers delay, denial of benefits, and ineffective treatment for toxic fume exposure from physicians.

As the surviving spouse of Ret. Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Cancelino USMC, who served as a Marine for 20 years, Gina Cancelino has been fighting to receive VA disability benefits for herself and two children. Joseph was deployed to Iraq from March 2003-August 2003. His barracks were located across from a burn pit and barrels of burning human waste. While serving his final year in the Marines, he joined the NYPD and served as a PO until his promotion to Sergeant. In January 2017 he was diagnosed with stage 3c metastatic testicular cancer, which at the time of diagnosis had travelled to his pelvis, abdomen, and lungs. The cancer then progressed to his brain. While receiving treatment, it was discovered that there was a secondary thyroid cancer as well. Despite several rounds and types of chemotherapy, radiation, lymph node resection, brain resection, immunotherapy, palliative chemotherapy, and a trial treatment that he was only the fourth patient to receive, Joseph passed away in July 2019. His surviving spouse, Gina, can no longer add Joseph's name to the DoD burn pit registry since he has passed away. The VA has denied her benefits until she proves that her husband's cancer was a direct service connection to burn pits and toxic exposure while serving in Iraq.

Veteran Mark Jackson was active duty in the Army from 1997 through 2005. He was deployed to Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan from July 2003 to April 2004, where uranium, chemical weapon debris, and chemical ponds were present, and black goo oozed from the ground. While deployed, Jackson’s health quickly deteriorated and, as his health worsened when he returned home, he sought help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In 2008, the VA granted only 10% disability for service related to his thyroid disorder and denied the rest of his claims. Since then, he has advocated for care from the VA for other service members suffering from diseases related to toxic exposure.

Veteran Cindy Aman served as Military Police in Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait. Upon returning home, began work as civilian police, but started having shortness of breath despite being very fit. When she sought help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), some caseworkers thought she had lung disease, but the head of pathology didn’t agree. She reached out to Senator Coons (who she now works for) and he helped get the VA to pay for a lung biopsy. When her biopsy showed metals in her lungs and brown gunk she had to leave the police force. After two years, Aman eventually received some benefits from the VA. She is now an advocate for the family of veteran Jason Howard who is on hospice with glioblastoma — the same brain cancer that Beau Biden had.

Background:

During military operations in the Global War on Terror and the Gulf War, the military employed open-air burn pits in order to burn garbage, medical waste, plastics, and other waste from military installations. According to estimates, at least 230 pits were utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many others were used across the world. The largest of these burn pits were located at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and during its operation, consisted of 10-acres of burning trash, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

It has long been established that burning waste and garbage has significant negative impacts on the environment and human health — which is why using burn pits on American soil is against the law and exposure to other toxic substances is highly regulated. However, the military exposed millions of our men and women in uniform to carcinogenic toxic fumes released by burn pits that were used throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. It is estimated that more than 3.5 million military personnel could have been exposed to burn pits and the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry website shows that nearly 235,00 veterans and service members have completed and submitted a questionnaire to self-report medical information about burn pit exposure.

Furthermore, the exposure of our service members to dangerous chemicals and environments has not been limited to burn pits. Shortly after 9/11, the U.S. military established Camp Stronghold at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, known as K2, a former Soviet base in Uzbekistan that had held chemical weapons enriched with Uranium. Thousands of veterans were exposed to these dangerous toxins at this base, and many now suffer from rare cancers and other ailments.

Veterans are now sick and dying from lung diseases, cancers, and respiratory illnesses after living among this toxic cocktail of dust, smoke and debris while serving our country overseas. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to deny many veterans access to the VA with the excuse that there isn’t enough science to prove their ailments are service-connected.

Under current law, a veteran who has an illness or disability must establish a direct service connection in order to be eligible for VA benefits. Direct service connections means that evidence establishes that a particular injury or disease resulting in a disability was incurred while in service in the Armed Forces. For veterans exposed to burn pits, this means they would need to provide medical evidence of a current disease or disability, provide personal or other evidence of in-service physical presence near a specific burn pit or exposure to specific toxins or substance and provide evidence of a link between the disability or illness and exposure. Upon completion of these steps, the VA determines if there is enough evidence to provide a medical exam and continue with the disability compensation claim. Therefore, it is currently the veteran’s responsibility to provide their illness or disability is directly connected to burn pit exposure.

The Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act would cover a wide range of cancers and respiratory illnesses as presumptive conditions, including: asthma, that was diagnosed after service, head cancer of any type, neck cancer of any type, respiratory cancer of any type, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, reproductive cancer of any type, lymphoma cancer of any type, lymphoma cancer of any type, kidney cancer, brain cancer, melanoma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis.

