Veterans news report

Now, 60 years after the fact, the U.S. Government is trying to locate all the veterans who may have been exposed to mustard gas or the chemical weapon Lewisite during their military service time.

Most of these veterans participated in chemical testing programs during World War II. They were exposed to mustard agents, which includes sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard and Lewisite, which is a blister producting chemical that contains organic arsenic.

These "mustard gas veterans" took part in a Department of Defense (DoD) testing during the war to evaluate clothing, ointments and equipment that would protect American troops from mustard agent attacks.

As part of the tests, DoD reported some participants were exposed to a drop of a chemical warfare agent on an arm, while others had full-body exposure in test chambers, sometimes with limited protective clothing. According to DoD, approximately 4,500 service members were exposed to these agents. The new Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), Jim Nicholson in a public statement said, "Many of these veterans have already sacrificed for their country, above and beyond the normal call of duty and at VA we will ensure they receive the benefits and cure they have earned." I'm sure most Americans would say, it's about time.

VA launched an awareness campaign in 1993 about benefits for veterans exposed to chemical warfare materials. This new effort includes direct mailings to veterans newly identified by the DoD. The mailing information covers VA medical and financial benefits, data about the effects of exposure to chemical warfare agents, and telephone numbers for VA and DoD offices involved in the outreach campaign. VA is continuing to seek addresses for additional veterans and survivors. Veterans are invited to file disability compensation claims for any condition related to service, including exposure to mustard agents and Lewister.

Veterans or their survivors with questions about these benefits should contact VA at 1-800-749-8387.

This information has been presented by The American Legion, Department of Missouri, David Shafer, Commander, in conjunction with your local Bazan Bailey American Legion Post 6, Kevin Bartholmey, Commander.