Salem-News.com Marine Corps articles Page 33

Veterans Demand End of `Don`t Ask Don`t Tell` Policy for Gays

"Right now we need every man on deck, we can't be picking and choosing unless we're going to bring the draft back" -Mario Benfield, American Legion Post 448

(SAN FRANCISCO) - Mario Benfield is the past commander of the only American Legion post whose membership is predominantly gay and lesbian.

Benfield and other vets are sick of Pres. Clinton's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy banning gays from military service if they are honest about their lives.

U.S. Rep. Brad Miller Introduces Janey Ensminger Act

Miller, Dingell, Burr & Hagan push for passage of bills to help families exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - With bi-partisan support, the Janey Ensminger Act to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care to veterans and their family members who have experienced adverse health effects as a result of exposure to contaminated well water at Camp Lejeune was introduced today.

It is estimated that more than a million Marines or their family members were affected by the toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Latest Study Says TCE Worse Than Thought

Conclusions could lead EPA to propose tougher regulations.

(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) - The Environmental Protection Agency has released a new report concluding that TCE — trichloroethylene, a pollutant found in much of Mountain View's groundwater — is definitely a carcinogen, a finding which could lead the agency to propose tougher cleanup standards.

"Many people across the country are exposed to TCE in their air and their water under current standards that would not be allowable under these (potential) new standards," explained Lenny Siegel, director of the Center for Public Environmental Oversight.

98th MCAS El Toro RAB Meeting: A Year Older and None The Wiser

“Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.”  Ambrose Bierce

 “Politics: Who Gets What, When And How” Book by Harold D. Lasswell

(LAGUNA BEACH) - The following is an update on the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for Salem-News visitors, and I’ve provided the two quotes above to let these same readers see where we’re headed in this, my second posting about the subject. I would remind readers that this is my impression of events, if you want the nitty-gritty technological conundrums, the depressing minutiae regarding why all of us are so confused and outraged, go to Salem-News archives.

WARNING: Viewing these pieces might be hazardous to your mental health, especially your sense of moral accountability!

Military Environmental Hazards Bill Faces Hurdles

Congressional jurisdictional issues and Defense Department resistance to accepting responsibility for harming veterans and dependents are major impediments to passing a final bill and ultimately providing medical care.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - There’s a definite need for more “adult supervision” in Washington. Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs passed an original bill, “Examination of Exposures to Environmental Hazards During Military Service Act of 2010.” The vote was 9 to 5 along party lines.

Nine democrats voted for the bill while 5 Republicans against it. Senator Jim Webb (D, VA), a Navy Cross Marine veteran, did not vote.

Senate Considers Bill for Environmental Hazard Exposures

Camp Lejeune veterans and family members are automatically covered under the TRICARE program. Veterans and dependents of other bases must await the decision of an Advisory Board. No provision is made for civilian workers injured from exposure to environmental hazards.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee will hold hearings on Thursday, January 28th on an environmental hazard exposure bill drafted by Senator Akaka, (D, HI), Chairman, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

According to an informed Congressional source, a vote is expected on the bill entitled, “Examination of Exposures to Environmental Hazards During Military Service Act of 2010.”

Akaka Proposal for Camp Lejeune Found Unacceptable by Veterans and Their Families

Shifting federal roles could impact the 'Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act'.

(CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.) - There are few people who know more about the Marine Corps' contamination problems at Camp Lejeune, N.C. than Jerry Ensminger. Jerry lost his daughter Janey to cancer, which he later learned was connected to the toxic water at the Marine base.

His concern now is an attempt to shift the heaviest responsibility and thus the control of providing Camp Lejeune victims their health care away from the Veterans Administration and place it on the Department of Defense.

Who Killed Colonel James E. Sabow, USMC?

19 years ago today, a Marine Corps Colonel was murdered at MCAS El Toro, California. His brother has relentlessly pursued the investigation of his death for all of these years. Guns, drugs, and a government cover-up make this a perfect crime.

(IRVINE, Calif.) - On January 22, 1991, Marine Colonel James E. Sabow, age 51, was found dead by his wife in the backyard of his quarters at MCAS El Toro, California.

Dingell, Stupak, Miller Call on Navy to Fund Camp Lejeune Studies

“The law doesn’t make victims of toxic exposure, or the ATSDR, beg polluters for justice and the necessary funding; the law gives them rights.” - Congressman Brad Miller

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Members of Congress accuse the Navy of delaying efforts to provide a more meaningful understanding of the health problems incurred by former Camp Lejeune residents.

The Navy has failed to provide funding requested by ATSDR for a cohort mortality study and a health survey as required by law.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Marine veteran remembers visit by Colonel Gregory (Pappy) Boyington, the Marine Corps’ highest ranking Ace from WW II, who died 22 years ago today.

(SOMERDALE, NJ) - It’s not often that you get to ‘stand inspection’ for a Medal of Honor winner. The word was passed that Colonel Gregory (Pappy) Boyington, WW II Medal of Honor and Navy Cross recipient with VMF-214, would be visiting MCAS El Toro and the Marine Wing Service Group-37 tomorrow.

This was a big deal. Medal of Honor winners do not pay visits every day. Pappy Boyington was the highest ranking WW II Ace in the Marine Corps.