Back in 91 I was not convinced of the effects so around 92 I took a unscientific poll of My Marines.

Did you take the PB
Did you have any problems

* One person who took the PB reported no problems
* All others who took the PB reported various problems and all of them who had the problems eventually left the service
* All Marines who found a way to not take the pills reported no symptoms. One put it in his chew then spit it out. Many Corpsmen warned their Marines and privately advised against the taking the pills. Some hid the pills and probably save their Marines and the Govt much angst let alone much $$.

Along with that I have personally seen other people (Unrelated to the Gulf War) display a high sensitivity to Pesticides. So much so they must relocate where the primary weather is over an area that does not receive aerial applications or heavy ag use. I was suprised at the civilian medical community's total disreguard for this problem and the military medical community's common knowledge.

I ws one of those hounds at the tip of the spear in 91. We were exposed to everything under the oil fires burning. I wonder how my brothers are doing since our time in hell. It is about time the government ponies up and helps Gulf War vets and their families. If we cannot look after our vets then what good are we. The price paid is still being paid by daughters, sons, and wifes. We will all stand befoer God the Creator and be laid bare.

quote:

Originally posted by OddBall1st:
Effects of spent DU rounds seems to be the number one ignorance !! They don`t mention them in this article,...and should.

That is a major problem. Please read my article on depleted uranium. When I posted it on Military.com there was some who ridiculed it saying there was not danger, based on US government reports.
Hmmmm

Please read this article I did 2 1/2 years ago... http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/ConcurrentReceipt.html

Just ignore the reference to concurrent receipt the article is about depleted uranium.

I as well as the majority of my bros from my unit as well as some guys i met later who were in our playground in and around Ras Al Kafji all seem to have similiar ailments. Some starting within a year or so that we noticed.

One thing that seriously got me wondering is secondary exposure from enemy equipment that was burning. How much of it had been exposed years earlier to the chemical nastiness that Sadam used on his own people and in the Iran/Iraq war and our blowing it up and burning it infected us.

Not to mention we saw one of the forward chemical sensors going off while on patrol while Ras Kafji got hit. Which has always made me wonder.

And one finaly aside,

Is it a violation of TOS to have a moderator harp his personal book on this site? Well Mr. Dave Barker? It seems bad form at the very least hawking your personal work which one could think was an attempt as using this site for comercial gain. So, when the moderators abuse the forum who does one report it to?


Power corrupts

I think that statement was totally out of line, and uncalled for. In the first place, Dave gave me his book for free, did not even ask for postage. Secondly, his publications are directly topic related and enhances the topic.
The commercial ban is for someone trying to sell a book on how to train your parakeet or such, not topic enhancement information. When you help vets as much as Dave has and understand where he is really coming from, then start to critisize.

Before you start unloading on Dave, maybe....just maybe....you should read and find out what he has done for his fellow vets.

Talk about putting both feet in your mouth...

quote:

Originally posted by MudRollin03:
I as well as the majority of my bros from my unit as well as some guys i met later who were in our playground in and around Ras Al Kafji all seem to have similiar ailments. Some starting within a year or so that we noticed.

One thing that seriously got me wondering is secondary exposure from enemy equipment that was burning. How much of it had been exposed years earlier to the chemical nastiness that Sadam used on his own people and in the Iran/Iraq war and our blowing it up and burning it infected us.

Not to mention we saw one of the forward chemical sensors going off while on patrol while Ras Kafji got hit. Which has always made me wonder.

And one finaly aside,

Is it a violation of TOS to have a moderator harp his personal book on this site? Well Mr. Dave Barker? It seems bad form at the very least hawking your personal work which one could think was an attempt as using this site for comercial gain. So, when the moderators abuse the forum who does one report it to?


Power corrupts

I am a spouse who lived in Saudi Arabia right after the Gulf War until 1994. My husband has MGUS, precursor to mulitple myeloma. He had chemical burns in his throat during his tour. Now my son has lung problems and repeat pnuemothorax. He is now 21 but, these started when he was 18. So many ladies had breast cancer on our compand through the years...My husband did tour in Saudi prior to the Gulf War also. He takes so many pills...The VA will not recognize his MGUS or monoclonnal gammapathy of undetermined signifigance. At one time he was given a year to live as he was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. His levels were high but, stable and after a year he was diagnosed with MGUS. Coming from a military family and a brat myself I just see the same actions that befell my father (Korea/Viet Nam Veteran). I have written my Senators on behalf of all vets diagnosed with MGUS that VA recognize this condition at very least...My husband was diagnosed while on active duty. It was a great hurt. He is tested for the rest of his life but, not recognized by the VA for his condition. Go figure...

Coutax:

Hepatitis B and C are endemic to Vietnam. These are both blood born diseases and at least 10% of Vietnam veterans are affected; most still don't even know it. Ultimately, this will kill more vets than AO. Go to HCVets.com and we'll help you get some guidance.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by Coutaux:
My response to this news headline was and is "Do Ya Think???!!!"

