I was recently alerted to something many Vietnam veterans (both men and women) may not be aware of. The navy veteran, who was a high ranking officer before retirement, who gave me the information to share was totally unaware until a man at the VA told him. He has submitted paperwork and suggested I pass this along.
It seems that anyone who served and may have been exposed to toxic chemicals, i.e. Agent Orange etc. is entitled to benefits over and above what they are currently receiving. High on the list are ground personnel that were in, what is called the “brown river” area.
If any of you have suffered any illness where the cause may link to your service time please contact the VA, give them your service identification umber and check it out.
My friend was attached to a carrier but since helicopters landed regularly and the crew had orders to carefully wipe each one down, he too was eligible. It seems that those helicopters may have been “dusted” with toxic chemicals.