The following organizations support the bill: IAVA, The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project, Reserve Officers Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Burn Pits 360, Green Beret Foundation, Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, Dixon Center, National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), Military Veterans Advocacy, Veterans for Common Sense, Sgt. Sullivan Circle, Vote Vets, Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Grunt Style, Cease Fire Campaign, Veteran Warriors Inc., National Association County Veterans Service Officers, Feal Good Foundation, Blinded Veterans Association.

Stewart, Feal and Gillibrand previously worked together to make the 9/11 Health and Compensation Funds permanent.

For those new to the issue, Burn Pits 360 is a strong group that advocates for veterans exposed to burn pits. We'll note this letter to the editors of THE GAINESVILLE SUN:

Another cost of war

Before COVID restrictions in March 2020 eliminated such positions, I had the privilege of serving for a few years as a volunteer at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. In my role, I got to meet and talk to veterans and their family members. During these conversations, it was quite apparent that many of the Vietnam veterans were still dealing with the medical and emotional consequences of their tours to 'Nam and their exposure to Agent Orange.

Recently I watched the feature “The Cost of War” on the PBS NewsHour. This piece is about the current legislation before Congress that seeks to compensate veterans for illnesses that they possibly (some argue persuasively, “probably”) suffered from inhaling toxins from burn pits that they had been exposed to in Iraq, Afghanistan and Dessert Storm.

As I watched, I saw a parallel to the sad story of how long it took the VA to recognize and admit that Agent Orange was responsible for and would finally “cover” the health consequences and deaths caused by this toxic herbicide. I would urge readers to support congressional approval of these long-overdue measures so that something truly significant is passed before Veteran's Day, 2021!

Steve Landay, Gainesville

Last week, PBS' THE NEWSHOUR covered the issue (link is text and video):

Judy Woodruff:

Tens of thousands of U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq are sick, and have had to fight to get their illnesses recognized as linked to their service.

It is a critical step to qualify for medical and disability benefits. Congress is considering legislation to change all that.

That story now from producer Dan Sagalyn and our John Yang.

He said: "I can't get up. The only time this headache is manageable is if I'm laying flat on my back."

Jennifer Howard:

And so it was a trip to the urgent care, and then to the E.R. They came back and said: "There's a mass in his brain and we think it is cancerous."

John Yang:

Jennifer Howard has to speak for her husband, Jason. At age 44, he's barely conscious.

Jennifer Howard:

I have other types of pizza too, if you get through all of this.

John Yang:

The reason? Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that usually occurs in much older adults.

Jennifer Howard:

They came in and said: "Life expectancy with this type of tumor is not long. Make the best of your time that you have."

John Yang:

Jason served two tours in Iraq as a Marine. He was always fit and healthy and loved to run marathons.

Jennifer Howard:

When they came back, they talked a bit about how everything was on fire. They burned everything.

John Yang:

Jason took these photos of the thick noxious smoke that billowed from burn pits on the bases in Iraq where he served in 2003 and 2004.

Man:

Hey, we have a burn pit down here.

John Yang:

In Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. military burned all its trash in open air pits.

Man:

I have no idea what they're burning over there.

John Yang:

From plastic water bottles, styrofoam, and batteries, to tires, electronic equipment and paint cans.

Sometimes, jet fuel was used as an accelerant. The smoke permeated the bases where the service members slept, ate and worked.

Man:

Hey, Jason.

Jennifer Howard:

It's your parents.

John Yang:

Jennifer believes burn pits caused her husband's cancer.

And she says the Department of Veteran Affairs made her jump through hoops to prove a direct connection between his exposure and his cancer before granting benefits.

Jennifer Howard:

I talked to that 1-800 VA number to see where our claim is. They said: "Oh, well, we're finally sending it over so that you can get scheduled for his evaluation."

And I said: "Are we going to do it before he dies?" And I said it just like that, and not yell. And I was told — told to calm down. They wanted me to drive him to the VA for an in-person exam, which he wasn't like this, but I wouldn't have been able to put him in a car. So, I had to file an appeal to have an in-home exam done.

John Yang:

According to data obtained by the "NewsHour," of the 2.5 million veterans who served in the global war on terrorism, almost 43,000 filed a claim for cancer.

They then play a clip, from 2018, of Joe Biden trotting out his dead son Beau. Not in the mood. If you really believed that burn pits contributed to your son's death, Joe, then it's incumbent on you, as president, to get to work on doing something.

