Takhli Message Board

Takhli RTAFB - Land of the King Cobra

Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Dennis on 3/25/2014, 9:18:11

REPORT TO VA SECRETARY ON THE ASSOC BETWEEN ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS AND EXPOSURE TO AO

Something discovered by another veteran that posted it on a different veterans site.
This is a Must for your evidence pile----

http://www.2ndbattalion94thartillery.com/Chas/Admiral.htm

This VA document written in 1990 gives solid support to the thoughts of many veterans that AO and the other herbicides were likely used in other parts of Thailand military bases at least some of the time... not just along and near the perimeters.

The document says, among other things,that back in the 60s the DOD (Department of Defense) didn’t consider those herbicides to be toxic or otherwise harmful although scientists were raising red flags. That matches up with what the U.S Army 1971 Field Manual "Tactical Employment Of Herbicides" and U.S Army 1969 tech report "Herbicides In SouthEast Asia" says about AO and other herbicides toxicity. That application manual and tech document clearly says in it that AO and the other
herbicides are not toxic to man and wildlife. They (DOD) didn't consider the stuff toxic. That increases the likelihood that it was used in other areas besides the perimeter.
Those Army documents were used by many or all people doing the spraying and guided many or all the people that authorized spraying on base and those that supervised spraying activities. If AO and the other herbicides weren't considered toxic by DOD, and worked good in quickly killing vegetation ,then why not use it in other areas
besides the perimeter areas if they had it available. It doesn’t hurt people and it works good. Use it.

The new document also contains several other good pieces of information.

Instead of helping vets a lot of the content is all about trying not to have to take responsibility.

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by joseph john bauman on 4/1/2014, 17:08:36, in reply to "Important AO-Herbice Document"

Iam dieing of AO (2009-present) and the VA keep saying no. Need men that was in adorn and or Takhil airbases. That has cancer. e-mail me. PLEASE/ASAP2014 /04

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by don bremer on 4/12/2014, 19:58:45, in reply to "Important AO-Herbice Document"

when ever anyone went through an entry control point onto to the flight line you may have been exposed to ao,wereas the areas beside and behind and also ditchs were sprayed on a regular basis.

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by David Castiaux on 4/23/2014, 7:15:55, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Looking for anyone who can attest to the fact that Pneudraulic (hydraulic) troops pulled duty on the worked end of runway crews during launches, and were often dispatched to the Trim Pad for Hydraulic system checks. I'm having a hard time getting my claim through because VA says the Pneudraulic career field didn't work near the perimeter. Just need a short statement from someone that kew about it. Thanks, David Castiaux (casto) dcastiaux@aol.com.....

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Willie on 5/16/2014, 13:05:34, in reply to "Important AO-Herbice Document"

Talking to my brother about what you posted. He worked Pest Controler for the DOD in the 80's. He stated that they had a DD 1532 that was a written record of daily work. Where, when, what was used and how much. I wonder if they had that paper work back when Takhli was going strong. The DoD says AO never left VN. How would they know? It was sent by non Navy ships to VN and off loaded. If some 0-6 in Thailand wanted some druns of weed killer his 0-6 buddy had in Nam. I'd think the durms would show up in Thailand. If I'm wrong some of you supply guys please let me know. Trying to get proof you were exposed by your work location (va looks at your mos) would be a done deal if AO is ever found to have been used in Thailand.

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Al on 5/17/2014, 17:37:44, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Willie, u shud check out the "CHECO" report for herbicides useage at the THAI bases. It's available via google. Also suggest a visit to "www.hadit.com" as well as this document:
http://vdha.us/stuff/contentmgr/files/a3d900d289b9f4647108e849c7179135/document/compensation___pension_sevice_bulletin___may_2010.pdf
Good Luck!!

