Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
U.S. House Representative Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS) greeting several adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans in his office; discussing proposed H.R.1961 legislation surrounding Agent Orange medical care, which has a Senate Bill 786 as a companion. Adult Caucasian male veteran seated nearest to Rep. Montgomery explains that the group here today are representative of a coalition of Vietnam Veterans groups that wish to see the passage of legislation meant to compensate Vietnam War veterans for any effects suffered due to exposure to Agent Orange.
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
U.S. House Representative Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS) speaking with several adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans in his office; he expresses his thanks for their service, his willingness to be fair to veterans so long as he's chair of the House Veteran's Affairs Committee, and provides updates on legislative schedule as it pertains to Agent Orange and proposed H.R.1961 legislation. He also mentions the Senate Bill which has come out with three presumptive findings related to Agent Orange. Rep. Montgomery assures the group that as chairman, he will guarantee the legislation gets brought up for a full "up or down" vote and hopes the bill remains the same as the Subcommittee on Compensation and Pensions voted out. Rep. Montgomery mentions that he is pushing for the full study on Agent Orange effects to be taken up by the Center for Disease Control, and for the study to be concluded by 1986-87.
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
U.S. House Representative Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS) meeting with several adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans in his office. Adult Caucasian male seated nearest to Rep. Montgomery believes House Resolution 1961 is "milestone" legislation and they want to see it passed, noting that opposition to its passage is coming from those who wish to see Agent Orange studies completed first. Former Sergeant Major Gary Thomas speaks to his experience with Agent Orange. He hears statements that Agent Orange wasn't used all that much or that it didn't come into contact with the soldiers. Thomas refutes that, stating that Agent Orange was used like water or candy, and he and his men were in constant contact with it. Thomas describes what it did to his skin. At the time he was being misdiagnosed by a variety of medics and doctors with having some sort of "jungle rot" despite having constant and worsening medical issues that nearly killed him.
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
Former Sergeant Major Gary Thomas continues describing his experiences with Agent Orange, adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans seated next to him. It was not until he came to Washington, D.C., when a man came out of the hearing room and saw the condition of the skin on his hands and refuted the diagnoses as "jungle rot". That man told him he had chloracne, and advised him to go to the Veterans Administration in Houston. In three days, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, but was cured in 3-4 weeks; man (o/s) tells Thomas to show the photographs he's holding. Thomas explains the rashes he's seen on men's legs and arms, and states the longer treatments stymied by discussions and studies on Agent Orange, the more men will die. He counts Vietnam veterans as loyal patriots who would serve again if asked, but their leaders and government have abandoned them. He doesn't care who knew what, and is holding no one responsible. Thomas just wants treatment for his men.
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
U.S. House Representative Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS) meeting with several adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans in his office. Former Sergeant Major Gary Thomas references statements and experiences, where men are being told that Agent Orange isn't what's harming them, or cannot get the treatment they need, which then contributes to deaths of despair for many Vietnam Veterans; buzzer sounds in the BG. Thomas believes this messaging comes down from the top. Rep. Montgomery explains the work the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee has done in passing legislation to direct the VA in moving toward Agent Orange treatment. Rep. Montgomery states that he recently visited two VA hospitals, in Los Angeles and Phoenix, where he made sure the programs in the hospitals were being followed through and improved.
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
U.S. House Representative Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS) meeting with several adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans in his office. Male veteran expresses the group's satisfaction that at least under Rep. Montgomery's leadership on the Veterans Affairs Committee, the issue of Agent Orange is being addressed. "We're Dying To Get The Facts on Agent Orange - Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, Inc." decal on suitcase; Rep. Montgomery speaking to the veterans. "America is #1 Thanks To Our Veterans" sticker in corner of wall mirror; Rep. Montgomery talking about the Veterans Jobs Bill. Male veteran asks Rep. Montgomery about one of his colleagues opposition vote; Rep. Montgomery thinks that once the Agent Orange studies are complete, his colleagues will come down on the right side of the vote. Male veteran thanks Montgomery for saving lives by taking the study on the affects of Agent Orange from the Veterans Administration and giving it to the Centers for Disease Control.
Vietnam Veterans Discuss Agent Orange
U.S. House Representative Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS) meeting with several adult Caucasian male Vietnam War veterans in his office. Male veteran lists the current medical findings for soft tissue effects of Agent Orange exposure. Prisoner of War - Missing In Action and military ribbons on suit jacket; Rep. Montgomery (o/s) saying soft tissue maladies are in the bill. Military ribbons along with U.S./Texas flag pin and P.O.W./M.I.A. pin on suit jacket; male veteran (o/s) complimenting Rep. Montgomery as a friend to veteran concerns. Adult Caucasian male veteran asks Rep. Montgomery to continue supporting the bill when it goes to the Senate, making sure it stays a priority. Rep. Montgomery assures him he'll track the bill, but warns that if the bill is amended after it leaves the subcommittee, it could pose problems getting votes, and even he may have to reconsider his position. Male veteran re-iterates that the House Bill is a milestone piece of legislation.