My husband, (Staff Sgt. / Tech. Sgt.) Paul Clay, served at Takhli AFB about June 1966 until June 1967. He worked on aircraft doing corrosion control and painting. He worked on the flight line which was next to the perimeter. He passed away in September 2010 of heart disease related to diabetes mellitus. Before he died he had filed for diabetes due to exposure of herbicides at the base. I filed a claim for widows benefits when he passed away and I have been receiving requests for various information from the VA ever since.
Today I received a request for proof that he actually died as a result of exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange would be one type). My husband was originally from West Virginia and had previously been at Beale AFB before Takhli and went to RAF Welford soon after returning stateside. From documentation I have found the VA and DoD have acknowledged that various herbicides were used at all the Thai bases for perimeter control of vegetation. There is limited documentation that tactical use of herbicides occurred during this time and many documents are still classified.
I have been unable to find copies of his performance evaluations during this time which would (I hope) identify his work on the flight line or on the perimeter. I also believe that the barracks were built close to the fence lines but don’t have any way to establish this. His photos don’t include a picture of his living or working areas in relationship to the perimeter areas.
The paperwork says they would also use a statement from anyone who knows of his exposure. If you knew my husband and can offer any assistance I would be very grateful.
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