You may recall on 9-3-2010, I sent a letter to TAG LA concerning Louisiana Soldiers being exposed to Agent Orange at Fort Chaffee, AR, in 1967. My concern in 2010, as it is now, is that approximately two thousand Louisiana Soldiers were exposed to Agent Orange for at least two weeks in 1967 when the defoliant was tested by the Joint Services Record Research Center.
Because I was one of the soldiers and had one of the diseases associated with exposure to herbicide agents, I submitted a claim to the Regional VA Office in New Orleans on 9-28-2010. This began a nearly four-year process that concluded with the Board of Veteran’s Appeal in Washington, DC, ruling in my favor 4-3-2014.
To the best of my knowledge, only two Louisiana Guardsmen submitted claims and both were approved. Because my claim went to the final appeals court, it is now a matter of record (or law) that herbicides including Agent Orange were tested at Fort Chaffee from December 1966 thru October 1967.
The appeals court decision made it clear that all soldiers, regardless of status, that have been exposed to Agent Orange and living with one of the diseases (or the spouse of a deceased soldier) would be entitled to compensation. Anything you or the people on your mailing list can do to pass the word is appreciated.
COL R. Nomey
USA Retired
