It’s been 45 years since the Vietnam War ended, but American veterans are still dealing with the effects of Agent Orange, a mixture of toxic chemicals used in the deforestation of the fields upon which thousands of American military personnel fought against a communist opposition.
During the war, the government insisted the herbicide was harmless, today, veterans know all too well that is not the case.
Virginia’s first “Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting” is taking place in Lynchburg.
David Stokes is a Vietnam War veteran living in Central Virginia. As an intelligence analyst with the U.S. Army… while he didn’t take part in direct “boots on the ground” combat during the conflict, he along with thousands of other service personnel were indirectly exposed to the chemical residues of Agent Orange.
“The government doesn’t throw anything away, so they would take the empty 55 gallon barrels, cut tops and bottoms, weld together, add a shower head. So basically when you took a shower, shaved, ate bananas, sugar cane, rice, you were exposed to agent orange the whole time.”
So for many veterans, whether directly or indirectly exposed to the chemical, it’s been a post-war life comprised of medical issues including cancers, diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease and skin disorders, just to name a few. Even the children and grandchildren of veterans have been affected. Miscarriages, birth defects and a myriad of ailments are being documented.
For many years, the federal government denied the effects of Agent Orange, but the decades-long backlash has led the Veteran’s Administration, and the government, to finally acknowledge the harmful effects.
These days, veterans are fighting for medical treatment and disability compensation, but most importantly for the welfare of their children, and their children’s children. Stokes, along with thousands of vets are advocating for two pieces of legislation.
“There are two bills, Senate Bill 2738 and House of Representatives Bill 5484, which is trying to continue to support the research for Agent Orange toxic chemicals. This is to be continued on, because future generations that will be affected from it.”
That’s why a number of Agent Orange Town Hall Meetings have been scheduled around the country. David Stokes is spearheading the first of its kind in Virginia, in hopes many of those affected can attend, and find the resources, information and support they need for themselves and for their families.
Stokes himself suffers from neuropathy, poor circulation and skin conditions, but he’s not in THIS fight for himself.
“It’s not over with. The war ended in ’75, but we’re still fighting with the government about compensation for us and our families, to continue research, not only for us now, but our children, grandchildren and future generations.”
The Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting will be held tomorrow at American Legion Post 16 in Lynchburg from 9AM to Noon.