Salem-News.com Marine Corps articles Page 40

Veterans Exposed to Carcinogens

Beyond Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the government isn't required to notify veterans of their possible exposure to contaminants and their health effects.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - Veterans for Change (VFC) supports legislation to expand VA presumptive disability coverage for disabled veterans exposed to toxic chemicals.

Government reports show that many military bases have elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).

Veterans Support Reintroduction of `The TCE Reduction Act`

Presumptive disability for diseases linked to TCE contamination is the fairest way to honor the service of veterans.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - The Veterans for Change (VFC), a small but proactive organization, plans to petition Congress to reintroduce “The TCE Reduction Act,” and to include exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) for military bases with TCE contamination of groundwater under the VA's Presumptive Disability category.

The Veterans for Change’s (VFC) mission is to promote positive changes in the treatment and rights of all veterans, especially relating to benefits claims, claims appeals, medical treatment, VA facilities, PTSD, Agent Orange, POW/MIA recoveries, diabetes, dioxins and related issues affecting veterans and their families.

Why the Navy Wants to Conduct Operations Off Oregon

Drawing a line between the fate of the El Toro Marine air base and the proposal to conduct Naval operations on Oregon's coastline.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I think Sherlock Holmes would be a good consultant on this one; but in his absence I'll take a stab at delivering my theory on why the Navy suddenly wants to bring a military presence to the Oregon coast.

Our regular readers know Salem-News.com has been covering the toxic contamination of the old El Toro Marine base in Southern California since just before last summer.

TCE-Related Toxic Waste in Irvine Much Worse Than Previously Revealed

A plume of the highly toxic chemical trichloroethylene that originated from the El Toro Marine base, has migrated beneath most of Irvine.

(IRVINE, Calif.) - Salem-News.com began a series of reports in May of 2008 on the toxic waste contamination of the now-closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine, California.

New information released today suggests that far more of Irvine is potentially contaminated with TCE than even those of us who are studying the issue closely, realized.

Fear and Loathing at MCAS El Toro: Report From the Restoration Advisory Board

“There’s something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear.” - For What It’s Worth Buffalo Springfield

(LAGUNA BEACH) - After attending the preliminary tech Sub-Committee (SC) meeting, followed by the general stakeholders congregation last week, here are my personal observations and perceptions, for what THEY’RE worth. The leaders proved the adage about power corrupting absolutely.

El Toro Marines Ask Navy for Help

Veterans start on-line petition to request the Navy's Public Health Center to evaluate the risks of occupational exposure to TCE and other contaminants at MCAS El Toro.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - El Toro Marine veterans are asking the Navy Marine Corps Public Health Center, Occupational Health Department, to address the occupational risks of exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), radionuclides and other contaminants at former MCAS El Toro.

On January 2, 2009, the Agency of Toxic Substances Registry (ATSDR) recommended that the Navy be contacted to address the potential exposure to workers to chemicals used in the occupational environment at former MCAS El Toro.

Groups Prepare Civil RICO Case Against Lennar Corporation for Civil Racketeering

Firms open investigation into filing civil racketeering suit against Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN), its senior management and outside counsel.

(SAN DIEGO) - Michael Boyd, long time consumer advocate and President of CAlifornian’s for Renewable Energy, Inc. (CARE), announced today that his non-profit organization has teamed up with the Fraud Discovery Institute, Inc in an attempt to join forces in a fight for justice through a civil racketeering action being contemplated by the two organizations.

Marines in `Catch 22` with Government

The VA is not going to wake-up tomorrow morning and realize the necessity of approving Presumptive Disability for TCE exposure. Congressional support is needed to make this change.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - The Feres doctrine prevents veterans from filing tort suits for injuries from exposure to contaminants on active duty.

Even when the government is clearly negligent, the veteran’s only alternative is to file a VA disability claim.

The ‘catch’ is that the VA requires evidence of exposure, medical records supporting the injury or illness, and a nexus statement from a medical care provider linking the injury or illness to military service.

`Larry Agran, Great Park Gangbanger: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire?`

Or "Larry (What, me worry) Agran: The Lesser of Feebles?"

(LAGUNA BEACH) - Larry Agran's dream is turning out to be Orange County's nightmare. Costs soaring, the promised pollyanna tax revenue for the County diving, it just gets worse by the day. The contaminant cleanup budget soars, removal progressing slowly and ineffective for water-borne pollutants migrating region-wide. Little or no preemptive risk assessment, no contingency or fallback strategy. No Plan B, Just Plan A(gran).

We need an OC Grand Jury intervention, and like Watergate, let's have the OC District Attorney's Office follow the money.

Irvine's chosen developer, Lennar Homes, has a decades long reputation and fiscal nationwide history rife with horror stories, vendor mischief and LLC bankruptcies, yet it continues to do business in spite of its ineptitude and lapses.

Veterans Use Internet to Wage Battle

The Department of Defense is the biggest owner of EPA Superfund sites with 133 at last count. Marine veterans and dependents use websites and internet to spread the word of contaminants to others. Government actions with few exceptions have been to ignore concerns or “pass the buck” to others. Lejeune website recommends alternative to government Public Health Assessments.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - One of the things that parents most fear is the death of a child. For most of us, this is only a vicarious experience. We hear or read about an accidental death or even murder of someone’s child, sympathize, maybe offer a prayer, then go on with our lives. We haven’t had to endure the pain.