I was a Marine's young bride crazy in love during the Nam conflict. We are divorced now after 22 years of marriage, and yes I KNOW he has PTSD. He also is completely disabled now from alcoholism/drug addiction. He was given 6 months to live, a year tops on Christmas Day due to liver failure.

My question. Which thread do I go to to talk to you guys about advice on getting VA benefits. My sons found him on the garage floor on Christmas Eve. They called and told me they were taking him to ER. He was once in the VA system when he was hospitalized with Hepatitis B in 85 and in ETOL tx x 2. He spend the next two decades drinking and not going to drs. He did however apply for VA medical again, and was told he was qualified a few weeks before this incident.

I told my sons to call the VA first, before taking to hospital. The VA hospital here closed down years ago and it is a clinic only.

I'll defer from here until I get to the correct thread to seek your guidance for them.

Thank you and Thanks for your service.

I got my dates wrong. We were there until 96' just after Khobar Towers. We left one week prior to the dependents evacuation.

I was a medic for 25 years in order to see if you have any problems from DU you must get a (SKY) test

I didn't make it to the sand box, it ended before my group was scheduled to leave. BUT, I did get the whole series of "17 shot cocktail" innoculation, they were giving everyone. And by early 92, I had uncontrolled twitching and muscle spasms, in my legs and feet, which has spread throughout my body, along with dibilitating joint pain. The Brits determined and admitted that the shots we recieved for the Gulf War, contributed to the Gulf War Syndrome. Uncle Sam however is still struggling with that one. Anybody else out there experienced this?

thanks medicman...I appreciate your input.

I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder call Hairy Cell leukemia in spring of 03. went through chemo. Got hit with it again in 05. I get a check up every 4-6 months. The rare disorder has a medium age of 70. I got it when I was 39. I served in the Gulf in the Air Force under 7th Corp as a Ground Forward Air Controller. I have been fighting with the VA for several years on this and I am currently awaiting for a appeal hearing. Agent Orange is linked to Hairy Cell Leukemia, which is a form of pesticide. The VA continues there is no scientific evidence and that I can't prove it is service connected, since I got it 6 years after getting out. Has anyone out there been diagnosed with HCL?

quote:

Originally posted by DaveBarker:
I have had my book in print on this topic since 1992. It has been updated several times, but what is said in the article was covered years ago, then promptly ignored.
My site
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/index.html

My book "The Persian Gulf War, the untold story"
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/PGW.html

Persian Gulf on Military.com:
http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/6170087960001

Bookmarked for a later read. I have a very good friend, ssgt 82nd Airborne, has degenerative disease among other nerve problems( he swears it's from being gassed at a certain airport early on but now who knows)...I wonder when he'll get vets benefits. I'v lost touch the last five years when he left Colorado.

Wow, what a shock. The government finally said that there is a GWS but yet I have been declared as a GWS patient by the VA since 2003. Chronic Fatigue (Ebstein Barr Viris), arthritis through out my body, and I have shotty memory at best. Plus my spelling sucks.
Kurt Kimble
US Army Retired (why? Medical due to GWS)

GOOD F%^&%% LUCK WITH THE %(%$%$% VA

Wow 10305531...My husband was AF too (I am an Army brat). His MGUS is rare typical of those in their 70s too. He was diagnosed when he was 40 and active duty. Still Va did not recognize MGUS upon retirement. They would not even "recognize" it. I am not talking about a disability rating here...Just recognition. He actually had his throat scoped in Saudi Arabia at the King Faisal Hospital and was told he had chemical burns in his throat at Lakenheath Hospital as I insisted he be able to catch a hop out of there for follow-up...he was in the desert at 17 radar sites etc. all the time. My respects to you...it is a fight for all vets.
Many blessings.

List of units

http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/forces_in_hazard_00.htm

________________________________________
From: Mail Manager [mailto:mail@senderauthenticated.com] On Behalf Of Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc.
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 1:45 PM
To: Leigh Clark
Subject: Need 5 Minutes of Your Time to Help Fund Research

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Urgent Advocacy e-Alert: Five Minutes of Your Time to Help Fund Research