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by willie on 5/19/2014, 9:31:20, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Good info. I believe they know AO was used at the Thi bases. I'm sure it was intended to be used on the perimeters to kill trees and brush. But they have no idea where it may have been used unless they kept records. Admitting AO in Thailand would make the Thai vets presumptive for diseases like the VN vets, regardless of where you worked or lived all you had to do was be there. I just don’t think the DoD has put all the cards on the table. Look how long it has taken for get this far. I think they intend to stick to their story. Until proven other wise.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Mike C on 6/24/2014, 19:49:12, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Contact me anytime, as TRIM PAD was Sprayed regularly .. leaving Oily substance on skin & Uniform.. Bitter acrid taste.. same scent as the Air... permeated that area, but also it was seen sprayed by hand-sprayers by Hooch boys & AF Personnel near barracks where Growth thrived. TAKHLI '67 - '68

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Steve Lindsey, former Ssgt. on 6/27/2014, 19:48:15, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Was at Takhli 68/69. Assigned as AGE technician/supervisor. Worked on gas turbine generators, hydraulic test stands, AC units for aircraft, bomb loaders AND portable light stands which were positioned around the base perimeter as the sprayed copious amounts of AO at night. Still remember the mists of AO traveling down the flight line under the lights. I now have graves disease and peripheral neurpathy and filing an appeal after almost three years fighting with the VA.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by bob hoffman on 9/17/2014, 23:18:13, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

would love to have anything stating the above.

Bob

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Rich on 9/18/2014, 5:23:56, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Hi Mike,

That is a very Profound statement and probably one of the most beneficial statements that may support a claim for AO exposure at Takhli that I have ever read.

I think you might be in a position to help a lot of out with our claims.

This might be a lot to ask but could you prepare a statement to the effects of what you just said and have it notarized and send it to all those who request a copy from you (including me? :)

It would be important for you to list your full name, the full and complete name of the base, the date spread you were there, the areas you witnessed AO being sprayed and of course all the details of the AO spraying including the part where you said "leaving Oily substance on skin & Uniform.. Bitter acrid taste.. same scent as the Air... permeated that area"

Like I mentioned, it may be a lot of trouble for you to go through for us but I think your statement could possibly be the magic bullet that may help swing a judgement in a our favor.

Many thanks for you to consider doing this for us.

Re: Informative AO @ TRIM PAD(s) Details >

Posted by Mike C. on 4/7/2015, 2:16:20, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Ahoy Rich,
My full Apology's, after so many months- just now replying back to you and others that may have needed my Statement(s). My Health like most of Vets sliding, my CPU crashed, losing this LINK, now finding my old Message & your reply. IF you get this and still needing additional data assisting your Claim, it will be no problem Reprinting and Notarizing, though we should include other New & Pertinent Facts discovered over this past Year, then Notary the Final data.
SEND YOUR EMAIL and I'll Email back direct. Until then > It's Mike Christiansen TAKHLI RTAFB '67 - '68 A/C Elect. Spec. 42350 E4. 355th CSG. This being an Accurate Description of the "SPRAY" activity & "AREA's" I witnessed nearly Nightly @ NW end of Runway, as I spent about 1/3 of my Shifts @ TAKHLI here > 1. (3)TRIM PADS (Concrete Slabs with Tiedowns & wheel chocks) at NW End of W.Runway. 2. Each TRIM PAD provided locations for Running Up A/Craft to 100% + Afterburner allowing us(Elect.) performing our Set of Required Elect. Tests (Avg. 45 Min. to 1 Hr. each A/C),ensuring ALL Systems Passed AOK (Such as Thrust Decay Switch, Engine H20 Injection, Master-Caution Fault checks,Flight Controls,Fire-Warning,& Dozens others. 3. Every time any Engine related Elect. Boxes, Switches, or Controls were R&R'd, or adjusted, an Engine Runup was required. 4. Due to HEAT of Day, I was fortunate enough to Work SWING-SHIFT most of my Year on TAKHLI. Only problem is > ALL SPRAYING by the Tanker-Trucks was done on my SWING-SHIFT(AO Evaporates Rapidly in Hot Sunny days, thus AO was typically Sprayed Early Evenings for MAX Saturation into the Foliage & Soils. 5. As described > Tanker Trucks would motor around entire Perimeter of ea. TRIM PAD where Foliage met the Concrete, Spraying often Nightly or every other Night. During Spraying, the Heavy MIST remained Airborne as a Visible Fog illuminated by the numerous trailerable Light Stands- soon after noticing the Oily substance coating my Arms and Uniform; I'd wipe it with my Hat, but again.. within minutes Oily substance coated my Arms. 6. You could Smell & Taste it immediately upon Truck dispensed it > Bitter/Sweet & acrid.. unmistakable & saturating Uniform; I'd Soak Uniform in Shower EACH Day Twice, before giving it to Hooch Boy who would then Soap Wash, Hang, and Press it; only to be Saturated again the next Night. 7. My experience & expertise earned me the Job of working at least 2 to 4 Hrs at any one of these (3) TRIM PADS ea. of my 6-Day Weeks, leaving Skin, Sinus's, Ears, Throat, & Hair Nightly Saturated with Direct AO Contact, while Spray-soaked Uniform kept AO coating my entire Body 18 Hrs./Week. 8. Each Morning, residue of same Bitter/Sweet Oily Flavor still Tasted, as well Smelling it again after Hooch Boys freshly Sprayed Bushes around Barracks w. Spray/Pump Cans 9. From this, obviously we were near continuously coated with AO, though when I asked Sergeants IF they needed to Spray all this often, they'd reply > "If you don't want Mosquito Bites of Malaria", but we knew it wasn't Mosquito Repellent 10. Headaches were common, with continuous Inhaling of what I knew was TOXIC and bad for our Lungs, Concentration and Memory felt as Foggy as was the AIR after Spraying. But our Job responsibility's keeping our Pilots Safe and Flying another Mission, was our priority.
Hope your Health is well, & your Claim accepted.