Joe thinks he can blame his support of the Iraq War on Bully Boy Bush -- apparently he feard Bully Boy would give him a wet willie if he didn't vote for the Iraq War? -- and that means he doesn't have to make amends for his support for the Iraq War. Joe needs to grow the hell up. He's president now. If he believes Beua's cancer is because of burn pits, it's incumbent upon him to work seriously on this issue and work with Congress to get legislation passed. Now.

Over the weekend, Joe's buddy Recept Despot of Turkey attacked a UN refugee camp in Iraq after publicly threatening that he would do so. (Or 'warning' as REUTERS chose to word it. Hey, anyone remember when Barack Obama first got elected president and REUTERS gave the CIA agent cover as a reporter until we blew the whistle here? Yeah, I remember it too. But let's try to pretend REUTERS is just an unbiased news outlet.)

Diego Cupolo (AL-MONITOR) writes:

The attack was one of Turkey’s deepest into Iraqi territory since it launched operations Claw-Lightning and Claw-Thunderbolt on April 23 to root out PKK militants along the Turkish-Iraqi border. Analysts tracking the ongoing conflict say the latest airstrike underlines Ankara’s drive to keep the pressure by all available means on Kurdish militants operating in the region.

“Turkey has the capacity of spotting these terror elements regardless of their geographical locations, and Turkey also has the capabilities of eliminating these targets,” Feyzullah Tuna Aygun, an Iraq expert for the ORSAM Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Ankara, told Al-Monitor.

The ongoing operations come as Erdogan and other high-level officials in Ankara claim Kurdish militants along Turkey’s southern borders with Iraq and Syria pose a security threat for Turkey. Since the 1980s, Ankara has fought an insurgency against PKK militants that has led to the deaths of more than 40,000 people.

Turkish officials have also repeatedly condemned US support for some Kurdish-led groups in military campaigns to eradicate the Islamic State from the region.

Following Saturday’s airstrike, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the United Nations, said she had warned Ankara officials a day earlier against waging such attacks near Makhmour.

“Yesterday, I made clear to Turkish officials that any attack targeting civilians at Makhmour refugee camp would be a violation of international and humanitarian law,” Thomas-Greenfield tweeted on Saturday. “I’m deeply concerned about violence near the camp today and call on all sides to respect the rights of refugees.”

The PKK emerged as a response to the Turkish government's targeting of the Kurds in Turkey. The Turkish government targets northern Iraq and only northern Iraq because that's where the Kurdistan Regional Government is. The Turkish government oppresses Kurds and has for years. As their population continues to increase, the Turkish government grows more fearful. And oppressed people cannot be oppressed forever. They either win freedom or you end up with Turkey trying to murder them all like a century ago when the Turkish government carried out the Armenian genocide.

PRESS TV reports:

A senior Iraqi MP has denounced Turkey's deployment of troops to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region where they are pressing ahead with a military campaign against PKK militants, saying Ankara must end its occupation of the Iraqi territories.

“What is happening within the borders of the Kurdistan region represents a dangerous escalation by the Turkish army and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK),” the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) quoted Chairman of the Security and Defense Committee in the Iraqi Parliament Mohammed Rida Al Haidar as saying.

“The Constitution does not allow the presence of refugees with affiliation to militant groups on the Iraqi soil,” he said in a televised statement.

Al Haidar also categorically denied the existence of any agreement between Baghdad and Ankara regarding the ongoing military offensive in the Kurdistan region.

“There are only temporary and conditional understandings with Turkey,” he said, stressing that “Turkey should not exploit the current situation in Iraq.”

In related news, KURDISTAN 24 reports:

The Kurdistan Region is a “red line” for the United States, Joe Reeder, former Undersecretary of the Army, told Kurdistan 24 last week.

Reeder was explaining the importance that the Biden administration and the US Congress place on America’s relations with the Kurdish region.

“It is very important that the countries in that neighborhood understand that anything that threatens the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government] is a red line for the United States,” Reeder affirmed.

There are “tens of thousands of Kurdish-Americans living here in the United States, and you’ve got a very charismatic and well-spoken leader, Bayan al-Rahman, here in Washington, DC and, I believe, that Congress” and “the administration strongly support the Kurds,” Reeder continued, “and the Kurds have earned that respect for their bravery and for their loyalty.”

That 'red line' is questionable -- going back to when Henry Kissinger was Secretary of State and plotting to betray the Kurds (see the Congressional report, The Pike *Report* -- not "Papers" as originally dictated -- Aaron Latham did the definitive report on that Congressional report in real time for THE VILLAGE VOICE).

The following sites updated: