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AGENT ORANGE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE OFFICIAL COVVHA TESTIMONY
Tanya Mack COVVHA IOMThere is a renewed push for the Institute of Medicine to take seriously the claims made by the Children of Vietnam Veterans and their families about the birth defects and illnesses they are suffering from. The adverse affects of the dioxin laden herbicide sprayed over the jungles of Vietnam, AKA Agent Orange, have been well known since the government first admitted in 1991 to cause illnesses in Vietnam Veterans. For years, the veterans and their families have been saying birth defects and rare illnesses have affected their children’s health. These anomalies and illnesses are not only happening in the children of Vietnam Veterans (2nd generation), but now are showing up in alarming numbers in the grandchildren (3rd Generation) of Vietnam Veterans as well.

January 16, 2013, Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance (COVVHA) participated, in the public hearings for the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Committee to Review on the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans Exposure to Herbicides (Ninth Biennial Update) in Irvine, California. Tanya Mack, COVVHA Core Chairperson, and California resident, gave testimony on behalf of COVVHA to the committee. Tanya Mack is the Daughter of a recently, deceased Vietnam Veteran who succumbed service connected Agent Orange illnesses. She was born with severe hip dysplasia and has developed several rare aggressive cancers in her thirties which she is currently still fighting.

“The Institute of Medicine is an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers and the public (From the IOM website).” They have been commissioned to review biannually, the most current data available about herbicides and the health effects on our Veterans. In the past, the IOM have been responsible for getting new illnesses added to the presumptive list for our ailing Vietnam Veterans. Like On October 13, 2009, when, the Veterans Affairs added three new medical conditions for Vietnam Veterans presumptively associated with exposure to herbicides; hairy cell and other B-cell leukemia’s, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic heart disease, to the list of covered illnesses.

Included in COVVHA’s report to the committee, were the number and types of illnesses and congenital anomalies found in the second and third generation members of COVVHA. This includes the ailments that mirror the Vietnam Veterans and the congenital anomalies found on the list of birth defects covered in the children of women Vietnam Veterans. Tanya Mack, shared several studies from the early eighties including Ranch Hand studies and a current epigenetic study from Washington State that show a correlation to trans-generational exposures to dioxin, with the committee for them to consider. Several recommendations were made as to the next actions to help the children of Vietnam Veterans in the most practical ways.

Three of COVVHA recommendations included approving the currently covered eighteen plus, birth defects for children of female Vietnam Veterans for the children of male Vietnam Veterans. The second recommendation included the request for free DNA and Epigenetic testing for the biological children of Vietnam Veterans as needed, and an official Agent Orange Registry for Children of Vietnam Veterans. COVVHA made several other recommendations that were included in their submitted testimony.

Highlights of other participant’s testimony:
Ken Holybee, Director at Large, of Vietnam Veterans of America. Ken pointed out in the Veterans and Agent Orange 2008 Update, the IOM Committee concluded that it was plausible exposure to herbicides that could cause paternally mediated effects in offspring as a result of epigenetic changes, and that such changes would most likely be attributable to the TCDD contaminants in Agent Orange. He urged the committee to follow up on their 2008 recommendations. Due to the continued suffering the VVA sees in the families who attend their Agent Orange Town Hall Meetings.

Debra Kraus, widow of a Vietnam Veteran, Activist and Artist, shared a slideshow presentation of her art that is based on her experience through her husband’s dealings with the V.A. and health issues.

Elayne Mackey, National Health Committee co-chair for the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA). AVVA recommends the creation of Centers of Excellence to provide for research, treatment, and social services for the offspring of veterans of all eras who have been exposed to toxins while in service to our country.

Wesley T. Carter, Chair of the C-123 Veterans Association, asked for two possibilities, the Department of Defense designates the contaminated -123 aircraft, by specific tail number, as Agent Orange exposure sites. The other for the VA to accept claims from veterans able to provide evidence of service aboard the aircraft known to have been contaminated.

Andy Olshan, PhD, Chair of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina and Kim Boekelheide, MD, PhD, Professor of Medical Science, Brown University phoned into the meeting. The Doctors gave their opinion on the likelihood of Paternal Transmission of Dioxin through Sperm. The Doctors stated that paternal transmission is relatively small because the male system is made to minimize the transmission of issues and that there is not enough evidence to support the theory that Dioxin is transmitted through sperm.

COVVHA is committed to serving as a voice for the children of Vietnam Veterans including second and third generation victims of Agent Orange and Dioxin Exposures worldwide. We believe in empowering each other to hold the companies and governments responsible for causing so much devastation and suffering to our generations. We fight for justice globally. We hope the IOM will make the responsible recommendations to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Please, see the full testimony submitted to the Institute of Medicine attached which also includes Tanya Mack’s personal health struggle with Agent Orange related birth defects and cancers.

COVVHA members and supporters who have joined our email subscription will also receive the Video of Tanya’s testimony. If you would like to receive the video and other information from COVVHA you can subscribe in the box below

Committee to Review the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposure to Herbicides (Ninth Biennial Update… by View Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance’s profile on Scribd” href=”http://www.scribd.com/COVVHA1″>Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance


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Heather A. Bowser, MsEd, LPCC
© 2013 (COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC
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AGENT ORANGE DARK MATTERS TWISTED BUT TRUE

Dark Matters Season 3 Episode 1, Agent Orange – The Accidental Inventor
Synopsis: A chemical that speeds up the flowering process in soybeans turns into a weapon during Vietnam.
Original air date: November 22, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw8OS925lUY

Dark Matters: Twisted But True is a television series featured on the Science Channel. Hosted by actor John Noble of Fringe and Lord of the Rings, the show takes the viewer inside the laboratory to profile strange science and expose some of history’s most bizarre experiments. This show uses narration and reenactments to portray the stories in this show

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Agent Orange Military Base Test Sites and Storage List www.covvha.net
Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were tested or stored elsewhere, including many military bases in the United States. Below is information from the Department of Defense (DoD) on projects to test, dispose of, or store herbicides in the U.S. For projects outside the U.S., go to Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside the U.S.

 

Agent Orange Dioxin Military Bases

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GRANDCHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS, THIRD GENERATION, AGENT ORANGE DIOXIN BIRTH DEFECTS & HEALTH ISSUES
Agent Orange In Grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans www.covvha.net

We have compiled a list of 107 reported illnesses that the biological Grand-Children of Vietnam Veterans are suffering from to try and find common threads. There have been no official claims that anything on this list has been proven to be caused by Agent Orange/Dioxin unless otherwise noted in the information below. If your child is suffering from any illness not listed, please email us at COVVHA@GMAIL.COM This list has been updated as of January 22, 2013.

Please click on the page “JOIN OUR SITE” to become an email subscriber. You will then receive notifications when databases for 2ND GENERATION, 3RD GENERATION, and VETERANS HEALTH have been updated as well as any new articles that are published. Please be sure to check your email after subscribing for your confirmation completion.

Abdominal Scar Tissue Growth
Abdominal Migraines
Allergies
Amblyopia
Anencephaly
Anxiety
Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of Limb
Asperger’s – Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asthma
Auditory Processing Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autoimmune Problems
Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome
Bedwetting
Borderline Personality Disorder
Born with One Kidney
Bowel Obstruction
Cellulitis
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Ear Infections
Cleft Palate
Constipation
Cystic Hygroma
Deafness (in one ear)
Deformed Baby Teeth
Depression
Developmental Delay
Dual AV Node In Heart
Dyslexia
Eczema
Edwards Syndrome
Enlarged Adenoids
Enlarged Tonsils
Failure to Thrive
Fibromyalgia
Fine Motor Aphasia
Frequent Ear Infections
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gluten Allergy
Gross Motor Aphasia
Heart Murmur
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hole in Heart
Hydrocephalus
Hyperflexability in the Joints
Hypospadias
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
ITP
Keratosis Pilaris
Lazy Eye
Learning Disability, Non Specific
Leg and Hip Problems at Birth
Low Vitamin D Levels
Migraines
Missing Teeth
Neural Tube Defects
Night Terrors
Nosebleeds
Not Good Hand/ Eye Coordination
Obesity
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
One Testicle That is Smaller Than the Other One
Overall Weak Immune System
Past Urinary Problems
Peeling Finger/ Toe Nails
Photosensitivity
Plagiocephaly
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Potty Training Problems
Premature Birth
Prone to Vericocele/ Hydracele
Prune Belly Syndrome
Pulmonary Stenosis
Pyloric Stenosis
Radial Dysphasia of the Wrist
Reflux
Retinoblastoma
Ruptured Ear Drums
Scoliosis
Seizures
Sensitive Skin
Sensory Processing Disorder/ Dysfunction of Sensory Integration
Severe Colic
Severe Seasonal Allergies
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sinusitis
Sleep Apnea
Snoring
Social Anxiety Disorder
Speech Disorder, Articulation
Spine is Blunt at the Bottom
Stickler Syndrome
Teeth Growing in Crooked
Tourette’s Syndrome
Two Uteruses
Type One Diabetes
UTI’s/ Bladder Infections
Vacterl Syndrome
Ventricular Septial Defect
Von Willebrand  Disease
Warts
Weak Baby Teeth
Weak Enamel In/On Teeth
Weird Skin Rashes

 

 © (COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC

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Agent Orange 731 Illnesses Reported By Children Of Vietnam Veterans – COVVHA Database Update 2013

We have compiled a list of 731 reported illnesses that the biological Children of Vietnam Veterans are suffering from to try and find common threads. There have been no official claims that anything on this list has been proven to be caused by Agent Orange/Dioxin unless otherwise noted in the information below. Other reports indicate that there are up to 30 years of illnesses and conditions being collected that we suffer from as the second generation. While many of us are born with these problems, our members that participated in this list are generally between the ages of 20-45 both male and female, often with no prior family history. If you are suffering from any illness not listed, please email us at COVVHA@GMAIL.COM. This list has been updated as of January 9, 2013. Please click on the page “JOIN OUR SITE” to become an email subscriber. You will then receive notifications when databases for 2ND GENERATION, 3RD GENERATION, and VETERANS HEALTH have been updated as well as any new articles that are published. Please be sure to check your email after subscribing for your confirmation completion.

  1. Abnormal Cervical Bleeding
  2. Abnormal Growth between the Ovaries
  3. Abnormal Pap Smears
  4. Abnormal Periods
  5. Abnormal Rectal Bleeding
  6. Achy Body
  7. Acid Reflux
  8. Acne Issues Undefined Cystic
  9. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  10. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
  11. ADD
  12. Addiction Cigarettes
  13. Addiction other than Cigarettes
  14. Addison’s Disease
  15. Adenomyosis
  16. ADHD
  17. Adrenal Gland Tumors
  18. Adult Acne
  19. Agoraphobia Severe
  20. Albinism
  21. Alcoholism
  22. Allergies
  23. Alopecia Areata
  24. Amblyopia
  25. Amenorrhoea
  26. Amputation
  27. Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Basaloid Type
  28. Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
  29. Anaphylaxis
  30. Anencephaly
  31. Anemia
  32. Anger Issues
  33. Angioedema
  34. Ankyloglossia
  35. Ankylosing Spondylitis
  36. Annual Decrease in Night Vision
  37. Anorexia Nervosa
  38. Antiphospholipid Syndrome
  39. Anxiety
  40. Aortic Pulmonary Regurgitation
  41. Aphasia
  42. Appendicitis Cancerous/Undefined
  43. Appendicitis
  44. Arachnoid Cyst In Brain Space
  45. Arachnoiditis
  46. Arnold-Chiari Malformation
  47. Arrhythmia
  48. Arteriovenous Malformation
  49. Arthritis Inflammatory Of The Si Joint Rheumatoid
  50. Arthritis Juvenile
  51. Asperger’s
  52. Asthma
  53. Ataxia
  54. Atrial Fibrillation
  55. Autism
  56. Autoimmune Disease
  57. Autoimmune Disease Unknown Etiology
  58. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
  59. Autonomic Neuropathy
  60. Back Pain
  61. Bacterial Meningitis
  62. Bacterial Infections
  63. Balance Problem
  64. Bell’s Palsy
  65. Benign Cyst Armpit
  66. Benign Multinodular Goiter
  67. Benign Oral Cysts
  68. Benign Tumor on Thyroid/ Near Total Thyroidectomy Surgery
  69. Berger’s Disease
  70. Bicornuate Uterus
  71. Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve
  72. Bicuspid Valve Prolapse
  73. Bilateral Baker Cysts
  74. Bilateral Uterus
  75. Bipartite Patellas
  76. Bipolar Disorder
  77. Blackouts
  78. Bladder Infections/ Utis
  79. Bladder Is Collapsing
  80. Bladder Issues Infections/Overactive
  81. Bladder Lift
  82. Bleeding Issues
  83. Blindness
  84. Blood in Urine Undefined
  85. Blood Vessel Issues
  86. Boils
  87. Bone Cancer
  88. Bone Spurs/Problems Undefined
  89. Bones Missing At Birth
  90. Border Line Diabetic
  91. Borderline High Blood Pressure
  92. Borderline Personality Disorder
  93. Borderline Schizophrenia
  94. Born Blind
  95. Born Deaf
  96. Bowel Deformity/Issues
  97. Bradycardia Arrhythmia
  98. Brain Calcification And An Enlarged Perivascular Space
  99. Brain Issues Water On The Brain
  100. Brain Lesions Aneurism/Tumors/Surgery
  101. Brain Stem Abnormalities
  102. Brain Stem Small
  103. Brain Tumors
  104. Breast Cancer
  105. Breast Pain
  106. Breathing Problems Undefined
  107. Bronchitis/Bronchial Spasms
  108. Bursitis
  109. Calcium Deficiency
  110. Calluses on Vocal Chords Faulty Stomach Acid Caused
  111. Camptodactyly
  112. Cancer
  113. Cancer Undefined
  114. Cardiac Arrhythmia
  115. Cardiac Deformity
  116. Cardiomyopathy
  117. Cardiac Sarcoma
  118. Carpal Tunnel
  119. Caudal Regression
  120. Cava Perthes
  121. Celiac Disease
  122. Cellulitis
  123. Central Nervous System Disorder
  124. Cerebral Palsy
  125. Cerebellum Issues Undefined
  126. Cerebral Aneurysm
  127. Cerebral Palsy
  128. Cervical Cancer
  129. Cervical Dysplasia/Incompetency
  130. Cervical Infections
  131. Chiari Malformation Assoc W/ Spina Bifida
  132. Chemical Sensitivity
  133. Chest Wall Pain/ Breast Pain/Chest Pain
  134. Childhood Bedwetting
  135. Childhood Extreme Shyness
  136. Chloracne
  137. Choristoma Tumor in the Ear
  138. Chromosome Abnormalities
  139. Crohn’s Disease
  140. Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis
  141. Chronic Candida and Other Female Reproductive Organ Infections
  142. Chronic Childhood Ear Infections
  143. Chronic Constipation
  144. Chronic Costochondritis
  145. Chronic ENT Issues Resulting In Adenoidectomy Tonsillectomy And Ear Tubes
  146. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  147. Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome
  148. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
  149. Chronic Insomnia
  150. Chronic Kidney Disease
  151. Chronic Knee Dysplasia
  152. Chronic Migraines
  153. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Copd
  154. Chronic Pneumonia
  155. Chronic Sinusitis
  156. Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
  157. Chronic Venous Insufficiency Cvi Severe
  158. Cleft Palate Lips
  159. Clotting Disorders
  160. Club Foot
  161. Club Foot Talipes Equinovarus
  162. Cognitive Disorder
  163. Cognitive Disorder
  164. Cognitive Issues
  165. Cold Hands/Feet
  166. Cold/Flu Chronic
  167. Collapsed Vertebra
  168. Colon Issues
  169. Complete Hysterectomy
  170. Complete Pelvic Floor Collapse
  171. Compromised Immune System
  172. Compulsive Skin Picking Around Fingers
  173. Congenial Scoliosis
  174. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
  175. Congenital Anosmia Born Without the Ability To Smile
  176. Congenital Heart Blockage
  177. Congenital Hips
  178. Congenital Hypertension
  179. Connective Tissue Disorder
  180. Constipation/Cramping
  181. Conversion Disorder
  182. Costochondritis
  183. Cranial Synthesis
  184. Crest Syndrome
  185. Crohn’s Disease
  186. Crossed Eyes Newborn
  187. Cryoglobulinemia
  188. Cushings Syndrome
  189. Cystic Acne
  190. Cystic Fibrosis
  191. Cystic Fibrosis
  192. Cysts
  193. Cysts Arm Brain Hand Leg Shoulder Blade Thyroid
  194. Daily Headaches
  195. Debilitating Muscle Spasms
  196. Deep Venous Thrombosis
  197. Deformed Arms/Legs/Fingers/Toes/Feet
  198. Deformed Sinuses
  199. Deformity of Chest/Breast
  200. Deformity of Shoulders/Muscles
  201. Deformity of The Face/Head/Neck
  202. Degenerative Disc Disease
  203. Degenerative Joint Syndrome
  204. Degenerative Ligament Tissue
  205. Dehydration
  206. Dental Problems
  207. Depression
  208. Depression Major Clinical
  209. Dermatitis
  210. Detached Retina
  211. Developmental Delay
  212. Deviated Nasal Septum
  213. Dextrocardia
  214. Diabetes Type I
  215. Diabetes Type II
  216. Diagonal Earlobe Crease
  217. Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Enlarged Left Ventricle And Heart Sound
  218. Diarrhea SP
  219. Digestive Issues
  220. Disc Desiccation
  221. Dissociative Disorder
  222. Diverticulitis
  223. Dizzy Spells
  224. Double Cervix
  225. Double Hernia @ Birth
  226. Double Ureter
  227. Double Uterus/Cervix
  228. Double Uvula/Cleft Uvula
  229. Droop Eye Ptosis
  230. Drug Abuse
  231. Duane Syndrome
  232. Dwarfism
  233. Dysautonomia
  234. Dyslexia
  235. Dysphagia
  236. Dysthymia Aka Chronic Depression
  237. Ear Infections/Problems/Surgeries/Tubes
  238. Ectopic Pregnancy
  239. Eczema
  240. Electrolyte Abnormalities
  241. Elevated Heart Rate
  242. Emotional Problems
  243. Empty Sella Syndrome
  244. Endocrine Disorders
  245. Endometrial Cancer
  246. Endometrial Hyperplasia
  247. Endometriosis-
  248. Enlarged Heart
  249. Enlarged Liver-Cause Unknown
  250. Epilepsy
  251. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
  252. Excessive Nose Bleeds
  253. Excessive Sweating
  254. Exotropia
  255. Extra Body Parts
  256. Extra Bones
  257. Extra Vertebrae
  258. Eye Floaters
  259. Eye Problems Undefined
  260. Eyes Legs Stomach Abdomen
  261. Facet Joint Syndrome
  262. Facial Aplasia
  263. Factor V Leiden
  264. Familial Tremor
  265. Fatigue Chronic Syndrome,
  266. Fatty Deposits on Liver
  267. Felty’s Syndrome
  268. Fever Seizures
  269. Fever Undefined
  270. Fibrocystic Breast Disease
  271. Fibroid Cysts in Breast
  272. Fibromyalgia
  273. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
  274. Follicular Lymphoma/Large B Cell Lymphoma
  275. Food Allergies
  276. Foot Deformity/Issues/Burning
  277. Fragile X Syndrome
  278. Frazonism
  279. Fused Digits
  280. Fused Vertebrae in Neck
  281. Fused Vertebrae/Disc
  282. Gall Bladder Disease/ Gall Stones
  283. Ganglion Cyst
  284. Gastritis
  285. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD
  286. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  287. Gastrointestinal Problems
  288. Gastroparesis SP
  289. Gene Mutations gg MHP
  290. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  291. Gestational Diabetes
  292. Glaucoma
  293. Glioblastoma
  294. Gluten Intolerance
  295. Goiter
  296. Goldenhar Syndrome
  297. Gout
  298. Grand Mal Seizures
  299. Grave’s Disease
  300. Growth Hormone Deficiency
  301. Growths/Lumps on Skull
  302. Hae – Hereditary Angioedema
  303. Hair Loss
  304. Hairy Cell Leukemia
  305. Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
  306. Head Sores
  307. Headaches (Chronic
  308. Hearing Loss
  309. Hearing Loss/Deafness
  310. Heart Attack
  311. Heart Defect/Murmur/Newborn
  312. Heart Disease
  313. Heart Failure
  314. Heart Murmur
  315. Heart Palpitations
  316. Heart Problems/Surgery Undefined
  317. Heat Intolerance
  318. Heel Spur
  319. Hemangioma
  320. Hereditary Atypical Hemochromatosis
  321. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
  322. Hernia
  323. Herniated Discs
  324. High ANA Levels In Blood Leads To Potential Lupus Diagnosis
  325. High Blood Pressure
  326. High Cholesterol
  327. High Myopia/ Shortsightedness
  328. High Pulse Rate
  329. Hip Deformity/Pain/Surgery/Undefined -
  330. Hip Dysplasia
  331. Hip Pain Undefined
  332. Hip Replacement
  333. Hirsutism
  334. Histiocytosis
  335. Hives
  336. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  337. Hormone Issues/Replacement
  338. Hidradenitis Suppurativa
  339. Hydrocele Testis
  340. Hydrocephalus
  341. Hydrocephaly CG (brother-deceased
  342. Hydrocoele Hernia
  343. Hyaline Membrane
  344. Hymen Issues Partially Intact
  345. Hypercoagulability
  346. Hyperhomocysteinemia
  347. Hyperinsulinemia
  348. Hyperlipidemia
  349. Hypermobility Issues/Surgeries
  350. Hyperparathyroidism
  351. Hypertension
  352. Hyperthyroidism
  353. Hypoglycemia
  354. Hypoparathyroidism
  355. Hypoplasia Entire Right Side
  356. Hypoplastic Heart
  357. Hypospadias
  358. Hypothyroidism
  359. Hyperprolactinemia
  360. Hysterectomy
  361. Idiopathic Gastroparesis
  362. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
  363. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Itp Platelet Disorder
  364. Immune System Issues Undefined & Ivig Infusions
  365. Imperforate Anus
  366. Incompetent Cervix
  367. Infant/Toddler Lethargy Withdrawal
  368. Infertility
  369. Insomnia
  370. Insulin Resistance
  371. Interstitial Cystitis
  372. Intracranial Cyst
  373. Intracranial Hypertension Formally Known As PTC
  374. Involuntary Muscle Spasms Face
  375. Iron Deficiency
  376. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  377. Ischemic Heart Disease
  378. ITP
  379. Jaw Deformity/Surgery
  380. Joint & Muscle Problems/Pain
  381. Joint Hypermobility Syndrome
  382. Juvenile Macular Degeneration
  383. Keratosis Pilaris
  384. Kidney Disease/Surgery
  385. Kidney Issues/Infections/Cysts
  386. Kidney Stones
  387. Kienbock’s Disease
  388. Knee Chondromalacia Patella
  389. Knee Problems/Dysplasia/Pain/Surgery
  390. Kyphosis
  391. Lactose Intolerant
  392. Lateral Epicondylitis
  393. Bilateral Microtia
  394. Lazy Eye
  395. Learning Disabilities
  396. Legally Blind
  397. Lethargy
  398. Leukemia
  399. Leukocytosis with Neutrophilia
  400. Lhermitte’s Sign
  401. Lichen Planus
  402. Lipomas-Non-Cancerous Tumors Throughout Body
  403. Liver cirrhosis due to atypical hereditary hemochromatosis
  404. Liver Disease Fatty/Undefined
  405. Liver Inflammation/Other
  406. Liver Lesions
  407. Long Qt Syndrome
  408. Loss of Skin Pigment
  409. Loss of Strength In Limbs
  410. Low Blood Count Red
  411. Low Blood Pressure
  412. Low Estrogen
  413. Low Potassium
  414. Low Testosterone
  415. Low Vitamin D Levels
  416. Lumbarization
  417. Lumps On the Head
  418. Lung Cancers and Hocm
  419. Lung Deformity rd Lung
  420. Lung Disease/Nodules/Tumors/Clots
  421. Lupus
  422. Lupus of The Skin
  423. Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
  424. Lymphatic Tumors/Lymphangioma
  425. Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  426. Lymphoma
  427. Macrodactyly
  428. Major Depressive Disorder
  429. Malabsorption of Food/Drink
  430. Malabsorption of Vitamin B
  431. Marfan Syndrome
  432. Mastocytosis
  433. Mastoiditis
  434. Melanoma
  435. Memory Loss
  436. Menieres Disease
  437. Menopause Issues Early
  438. Menorrhagia
  439. Menstrual Cycle Issues
  440. Mental Health Issues
  441. Mental Retardation
  442. Metabolic Syndromes
  443. Metatarsus Varus Pigeon Toe
  444. Methicillin Staphylococcus Resistant Aureus
  445. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase
  446. Microtia
  447. Migraine Headaches
  448. Migraines : Hypnic Cluster Basilar Hemiplegic
  449. Mild Dysplasia
  450. Misopedia
  451. Missing A Whole Layer of Dermis
  452. Missing Big Toe ,
  453. Missing Digits
  454. Missing Fingers
  455. Missing Limb Right Leg below the Knee
  456. Missing Limbs/Body Parts
  457. Missing Vertebrae
  458. Mitral Valve Prolapse
  459. Mittelschmerz
  460. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
  461. Mood Swings
  462. Multiple Sclerosis
  463. Mullerian Aplasia
  464. Multiple Cardiac Arrests
  465. Multiple Recurring Undiagnosable Oozing Sores
  466. Muscle Spasms/Pain/Numbness Undefined
  467. Musculoskeletal Problems,
  468. Muscular Dystrophy
  469. Myasthenia Gravis
  470. Mycobacterium Gordonae
  471. Myelodysplastic Syndrome
  472. Mitral Valve Prolapse Duplicate Mitral Valve
  473. Nasal Cancer
  474. Nasal Polyps
  475. Nausea
  476. Neck Pain
  477. Nephrolithiasis
  478. Nerve Damage
  479. Neuralgia Face Feet Hands Legs
  480. Neurocardiogenic
  481. Neurological Problem Undefined
  482. Neuropathy
  483. Neutropenia
  484. Nevus Sebaceous
  485. Night Blindness
  486. Night Sweats
  487. Night Terrors
  488. Nightmares
  489. Non-Hodgkin’S Lymphoma
  490. Nosebleeds
  491. Numbness
  492. Nystagmus
  493. Obesity
  494. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  495. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  496. Orthostatic Hypotension
  497. Orthostatic Intolerance
  498. Osteoarthritis
  499. Osteochondritis
  500. Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  501. Osteopenia
  502. Osteoporosis
  503. Ostras Laughters
  504. Otosclerosis
  505. Ovarian Cancer
  506. Ovarian Cysts
  507. Ovaries & Wrists
  508. Overactive Bladder
  509. Pain In Chest Radiating Up My Right Side of Neck
  510. Pain Undefined
  511. Palate Problems
  512. Pancreases
  513. Pancreatitis
  514. Pancytopenia
  515. Panic Attacks
  516. Paralysis
  517. Paresthesias
  518. Para-Thyroid Gland Disfunction
  519. Pericarditis
  520. Pars Planitis
  521. Partial Thyroidectomy
  522. Patellar Subluxation Left Knee
  523. Pectus Excavatum
  524. Peeling As If Sunburned Face and Body
  525. Pelvic Bones Not Fused
  526. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome K, before Hysterectomy
  527. Pelvic Reconstruction/Issues
  528. Peptic Ulcers
  529. Peripheral Neuropathy
  530. Periventricular Leukomalacia
  531. Pernicious Anemia
  532. Personality Disorder
  533. Phantom Pains Photosensitivity
  534. Pierre Robin Sequence
  535. Pituitary Gland Disfunction
  536. Pityriasis
  537. Planar Spaciatis
  538. Pneumonia Childhood / Recurring
  539. Poland Syndrome
  540. Poliosis
  541. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  542. Polycystic Kidney Disease
  543. Polycythemia
  544. Polycythemia Vera without Genetic Factor
  545. Polymorphic Light Eruption
  546. Polymyositis
  547. Poor Egg Quality
  548. Porphyria
  549. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
  550. Potassium Issues
  551. Preeclampsia
  552. Pregnancy Complications Undefined
  553. Pregnancy Partial Molar
  554. Premature Babies
  555. Premature Menopause
  556. Premature Ovarian Failure
  557. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  558. Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor
  559. Prolactinoma
  560. Prolapsed Cervix
  561. Prostate Problems/Enlarged
  562. Psoriasis
  563. Psoriatic Arthritis
  564. Psoriatic Rheumatoid Arthritis
  565. Pseudo-Obstruction Intestinal Neurological
  566. Pseudotumor Cerebri
  567. Ptosis
  568. PTSD Primary Related To Family Violence
  569. PTSD Secondary
  570. Pulmonary Embolism
  571. Pulmonary Edema
  572. Pulmonary Fibrosis/Other Undefined
  573. Pulmonary Restriction
  574. PVC’s
  575. Pyloric Stenosis
  576. Rapid absorption
  577. Rash under My Arm Same Place My Dad Gets It
  578. Rashes Newborn
  579. Rashes Undefined
  580. Raynaud’s Syndrome
  581. Rectal Prolapse
  582. Rectal Seal Prolapse
  583. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
  584. Renal Cysts/Calcifications
  585. Renal Failure
  586. Reproductive Problems Female
  587. Respiratory Infections/Distress
  588. Restless Leg Syndrome
  589. Retroverted Uterus
  590. Rhabdomyosarcoma
  591. Rheumatic Fever
  592. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  593. Rosacea
  594. Sacral Agenesis
  595. Sacral lumbarization
  596. Salpingitis Isthmica Nodosa
  597. Sarcoidosis
  598. Schizophrenia
  599. Scleroderma
  600. Scoliosis
  601. Sebaceous Cysts
  602. Seborrheic Dermatitis
  603. Secondary infertility
  604. Seizures Petit Mal
  605. Seizures,
  606. Sensitive Skin
  607. Sensitive Teeth
  608. Sensitivity to Medications
  609. Septate Uterus
  610. Septate Uterus
  611. Severe Chronic Neutropenia
  612. Severe Depression
  613. Severe Light Sensitivity
  614. Shingles Ears Mouth Ophthalmic Throat
  615. Short Term Memory Problems
  616. Shyness
  617. Sinus Infections/Problems
  618. Sinus Tachycardia
  619. Sinusitis
  620. Sjogrens Syndrome
  621. Skin Cancer -
  622. Skin Lesions
  623. Skin Problems/Deformity
  624. Skin Rashes
  625. Sleep Apnea
  626. Slight Deviated Jaw
  627. Small Digits on Hands-
  628. Snoring
  629. Social Anxiety Disorder
  630. Social Problems
  631. Spastic Colon
  632. Speech Problems
  633. Sphincter of Oddi Disorder
  634. Spina Bifida
  635. Spina Bifida Occulta
  636. Spinal Cord Disease/Tumors
  637. Spinal Deformities
  638. Spinal Deterioration
  639. Spinal Surgeries/Pain/Undefined
  640. Spinal Meningitis
  641. SpinoCerebellar Ataxia
  642. SpinoCerebellar Degeneration
  643. Splenetic Cysts
  644. Spondyloarthropy
  645. Spondylolisthesis
  646. Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
  647. Squamous Papilloma Benign Polyp In Mouth
  648. Steatohepatitis
  649. Stenosis of The Spine
  650. Stomach Pains/Problems
  651. Strabismus
  652. Strange Growths
  653. Strep Throat
  654. Stress
  655. Stress Seizures
  656. Stroke
  657. Sturge Weber Syndrome
  658. Subglottic Stenosis
  659. Suicidal Thoughts
  660. Suicide Brother
  661. Supraventricular Tachycardia
  662. Swelling Undefined
  663. Swollen Glands
  664. Syndactyly
  665. Syringomyelia
  666. Tachycardia
  667. Tachycardia Unknown Due To Wpw Syndrome
  668. Temporal Arteritis
  669. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
  670. Tendonitis
  671. Testicular Deformity
  672. Thinning Of Hair Top Front
  673. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  674. Throat Tumors
  675. Thrombophilia
  676. Thyroid Cancer Hashimoto’s
  677. Thyroid Issues & Cysts Hyperthyroidism
  678. Tilted Uterus
  679. Tinea Versicolor
  680. Tinnitus Lifelong
  681. Tired
  682. Tonsillitis/Tonsillectomy
  683. Tooth Decay Abnormal
  684. Tooth Formation Absence Adult Teeth Never Came In
  685. Torticollis
  686. Tourettes
  687. Toxic Shock Syndrome
  688. Tracheoesophageal Fistula
  689. Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula
  690. Tremors
  691. Triple Ureter
  692. Triple X Syndrome
  693. Truncus Arteriosus
  694. Tuberculosis
  695. Tumor on The Parathyroid
  696. Tumors
  697. Tumors on Liver
  698. Twitches
  699. Ulcerated Colitis
  700. Ulcers Stomach Mouth Nose
  701. Undiagnosed Rash One Side of Body
  702. Unexplained Numbness
  703. Unexplained Tingling Right Side of Body
  704. Unspecified Immunodeficiency
  705. Urinary Tract Infections/Issues
  706. Uterine Cancer
  707. Uterine Fibroids
  708. Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
  709. Uterine Polyps
  710. Urticaria
  711. Vacterl Syndrome
  712. Vaginal Bleeding
  713. Vaginosis
  714. Vascular Headaches
  715. Vasculitis
  716. Varicose Veins
  717. Vertebrae Extra/Missing
  718. Vertigo
  719. Viral Meningitis
  720. Vision Problems
  721. Vitamin B Deficiency
  722. Vitiligo
  723. Vomiting
  724. Von Willebrand’S Disease
  725. Vulvodynia Pain in the Vulva
  726. Weak Enamel In/On Teeth
  727. Weak Muscles Left Leg
  728. Webbed Toes
  729. Weight Loss
  730. Whole Thyroidectomy Surgery
  731. Wolff- Parkinson- White Syndrome

© (COVVHA) CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS HEALTH ALLIANCE INC

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What is A.O.F.D, Agent Orange Food Disorder, and how many 

Agent Orange Food Disorder, AOFD, is an ongoing mutation of cells from …. suffering birth defects as terrible as those found in the Agent Orange contaminated 

‘Legacies of War’

Coeur d’Alene Press Dewey Parker worked on a flight line inspecting airplanes that sprayed the Agent Orange herbicide during the Vietnam War. Today, the Air Force veteran who 

Agent Orange, United States Military Veterans, And Myelodysplastic 

The MDS Beacon I often see Vietnam-era military veterans in my clinic who have been diagnosed with MDS, and they always ask me, “Could Agent Orange exposure have 

What Are GMO? What Is A GMO? What Foods Are Genetically Modified 

OpEdNews  PCB’s & Agent Orange), Dow (Agent Orange and Agent Blue – Arsenic), Bayer (CCD – Colony Collapse Disorder of Bees), BASF (GMO Potatoes), DuPont

AO Victims Grateful to British PM

Salem-News.Com  of Agent Orange, was asked by the Viet Nam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) to present the gifts in person. The gifts comprised a selection of beautiful hand-embroidered linen and colourful hand-painted pictures made by….

Ten Top Reasons Why Food with GMO Ingredients Should Be So Labeled

Meridian Magazine In the past, Monsanto also assured us of the public safety of DDT and Agent Orange as household items, both of which were produced by Monsanto with devastating results. 7. GMO labeling has nothing to do with excessive government intervention and 

@DA NANG: Perception gap over Agent Orange is déjà vu after Fukushima

Asahi Shimbun Highly toxic dioxin, the main ingredient in Agent Orange, continues to be detected  is a Vietnam War veteran, and her mother was born with birth defects.

The pesticides you eat

Salt Lake Tribune Their answer to a failing Roundup system is now “Agent Orange Corn.” The corporate sales pitch is that GMOs increase crop yields and so are needed to feed 

A daughter faces demons of father’s war
CNN
“Yeah, because they’ve seen bad things,” Caitlin said. Christal had spoken with other grown children of Vietnam veterans. But this was the first time she saw herself in a child. Christal contained herself in front of Caitlin. But when she and her mom 

Tribute to Vietnam fallen helps keep Dad in her life
Tribune-Review
Rihn, a respiratory therapist, and about 70 other children of veterans went to Vietnam in 2003 to retrace the footsteps of their fathers. She and her husband, John, and their daughters, Megan, 20, and Alyssa, 17, make several trips a year to Washington 

Fifty years later, US, Vietnam deal with Agent Orange
USA TODAY
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently ruled that numerous ailments are presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange among the Vietnam veterans who have them. The ruling meant these veterans would qualify for certain benefits that had been 

Living With MDS: Why Did I Get Cancer?
The MDS Beacon
Dr. Steensma’s recent column about Agent Orange reminded me of the many months (or was it years?) I spent kicking myself over every poor decision I had ever made about my health. It also caused me to re-visit having lived near a dioxin superfund 

Agent Orange leaves lingering, costly aftermath
Reading Eagle
Some were casualties of Agent Orange. “A lot of them that were there had limbs  Tumors, rashes, miscarriages and birth defects were reported in the years 

Deadly rainbow: Veterans suffer from Agent Orange exposure
Montgomery Advertiser
The main dioxin in Agent Orange, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, or TCDD, is one of the most toxic. During the 1970s, veterans returning from Vietnam 

Air Force Vietnam veteran wants other vets to learn about Agent Orange Registry
ABC Action News
It did, it floored me,” recalled Bob Wood. When Wood suffered a heart attack two years ago, doctors at the Haley VA Hospital told him his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam contributed to his heart disease. “This is unbelievable,” Wood thought at the

A Battle Unending: The Vietnam War and Agent Orange
the Diplomat
By Simon Roughneen While the Vietnam War ended decades ago, its effects continue to linger on.Agent Orange haunts the lives of the people it has touched.

Monsanto and Genetically Engineered Food: Playing Roulette With 
Truth-Out
Is Monsanto the most pernicious global corporation when it comes to GMOs They lied to us about the safety of PCB’s, DDT and Agent Orange

Sister of Agent Orange victim says battle for recognition far from over
GlobalNews.ca
Bertrand was one of about 30 people who got compensation from the federal government after it overturned a decision to deny claims for people diagnosed with Agent Orange-related illnesses past a June 30, 2011 deadline. Timeline: The fight for Agent 

WMU professor’s book analyzes effects of Agent Orange
Western Herald
Ed Martini, Associate Professor of History and Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently published Agent Orange: History, Science, and the Politics of Uncertainty, a book that better explains the chemical used during the Vietnam War.

Dioxin, TCE Drums, U-235 and El Toro’s Panhandle
Salem-News.Com
We do know that one El Toro Marine who never served in Vietnam died from Agent Orange exposure, Dr. Chuck Bennett over 12 years ago cited two Orange County experts who examined soil samples from the panhandle and found weapons grade U-235 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 30 years later | Invisible Children Blog
Three decades ago, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC was officially dedicated on Nov. 13th 1982. Consisting of two reflective walls that span 

Veterans Corner: Vietnam service ‘presumptive’ disability benefits
Hanford Sentinel
Certain conditions are also recognized for the children of Vietnam veterans. Covered birth defects include a wide range conditions. Eighteen defects are specifically included and others not specifically excluded are covered. Vietnam veterans who served…
****COVVHA HAS RESPONDED TO THE ABOVE ARTICLE****

THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ARTICLE IS MISLEADING AND INCORRECT

“VA does this because of the unique circumstances of their military service. If one of these conditions is diagnosed in a veteran, VA presumes that the circumstances of his/her service caused the condition and disability compensation can be awarded.”

Let’s start with using the term, Agent Orange Dioxin. This is the “unique circumstance” our military members were exposed to, by their own government.

I think it’s totally disrespectful to not mention what the disability compensation is connected to.

The government used a chemical herbicide nicknamed Agent Orange (due to the orange stripe on the barrel). They used 22 million gallons on Southeast Asia to kill the vegetation, and deny the enemy cover. This chemical was also used along the Korean DMZ. Our government told our military was safe. What our troops were unaware of is that it contained Dioxin the most poisonous chemical known to man. Well, they found out, alright. Years later, our Vietnam Veterans began becoming seriously ill. Many died young, many young men acquired “old man” diseases with no prior family history all while our government denied their poison had any role in harming them.

The government waited till 1991 to help our veterans, prior to that they were called crazy or faking. The process has been so slow to help our Vietnam Veterans that even after they started to “Presume” a few illnesses, many Vets succumb to their illnesses leaving their families with only more questions and no support. There are claims dating back to the early 1980’s for Ischemic Heart disease (Added only to the presumptive list in 2010) still in appeal. This is not an easy process no matter what you may be led to believe. It is a tragedy.

Secondly, this article is disseminating incorrect information about the Children of Vietnam Veterans. After coming home from war, Veterans tried to move on with their lives and start their families. They soon discovered their children were being born with horrifying deformities, cleft Palate, Club foot, hip dysplasia, rare disorders, and strange illnesses. Our Government again turned it’s back.

“Certain conditions are also recognized for the children of Vietnam veterans. Covered birth defects include a wide range conditions. Eighteen defects are specifically included and others not specifically excluded are covered”

“Vietnam veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, and later contracted any of these conditions, or have children with birth defects, should apply for disability compensation benefits.”

This is very frustrating especially if this is supposed to be by someone knowledgeable in this field. There are not 18+ birth defects covered in the children of Male Vietnam Veterans. There is only one Spina Bifida. From the VA website:

Children who have spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta) and meet the following requirements may be eligible for VA compensation, health care, and vocational training:

  • Are biological children of Veterans who served:Were conceived after the date on which the Veteran first entered Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone during the qualifying service period
    • In Vietnam during the period from January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975, or
    • In or near the Korean demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971 and were exposed to herbicides. Veterans who served in a unit in or near the Korean demilitarized zone anytime between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971 are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides.
  • If you are the child of a Male Vietnam Veteran you are NOT eligible for compensation unless you have Spina Bifida (NOT OCCULTA- the most common form)

There is no help for the thousands and thousands of children of male Vietnam Veterans that are suffering from congenital deformities, Cancers, Autoimmune Diseases, Reproductive Problems and other rare illnesses. There were 2.8 million people that served in Vietnam.  Six to eight thousand of them were women.

 The eighteen, plus birth defects you talk about in this article are only covered in the children of WOMEN Vietnam Veterans NOT in the children of Male Vietnam Veterans even though the children of Male veterans suffer greatly with the same illnesses!

Anyone else who have the birth defects listed whose mother was not a Vietnam Veteran WILL BE DENIED. 

Covered birth defects include, but are not limited to, the following conditions: NOT COVERED IN THE CHILDREN OF MALE VIETNAM VETERANS!!!!!!!!!!

  • Achondroplasia
  • Cleft lip and cleft palate
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot)
  • Esophageal and intestinal atresia
  • Hallerman-Streiff syndrome
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hirschprung’s disease (congenital megacolon)
  • Hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis
  • Hypospadias
  • Imperforate anus
  • Neural tube defects
  • Poland syndrome
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • Syndactyly (fused digits)
  • Tracheoesophageal fistula
  • Undescended testicle
  • Williams syndrome

If you are confused over what is or isn’t covered for the Children of Vietnam Veterans feel free to email us at COVVHA@gmail.com

© Heather A. Bowser – (COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC

 

Medical History Should Include Military History, Doctor Says
New York Times (blog)
So he was surprised to learn not long ago — from reading a newspaper article — that at least one of those ailments, ischemic heart disease, has been linked to exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange, which was used widely in Vietnam. It dawned on him 

Over 200000 veterans exposed to Dioxin
VietNamNet Bridge
VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam currently has more than 200000 veterans exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin and infected with some diseases identified by the US 

Agent Orange remains big health concern
Herald Palladium (subscription)
JOSEPH – A vestige of the Vietnam War is present front and center at the Berrien County Veterans Service Office. Dozens of veterans of the war, which ended in 1975, call or visit to get help in filing claims for illnesses and conditions attributed to 

Monsanto On Verge of $40 Million GMO Bailout in Europe: Report
DeathRattleSports.com
Monsanto GMO Bailout in Europe A Sign of Things to Come?  a company that moved from producing Agent Orange during the Vietnam War to using their 

Conditions recognized as related to exposure to Agent Orange
Journal Times
The following presumptive conditions are recognized by the Veterans Affairs as related to Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served in county in Vietnam during Jan. 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975. • AL Amyloidosis — A rare disease caused when an 

Vietnamese still fighting for recognition of Agent Orange impact
Toronto Star
They are, she believes, victims of the Agent Orange dumped on Vietnam’s  found “compelling evidence” linking a rise in birth defects and miscarriages in 

A toxic disaster
The Korea Herald
Authorities estimate that 4.8 million were exposed to Agent Orange dioxin in  causing men exposed to Agent Orange to father children with birth defects.

Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance | AGENT ORANGE
Memories of the Vietnam War are dimming, but veterans and Vietnamese nationals who were exposed to Agent Orange and other dioxin-laced defoliants are 

 

 

 

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On October 16, 2011, Kelly L. Derricks (TRUTH TELLER) traveled to New York City where she gave a public speech about Agent Orange after being invited by Millions Against Monsanto to participate in the rally event for World Food Day.  Below is the video recording of that speech.

Kelly has battled severe health issues since she was born that continue today. Some of her illnesses, presumed to be associated with the inter-generational effects of Agent Orange, include but are not limited to the following:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Addison’s disease
• Congenital adrenal hyperplaysia
• Intersticial cystitis.

*Her complete list of illnesses staggers to 30 different things.

Kelly continues to fight for the Children of Vietnam Veterans as well as Vietnam Veterans and their families. In January of 2012 She Co-Founded The Non-Profit Organization (COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC

Visit The Main Website At WWW.COVVHA.NET

https://www.youtube.com/user/teppnme?feature=watch

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This video explores the perspectives of three generations of Agent Orange survivors offering a rare insight into non-Vietnamese survivors highlighting the global scale of this issue. Additionally, Jon Mitchell, a Welsh born journalist now residing in Yokohama explains his groundbreaking work in helping to uncover the use, storage and burial of Agent Orange on the Japanese islands of Okinawa. Through the video, viewers can see how these inspiring individuals used their time aboard Peace Boat to spread the messages of this issue as well as their time on land in Da Nang, Vietnam; where they were able to visit a support center for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.
Special thanks to
Heather Bowser (Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance), Kenneth H. Young, Jenna Mack, Jon Mitchell
&
Da Nang Center for Agent Orange and Disadvantaged Children


The lingering effects of Agent Orange from Peace Boat on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/peaceboat

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JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!

The Perfect stocking stuffer gift that will shine the whole year through!!!
Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance is proud to introduce our new Lapel Pins for purchase

Individual Pins Are Priced At $12.00

Email Us At PMASON@COVVHA.NET To Place Your Orders!!!!

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On Monday November 12, 2012, Kelly L. Derricks and Karen Y. Wengert were please to return to the Organic View Radio Show, hosted by June Stoyer,  for a special Veterans Day feature about Agent Orange and the children of Vietnam Veterans.

Click the player below to hear the show!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theorganicview/2012/11/12/the-children-of-vietnam-veterans-health-alliance

Listen to internet radio with The Organic View on Blog Talk Radio
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Written By Heather A. Bowser
America, the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
Have you ever noticed? They are all around you.

We have young ones, and old ones, yellow and red ones, ones from the south, ones from north, ones who are peace nicks and ones who still fight. We have compassionate ones too, mothers and fathers, plus sisters and brothers. We have wounded ones, and ones who are still intact. We have mentally ill ones, and homeless ones too. We have generational ones, and ones blazing a new trail. We have poor ones and well off ones, conservative ones, and liberal ones. We have gay ones (we are allowed to say that now), and straight ones.We have black ones, and white ones too. We have angry ones, and hurt ones, and ones with PTSD. We have ones who love their community, and ones who want to be left alone. We have proud ones, and ones who never talk. We have addicted ones, and cold stone sober ones. We have women ones, and men ones too. We have ones who have been raped. We have ones who have seen horrible things, and ones who have created peace. We have P.O.W. ones, and ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice, they will never be forgotten. We have ones who hate, and ones who love. We have poisoned ones, and amputee ones. We have ones who beep in metal detectors, and ones who saw no action. We have mid-western ones, and west coast ones. We have aggressive ones, and passive ones. There are abusive ones, and ones who have been abused. We have gun hating ones, and gun loving ones.We have in-country ones, and desk jockey ones. We have proud ones, and ashamed ones. We have immigrant ones, and hometown ones. We have ones with mixed emotions, and ones who are assured. We have ones with wanderlust, and ones who are homesick. We have ones with little children, and ones who have lost children. We have ones who’d never re-up, and ones who have over and over. We have suicidal ones, and ones who have died from suicide, lots and lots of ones. We have lots of different types of ones.

They may come from a different walks of life, political persuasions, or moral ideals then you, but they have laid it all on the line for your parents, you, your children, and your children’s future children. We are celebrating all the ones, the Americans, who have served in the U.S. Armed Services on this eleventh of November, 2012.

Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance, honors our Veterans today, and everyday. Thank you each for your service, and welcome home to the land of the brave.

“Freedom Is NOT Free”

© Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance
Heather A. Bowser, MsEd, LPCC, Copyright 2012
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WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS HEALTH ALLIANCE CUSTOM CLOTHING LINE “COVVHA BY DESIGN”  SPONSORED BY
 RED ZONE GRAPHIC EMBROIDERY 

Check out some of our photos for our different brand lines like :

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COVVHA GEAR FOR MEN

COVVHA COMFORT SLEEP LINE

COVVHA VETERANS & MILITARY

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For Ordering and product Information Please Contact
PMASON@COVVHA.NET
 

To View Photos, please Click HERE

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One veteran’s story about fighting Agent Orange
Ruben Rosario: Did this veteran’s service cost him his life?
Ken Blum: Focus on Agent Orange before victims are all gone
John Bury: Victims of Agent Orange must band together to push …
Despite knowing Agent Orange, Parkinson’s link some veterans still have …
France May Issue Call for Europe-Wide Ban on GM Corn
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Genetically Modified Organisms No Answer to Food Shortage
Treatment of veterans is totally disgusting
Federal Judge Dismisses Agent Orange Case in NY
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Prop 37: 8 Reasons for Voting Yes for Labeling GMO Foods
New method of cleaning Passaic River fails test in Lyndhurst
Promise made, promise kept: Son takes father’s fight about Agent …
Agent Orange wrecks future generations’ too?
Corpus Christi Army Depot’s safety history sometimes spotty
Letters: A veteran’s take on his healthcare
After military service, veterans next battle V.A.
Vietnamese, Korean dioxin victims on epic bike trip
Homeland Security is Working for Monsanto
US says to help clear dioxin from Da Nang airport by 2016
War veterans’ children supported by scholarships
Over VND2.5 billion raised for disadvantaged children
Agent Orange consequences to be overcome by 2020
Vietnam Veteran Remembered As Kind, Proud American
SEARCH TIME.COM
US, Vietnam join hands to deal with AO consequences
Agent Orange chemical in GM war on resistant weeds
Agent Orange cleanup effort stirs questions about responsibility
Mag Links Romney To Monsanto
Remember Vietnam,Continuing Birth Defects Caused By Agent …
Massive Attack on GMO Labeling Proposal in California
Monsanto: One of Romney & Bain’s Earliest Clients
Andrew G. Reiter: Questions on efforts to clean up Agent Orange
Oregonians Fear Harmful Effects From Timberland Herbicides
AGENT ORANGE Rainbow Herbicides A Bioforming Pandemic Killing Some …
Feds May Acknowledge Ground Zero Cancer Link
FRA | Legislative Update: Agent Orange Reform
Debate over genetically modified food gets political with Prop. 37
Agent Orange’s shameful legacy
U.S. and Vietnam looking to improve trade relations
American student asks justice for AO victims
Birth defects caused by Agent Orange : WTF
Dow denies succour to Bhopal despite new-found enveronmentalism
Navy veteran says Agent Orange is still a concern
Dow Chemical still blamed for deaths and birth defects and under …
Laos still in the dark on Agent Orange impact
United States and Laos yet to deal with Agent Orange legacy
I look to the positives rather than the ifs or the buts’
United States Embarks On $43 Million Effort to - Birth Defect Lawyer …
Da Nang: 62 people infected with dioxin
VA Harnesses Big Data For Broader Impact
McNair researcher to use Vietnam’s toxic aftermath for realistic theatre
Craig Wehrle: War supporter Grothman should look at birth defects
The Terrible Legacy of Agent Orange
Vietnam forgotten, more than a ‘Lost Generation’
150, 000 Vietnamese children born with birth defects - Agent …
He’s telling the other side of war
Veterans For Peace: U.S. just beginning Agent Orange cleanup in …
Cleaning Agent Orange - Video Library – The New York Times
Behind the front line
The Toxic Effects of Agent Orange Persist 51 Years After the …
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We here at COVVHA, get this question a lot…

When I made my first trip to Vietnam, my biggest fear was that I would be considered a traitor, a war sympathizer, and God forbid, a Hanoi Jane (A.K.A. Hanoi Heather). Even after my first trip, I was a little hesitant to start speaking out. Then it happened. I just started sharing my experiences with others. To my surprise, as I started speaking out, many American Vietnam Veterans came to me asking questions. They would ask, “Did you go to XXX? I served there, what is it like now?” Others would speak of the topography, where they went on R&R, more than one told me of a lost love, asking if I met any Vietnamese American children. Some would tentatively ask how I was treated by the Vietnamese. When I would tell the stories of meeting aging Vietnamese veterans, who once fought for the North or South, and how they would listen to my family’s tragic Agent Orange story, and tear up, then tell me through the translator, how they are very sick from diabetes, cancers and heart conditions and how their children are very ill or dead. The American Veteran would listen, and then more often than not say, “I’m glad you went, I’m not sure if I would go back, but I’m glad you went. I know your Dad is very proud of you.” That was all the affirmation I needed. I was on the right path. It took the men who are living the long Shadow of the Vietnam War to give me the courage I needed.

A few times, and I say very few, because it’s only happened twice, I have been called a “War sympathizer,” I will tell you no Vietnam Veteran has ever called me such. Maybe they are too polite or too pissed to speak with me, I get that, but I’ve never had that experience. When it has happened, I have said, I am not a war sympathizer, I am a humanitarian, the war is over, and our countries are at peace with each other. The mental, and physical pain left from the war is not over, on either side, but the actual taking up arms and killing each other is.

The Vastness of the problem with Agent Orange in Vietnam took till my third trip to even grasp. Vietnam is roughly the same size in square miles as the state of New Mexico. Vietnam reports it has over three million Agent Orange victims. Now think about a county in your state. In one small province in Vietnam I visited, there were 14,000 Agent Orange Victims, 7,000 of them were second generation victims. Can you imagine? Remember the polio epidemic? If it were happening again, would you just sit by and watch? Now, not only throw in the polio epidemic, but also throw in extreme poverty, very poor health care and toxic local environments that are continuing to poison the food supply, creating more victims. This is the current state of things in Vietnam. Would you support those who were doing the work to stop it, and improve the conditions of innocent children? There are many trying to stop this epidemic in Vietnam.

How can helping those offspring affected by Agent Orange in Vietnam help the offspring of Vietnam Veterans in the US or Australia? Currently, there is more research going on in Vietnam on issues of Agent Orange than anywhere else in the world. In Vietnam, there are more supporters globally then there have ever been for the children of US or Australian Veterans. Ninety nine percent of these global supporters do not even know there are Agent Orange offspring Victims in the United States or Australia. If none of the children of American Vietnam Vets or Australian Vietnam Vets are speaking out and educating those in the global community that we are in fact here, how will they ever know? How will they ever know we need help with health care costs and the like?
Why is all this research happening and global supporters still do not know other victims exist? Number one, it is the multitudes of identifiable Agent Orange victims in Vietnam. Remember, three million victims in the area as large as the state of New Mexico. Secondly, it has to do with the fact that Vietnam acknowledges there is a problem, unlike the Australian and US Governments, and invites researchers in to try to help. I do have to have a side note to say, at least the Australian Government has been more open to appropriate research. Our governments and chemical companies have worked hard to dismiss the Vietnam Veteran’s story of suffering in their children and stifle any real research. Then they turn around and say, there are no reputable studies on the affects of Dioxin in the offspring of Vietnam Veterans
.
Wouldn’t it be helpful if this international support would come to the offspring of American and Australian Agent Orange victims as well? Especially after the last 40 years that our own governments have turned their back on our Fathers, and our families. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the same pressure that is happening in Vietnam to require the government to create social/medical change for the victims of Agent Orange could also happen in the US and Australia? Unless the children of American and Australian Vietnam Veterans engage with the rest of the world, it will pass us by while we wait for our governments to just do the right thing. How much longer should we be passive?

There is something to be said for the emotional healing that has happened for me as a result of my trips to Vietnam. I was once extremely bitter, especially after my own Father died as a result of his AO illnesses. It changed me to see other disabled children born after the war, who also like myself, had no say in the politics of the 60’s, interacting and caring for each other. Their simple acts of compassion for each other helped heal a very lonely place left in my heart from childhood. It’s also given me hope by watching Non Government Organizations, physically help those in most need in Vietnam. I see what could be. I see the future for projects that could meet the unique needs of American and Australian generational victims of Agent Orange. We have to be out there meeting each other, we have to understand the suffering we ALL are going through. One of our dreams is to facilitate a group of American/Australian victims of Agent Orange to go to Vietnam as a delegation to experience this for themselves. It’s only with doing, engaging and acting can real change happen.

It’s about public relations, building relationships, comparing research, and comparing experiences, that helps not only the greater good, but us in the long run. Some may never agree with me, and that is fine. I am a humanitarian, not a war sympathizer, I have my Father’s approval and that is all I need to continue this work. Caring about the Vietnamese Agent Orange victim really does matter.

© Heather A. Bowser
Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxhnIKp3WlU

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Military Records Information
For Agent Orange exposure

Many veterans, including their spouse/widow and children do not know how to obtain veterans military records. At any rate, it is sometimes difficult. In most cases they can be found.

Veterans who apply for VA claims for disability need various records. This also applies to widows and children of veterans applying for DIC (Dependence Indemnity Compensation). This is especially necessary for Agent Orange presumptive exposure. AO is the most complicated of all VA claims.

The first item of business in submitting a VA claim is to obtain a VA claims form packet.
www.va.gov Either call or download VA claim forms. Submit those claim forms to the VA. This gets you into the system as a registrant for disability or DIC.

Evidence of service: DD-214. For AO exposure the VSM (Vietnam Service Medal) awarded, proof of.

Important: On all evidence submitted be sure to include SS#.

Other needed evidence: Record of duty station/s as related to Vietnam service, land, air or sea.. In the case of US Navy, deck logs of ship/s served on in Vietnam waters.
Medical records, civilian and or military that may be related to AO diseases being claimed for veterans disability or DIC.

Other sources of evidence: If able to locate veterans who served with the claimant. Acquire their sworn testimonial (notarized) attesting to possible AO exposure, land air or sea. The attester must provide his or hers full name, address phone number and service number on the testimonial. All evidence submitted must show the claimants SS#.

It is advised to seek help from a VSO (Veterans Service Organization). These organizations can help with VA claims and help with evidence.
List of VSO’s: Vietnam Veterans of America 1-800-882-1316
American Legion 1-202-861-2700
AmVets 1-877-726-8387
Disabled American Veterans 1-877-426-2838
Veterans of Foreign Wars 1-816-756-3390

Other sources for locating military records: download Military Standard Form (SF-180) for all branches of military, send to:
National Personnel Records Center
1 archives Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63138
More sources:

For Navy and Marines and Fleet Marines: Deck Logs: & possible duty stations.

Archives 2 Reference Section
National Archives
Attn: Assistant Chief Archives 2
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Md. 20740-6001

Ph# 301-837-3519 E-mail: mailto.archives2reference@nara.gov

For Army: (Standard Form SF-180 needed)

Ph# 1-888-276-9472 E-mail: askhrc.army@us.army.mil
Or www.hrc.army.mil for SF-180

For Service Medals: (attach copy of DD-214 to letter of request)

Army reserve personnel center, attn: DARP-PAS-EAW, 9700 Page Blvd, St. Louis, Mo. 63132

Air Force Ref. branch NCPMF, 9700 Page Blvd.. St. Louis, Mo. 63132

Navy, Marines, Coast Guard: Navy personnel command, 9700 Page Blvd., 63123

Important: Make copies of all records and or requests.

Political Help: Contact your District US Member of Congress and US member of Senate.
It is their job to assist you. For veterans VA claims and or DIC.

Note: Some States offer tax relief for widows of veterans who have been awarded VA disability. Check with your State and District State member of Congress for information and assistance. Usually the deceased veteran had to of been VA declared 100%. Check anyway, all States have different laws.

This information page is submitted by; John J. Bury, US Navy, retired, Vietnam War veteran and member of COVVHA

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WASHINGTON, Jun 19, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that nearly 230,000 claims have already been processed for the three newest Agent-Orange related conditions through June 2012, including over 150,000 claims required to be adjudicated under the order of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Nehmer v. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The near completion of these complex Nehmer claims enables VA to redirect 1,200 employees who were dedicated to reviewing the Agent Orange cases toward addressing the current backlog of disability claims.

“I am proud of our VA employees who worked hard to complete these Agent Orange claims, putting over $3.6 billion into the hands of our Vietnam Veterans and their survivors,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We completed all of the Agent Orange Nehmer claims for living Veterans, and are now focusing on the fewer than 500 remaining that will benefit survivors.”

The Agent Orange claims stemmed from VA’s 2010 amendment of its regulations to add ischemic heart disease, hairy cell and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson’s disease to the list of diseases presumed to be related to exposure to the herbicide used in Southeast Asia.

“While we work to transform how we do business through new processes and technology, at the end of the day it’s about taking care of our Veterans and their loved ones on the issues affecting their lives,” said Secretary Shinseki.

Given the complexity of the historical casework, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) allocated its most experienced decision makers, about 37 percent of its rating staff, to processing Agent Orange claims. VBA’s 13 resource centers were exclusively dedicated to re-adjudicating these claims.

Even with this allocation of 37 percent of the rating staff dedicated to Agent Orange claims, VA processed over 1 million disability claims in each of the last 2 years, an unprecedented number. “Incoming claims over the last ten years have nearly doubled,” said VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A. Hickey. “Being able to refocus these skilled raters on the backlog is vitally important.”

In addition to redirecting its rating staff, VA has developed a comprehensive transformation plan to achieve in 2015 Secretary Shinseki’s goal of completing claims within 125 days at 98 percent accuracy. The plan is built on more than 40 designed, tested, and measured people, processing, and technology initiatives. VA is now beginning the nationwide rollout of its new operating model and electronic processing system, known as the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS). All regional offices will be operating under the new model and using the new processing system by the end of 2013.

VA has established a website, www.fastrack.va.gov , to assist Veterans in filing claims for the three new conditions related to the effects of Agent Orange exposure. It guides Veterans through automated, program-assisted menus to capture the information and medical evidence needed for faster claims decision. Potentially eligible Veterans include those who were exposed based on duty or visitation in Vietnam or on its inland waterways between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975; exposed along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971; or exposed due to herbicide tests and storage at military bases within and outside of the United States.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

PRESS RELEASEhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2331

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Public Affairs
Media Relations
202-461-7600

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Harry C. Mackel Jr. September 4, 1945 – October 14, 1982
In Memory Day 2012

Today is a day I would have rather just kept to myself. As a matter of fact, for the last 2 weeks less than 5 people knew that exactly 30 years and 8 months to the date of my father’s death, his name would be included at a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall known as “In Memory Day”.

I’m not there.  It was quite a difficult decision for me to make.  A decision that made me feel forced to attend a funeral of sorts.  I buried my father 30 years ago when I was 7 years old.  There’s not anything about the day that I don’t remember.  When I was told that his memory was to be included in today’s events I felt very sad.  I expressed to the people that did tell that I thought most would expect me to be happy about it.  But I wasn’t.  Not in any way.

Let’s face it.  People don’t visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall to be happy.  It is in essence a collective grave stone with more than 58,000 names on it.  30 years later our government has decided to acknowledge my father’s service in Vietnam and his death thereafter as something special?  30 years later?

To be clear, I did not submit the application, a relative did.  One that I have spoken to less than 10 times over the last 20 years.  When and if I ever go back to The Wall, it will be on my own terms and my own time.  It will certainly not be yet another day in history that the United States Government dictates to me how I am to feel about my father’s death and the Agent Orange that killed him.

So on a day that I wanted to keep to myself, I feel yet again forced to deal with the issue since going through my emails today; I was faced with an article written about the ceremony events.  An article that shared the story of another PA Vietnam Veteran who lost his life to Agent Orange & Dioxin exposure and was also being honored today.  The article failed to include the names of the other 9 PA Vietnam Veterans who are also being remembered today.  I felt that I should at least include my own father’s name, however in doing so I thought it necessary to share the story with all of you.

If anything positive has come out of today, I can say that it was one simple thing that I have been waiting for over the last 37 years of my life…..  To see my Father, Harry C. Mackel Jr., an active member of The United States Air Force for nearly 10 years, who voluntarily served 2 “Boots On The Ground” tours in Vietnam, in his USAF Military Uniform.  Yes, that is correct, for my entire life I have never seen a photo of my Father in his uniform, until now.  Included in the ceremony events are the names and photos of all of the Vietnam Veterans being honored today.  I received a photocopy of the picture being used in the booklet early last week.  It took me several days to convince myself that it was even my father.  My husband insisted that it was.  In the picture, he was probably just 17 years old, making it the youngest photo I have ever seen of my father.  For days, I traced the harsh lines of a photo that came out of a copy machine and then tri-folded for mailing.  For days, I had no idea who this man was in the photo, thinking it had to have been a mistake. For days, as I have done many times over the years, I questioned my own Identity.  Until I finally stared at his eyes.  They are unmistakable, they are mine.

Yet, as I write this story, I am filled with A Heart Of Rage.  The kind of rage that only a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran who has long been dead would know.  The rage of her Father being taken away.  You see, there is even more to this story then one could possibly imagine.   I found out about “In Memory Day” on a week night at 8:00 p.m.  Only 6 short hours before that, I received a different phone call.  One informing me of a situation which I knew in my heart would come one day, a situation I have been running from since I was a teenager.

AGENT ORANGE AGAIN RIPPING THE LIFE AWAY FROM YET ANOTHER LOVED ONE OF MINE. 

Who you ask?  The only other man that I have ever called my father.  A man that is now suffering the effects of Agent Orange and Dioxin.

My adopted Father.

 © Kelly L. Derricks
Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance

 Below I have included the booklet that was at the Ceremony.  I have also included the link to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for anyone interested in applying for the program.  In addition, you will find the original article written about the PA Vietnam Veteran also being honored.

In Memory Day Ceremony Book

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A collection of several recent articles in the news relating to Agent Orange and Dioxin

Vietnamese AO victims to get free check-ups in Korea

We thought VA was VA, and it isn’t’Widow reflects on veteran’s illnesses and death

Vietnam Joins Protest Against Dow Chemicals

Phil Kraft: Ongoing service defines Vietnam vet’s patriotism

Guest view: The war that never ends

Vietnamese AO victims association visits Laos

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association Announces Free Documents Library

Common farm chemical has impact for generations

Agent Orange ‘tested in Okinawa’

U.S. Veteran Exposes Pentagon’s Denials of Agent Orange Use on Okinawa

Writers Center hosts veterans’ poetry project

Veterans for Veterans

Vietnam to use advanced technology to clear dioxin contamination

What new 2,4-D-resistant crops mean – going backwards

Teachers for disabled underpaid, overworked

Vietnam veterans still struggle with service-related health problems

Agent Orange at base in ’80s: U.S. vet Nearby residents of Futenma possibly tainted by leaking barrels

Children in US Warzones

 

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Listen To the Archived Broadcast Now

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theorganicview/2012/05/24/children-of-vietnam-veterans-those-exposed-to-agent-orange/scrub/0

The Children of Vietnam Veterans and Those Exposed To Agent Orange & Dioxin is an organization founded by children of Vietnam Veterans dedicated to finding justice, finding answers and offering support for the generational victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. This is the first group of its kind because it was founded by children of Vietnam Veterans who desperately want our peers to no longer feel alone. They acknowledge the vast amount of people around the globe who have come into contact with Agent Orange such as Americans, Australians, Vietnamese, Koreans, Canadians, Japanese, People of Guam and many more.  Because the generational victims are rarely recognized, COVVHA seeks to collectively bring about change and make the voices of those affected heard.

Kelly L. Derricks is the daughter of deceased Vietnam Veteran Harry C. Mackel, Jr.  Harry died in 1982 at the age of 37 after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving two tours in Vietnam in addition to a tour on Johnston Island. After serving with the United States Air Force, Harry went on to serve the City of Philadelphia as a highly regarded and awarded officer of the Stakeout Unit with the police department. Kelly was only seven years old when her father died.

Kelly has been working as an independent Agent Orange/Dioxin advocate since early 2007.  She has expanded her work under the name “Truth Teller” to legislative areas, environment and agriculture, public speaking, blog authoring, and medical awareness, while tying everything back to encompass her main platform of seeking justice for those exposed.

Kelly’s COVVHA partner Heather A. Bowser,  is also an Agent Orange activist.  Heather was born with multiple birth defects due to her father’s exposure, as a US solider during the Vietnam War, to the chemical defoliant, Agent Orange. Heather was born in 1972, two months premature; she weighed three pounds, four ounces. Heather is missing her right leg below the knee, several of her fingers, her big toe on her left foot, her remaining toes were webbed.

Heather started her activism early in her life along side her parents in the late 1970’s. As a young child, she had a passion to explain what the chemical Agent Orange had done to her family. Like how Mother Sharon, suffered three unexplained miscarriages and her Father had five bypasses at the age of thirty eight and died of a massive heart attack at age fifty.

As former high school teacher, and current mental health licensed professional, Heather uses her skills to reach out and educate others on the devastation that is Agent Orange. Heather has a strong belief in empowering all second and third generations of Agent Orange survivors, to use their voice when possible to speak out and tell others about Agent Orange. Heather’s wish is all Agent Orange survivors will find justice.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show on Thursday May 24,2012 at 4p.m. EST, host, June Stoyer talks to Kelly L. Derricks and her COVVHA partner Heather A. Bowser.  Join in and Stay tuned at the link below!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theorganicview/2012/05/24/children-of-vietnam-veterans-those-exposed-to-agent-orange/scrub/0

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It never ends. Agent Orange destroys every aspect of life that one person can have. I was told once “Kelly, I’m sorry, but your Father never had a chance.” He died only one month after turning 37 in 1982. I was the 7 year old little girl he left behind. It appears to me now that I never had a chance either.

Recently, a sophomore from University of Oregon was interviewing me about Agent Orange for her term paper asked one final question, “What aspect of your childhood did Agent Orange have the most impact?” Followed by,  if I was uncomfortable answering I did not have to. That statement has been made hundreds of times to me. I always answer the questions. Immediately, I had a flash of a memory that would form my answer to her, a memory that I think until last Friday only 3 people knew of. “My Father died when I was in second grade, one day on the bus going home from school, a girl named Rachel W. started arguing with me about something stupid. As the bus began to make its turn to my stop, I began moving to the front so that I could get off and run. I did not know at that point that in the 10 seconds to follow that turn, I would want to run for my life and never stop. The last words that came from Rachel’s mouth that would pierce my eardrums for the rest of my life were, “Hey Kelly, at least I still have a father.” So, I said to the college student “in every way shape and form of my childhood, my father’s death was what impacted me the most in regards to Agent Orange.” It did not just impact my childhood though, Agent Orange and the resulting death of my father has impacted every aspect of my entire life. Every choice, every decision, every twist, every turn, every illness, every fear, every tear, every relationship, or should I just say, there’s NOTHING, NOT ONE MOMENT, of my life that hasn’t been impacted by Agent Orange and the death of my father.

I’m tired, I’m angry, I’m sick, I’m 38. I’m fighting a war every day that, to most, ended decades ago.  Long after the protests, ignorance, boots on the ground, and clearing of jungles have ended, we are still fighting the Vietnam War.  Agent Orange, the chemical war that has never ended. Agent Orange, the defoliant used to clear the jungles of Vietnam so our soldiers could have an “advantage” over the “enemy”. Agent Orange, the Dioxin ridden carcinogen as lethal as radioactive waste in the bodies of our soldiers, in the bodies of their children, in the bodies of their children’s children, in my body.

In my father’s obituary, it is written and quoted that my father, Harry C. Mackel Jr., said he felt like he had a bomb ticking inside of him. He knew the bomb was Agent Orange. He knew. I know. We all know. Millions of us know all over the world and yet, until the United States Government actually comes out and publicly states that THEY KNEW, we will continue spinning on this never ending hamster wheel of life. The life of Agent Orange.

I will never stop fighting for the millions of us that are sick and dying because of Agent Orange and Dioxin exposures, the Veterans, the children like me, and the innocent all over this world who have been effected by this nightmare. Agent Orange is a colorless, silent, ruthless killer. Agent Orange is by every definition of the word, a murderer, a serial killer.  In essence, those of us still living are walking crime scenes.

I may still be a walking, breathing human being but, Agent Orange murdered me on October 14, 1982. The same date it murdered my father.

 © Kelly L. Derricks

(COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC.

© 2013 ‎(COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC
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