While soldiers know there will be risks while fighting overseas, they also expect the government they serve to protect them as much as possible.
An investigation from The New York Times shows more than 600 military members who served in Iraq between 2004 and 2010 reported being exposed to chemical weapons, like mustard agents and sarin gas, and never received treatment.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal wrote a public letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel asking if any Connecticut soldiers were among those who reported exposure. He also demanded action to ensure the vets are treated. “The concealment by the Department of Defense has really denied these veterans what they need in medical treatment to ready the effects of this exposure to toxic chemicals,” Blumenthal said.
If you are a veteran and think you may have been exposed to toxins while serving, you can call the DoD’s hotline for the issue at 7-800-497-6261.
