2004 Soap Box Archives

Agent Orange Follow Up 07/09/04

Since the initial article I did on the effects of Agent Orange on our Vietnam Veterans, thanks to the efforts of some very informed people I have learned quite a bit more about the problem.

Twenty-two and a half million gallons of the combination of chemicals
known as Agent Orange were released in Vietnam and the effect on the troops who were serving there has been devastating, not to mention what it has done to the civilian population of Vietnam.

No less than 250,000 Vietnam Vets have succumbed to the effects of the chemicals. It’s heartbreaking to go through a war and come home in one piece only to find out that chemicals you were exposed to that your government used as a defoliate have followed you home and are now having devastating effects on you and your family.

Diabetes 2 and some 43 cancers and other sicknesses have been traced to the after effects of Agent Orange.

Why this disgrace has been so effectively swept under the rug for so long is a mystery to me. Now it’s time to bring it out into the open and deal with it.

These people served their country honorably and now it’s time for their country to do whatever it takes to help these heroes.

Whatever government agencies which come into play here need to swing into action. Not only with acknowledging the effect that these chemicals have had on these Veterans but also in getting the word out to those who served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange.

There should be a massive informational program mounted to let these people know that they could be in jeopardy.

They need a full physical with cat scans every year. Many lives could be saved and improved by this simple undertaking.

These examinations should be made available and easily accessible for the Vets who need them.

I love the military and know that without them there would be no America. There would be no freedom.

Tonight when you put your babies to bed in a free country, you can thank God for the brave men and women who have given so much to stand in the gap to defend this nation.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran who could have been exposed to Agent Orange I urge you to have your physical. It could possibly save you a lot of pain and suffering. It could even save your life.

America, let’s support our Veterans, they sure supported us.

Pray for our troops.

What do you think?

God Bless America

Charlie Daniels