March 11, 2008
Please Contact Your U.S. Representative Today!
Urge Them to Co-Sign the Matsui-McGovern "Dear Colleague" Letter for
Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research at DoD
Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) just sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, asking them to sign on to their letter in support of an appropriation of $5 million for the new Bone Marrow Failure Disease research program at the Department of Defense (DoD). "Dear Colleague" letters are common tools used by members of Congress to solicit support for legislation or a funding request.
Last year, Congresswoman Matsui worked hard to secure $1 million from the Defense Appropriations Act to initiate a program specifically devoted to bone marrow failure disease research at DoD. Studying armed service personnel who have been diagnosed with these diseases can give us a much better understanding of what may be causing bone marrow failure diseases and of how to protect members of the armed services, as well as the general public, in the future. While this initial investment is impressive, a higher amount of federal funding will be needed to achieve a significant, lasting impact.
Representatives Matsui and McGovern have only until Monday, March 17 to secure the support of additional members of Congress. Most members of Congress will not support these types of "Dear Colleague" letter requests UNLESS they hear from their constituents.
For this reason, we need your help over the next 6 days to secure the support of more members of Congress for this vital new program. Please contact your U.S. Representative TODAY and ask him/her to co-sign this important letter!
You can read the Dear Colleague letter, as well as review a sample email or phone script (also included below) that you can use when contacting your representative. (This letter is not being circulated on the Senate side, so there is no need to contact your senators.) Please personalize your message so that your elected officials understand fully your connection to the disease and the importance of research into cures. If you do not know who represents you in the U.S. House, please go to http://www.house.gov/ and enter your zip-plus 4 in the required fields. The fastest way to contact your representative is by using the House's Write Your Representative feature or by visiting your representative's web site.
If you live in the districts of Congresswoman Matsui or Congressman McGovern, please call or email to thank them for their support.
Thanks to your efforts, we can have a lasting and meaningful impact on the ability of these two Congressional champions to increase funding for bone marrow failure disease research!
Sincerely,
John Huber
Executive Director
_______________________
SAMPLE EMAIL MESSAGE AND PHONE SCRIPT TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
I am emailing to request that you co-sign a letter being circulated by Representatives Doris Matsui and Jim McGovern in support of bone marrow failure disease research at the Department of Defense (DoD). Please add your name to this letter before its deadline of March 17, 2008.
I am a patient suffering from aplastic anemia, one of several bone marrow failure diseases. As a Vietnam veteran, I had no idea I was exposed to agent orange, the cause of my disease, let alone the consequences of that exposure until my diagnosis almost 34 years after my service. Now, I am a 100% disabled veteran. Presently, my daughter is serving in the Army Reserves currently deployed to southern Iraq. And, my son, also in the Army Reserves, is being deployed to Kuwait and southern Iraq. My daughter was previously deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and my son served in Afghanistan. I worry that 30-some years from now they may be diagnosed with some life-threatening illness due to their service to our country and our allies. Will they look back and see that an act of Congress could have prevented it?
Last year, Congress appropriated $1 million for the Bone Marrow Failure Disease program at DoD. Recent anecdotal data indicate that members of the armed services who were deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan may have been exposed to environmental factors that may be associated with these diseases. By studying armed service personnel who have been diagnosed with these diseases, we can gain a much better understanding of what may be causing bone marrow failure diseases and of how to protect members of the armed services, as well as the general public, in the future.
To sign on, please contact Sam Stefanki in Rep. Matsui's office (202-225-7163, sam.stefanki@mail.house.gov) or Lisa Salerno in Rep. McGovern's office (202-225-6101, lisa.salerno@mail.house.gov) by March 17.
Sincerely,
James A. Thomas

quote:

Originally posted by 9069512:
I am a spouse who lived in Saudi Arabia right after the Gulf War until 1994. My husband has MGUS, precursor to mulitple myeloma. He had chemical burns in his throat during his tour. Now my son has lung problems and repeat pnuemothorax. He is now 21 but, these started when he was 18. So many ladies had breast cancer on our compand through the years...My husband did tour in Saudi prior to the Gulf War also. He takes so many pills...The VA will not recognize his MGUS or monoclonnal gammapathy of undetermined signifigance. At one time he was given a year to live as he was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. His levels were high but, stable and after a year he was diagnosed with MGUS. Coming from a military family and a brat myself I just see the same actions that befell my father (Korea/Viet Nam Veteran). I have written my Senators on behalf of all vets diagnosed with MGUS that VA recognize this condition at very least...My husband was diagnosed while on active duty. It was a great hurt. He is tested for the rest of his life but, not recognized by the VA for his condition. Go figure...

I was in touch with a Doctor Steele who was researching some of the ailments of the Gulf War vets. I was never near the area in my entire life, but had nearly every symptom plus. The worst was the headaches, back pain, and the sore joints. I was diagnosed with MGUS in 2002, I think. I followed a special diet and after 6 months was completely clean on every blood test at my oncologist since. I found out about this diet from a book called the Fungus Link. I sent the specifics and progression of all my ailments, as well as the diet info and the health improvements from the diet to Dr. Steele. I also supplied conditions of my occupation which may have exposed me to similar materials. I answered questions she sent and was hoping the info would help vets. Without going into everything, believe me. The diet worked. At the end of the 6 months, I didn't need meds for Blood Pressure or Pain. As long as I followed the diet, no colds, flu, headaches, swollen joints, no toenail fungus, NO MGUS, etc. No aspirin. It has been unbelievable.
*Also, I did keep a record of my regression and progression.