Mike C. 42350

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Mike C on 4/7/2015, 5:54:51, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Rich on 4/7/2015, 9:58:16, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Ahoy Mike,

I just sent you an email. Thank you very much for your help

Re: Important AO-Herbicide Data

Posted by Mike Christiansen on 11/4/2016, 22:23:10, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Ahoy David, NOV. 4, 2016

What YEARs were you in TAKHLI ? I personally Witnessed every "SHOP" at some time or another working at the TRIM PADs> Instruments, Elect, Hydraulic, Munitions, Sheet Metal, Crew Chiefs;
There IS ZERO Doubt ALL "SHOPS" were called out often to the 'TRIM PADS" to either Solve a Problem related to their Dept. & Skills , OR > They ASSISTED other Shops until determining which Shop was responsible for that System. Sometimes an Elect issue may have actually been a Hydraulic issue OR Visa Versa. IF U ever Worked SWING SHIFT at the TRIM PADs 1967 -1968, then U would Never forget the Tanker Trucks Spraying that Sweet/Acrid/Oily substance nearly nightly. Check back with me how you're doing & IF U have Case filed. MC

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO Data

Posted by Mike Christiansen on 11/4/2016, 23:03:11, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Ahoy Rich....

You still hanging in there buddy...
I've been OffLine a long time, diagnosed w DVT and now Blood Clots both Lungs. Never got to a Notary to fulfill your request, but the Fact my Statements are Indelible here on a Site I have NO Control over, Notarizing these would seem redundant > IF VA want my Personal Testimony, have them FLY me to such Hearings, I'll be there. I've repeated my Statements which are Consistent and Coincide with other Airmen's experiences, especially regarding the Spraying that occurred most every Evening, slowing AO Evaporation...
IN FACT >
Here's a TAKHLI WON 'Perimeter' CASE by an >
'AGE SHOP' Airman / MSgt (Ret)
-----------------
Vincent Dolan 12-Jul-2011 01:19

355th at Takhli from 66-67.
I worked in AGE, working on powered equipment such as light carts, generator sets, etc. - all of which were utilized in and around the perimiter of the base. Anyone with similar experiences - let me know The VA is fighting me and I have NY congressmen willing to back
me - but I need some backing. Vincent Dolan, MSgt, USAF Ret
-----------------

vincent dolan 19-Mar-2013 00:58 read my post of july 2011. I won my claim, Agent Orange at Thakli thailand was responsible for my larynx cancer, prostate cancer, and type 2 diabetes. I received a 100 percent service connected disability. If anyone claimed and was denied, re-apply!!!! Agent orange WAS used on Thakli in the 60's and probably other bases in Thailand. Any questions - call me.
Lostcord95@frontiernet.net
---------------
Rich, Let me know how your Health is and any Breakthroughs for You and any others .
Thank you, Mike C.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO Data

Posted by Rich on 11/5/2016, 6:21:59, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO Data"

Hi there Mike,

Well, my health is failing but I am managing to keep struggling along. Absolutely nothing new in my case. I've been with my attorney now for almost 21 months and no breakthroughs. As a matter of fact, not even a response from the VA concerning my case. It's as though I don't exist as far as the VA is concerned. I was turned down twice (once per year) prior retaining my attorney which is almost 2 years ago now (currently going on 5 years total battle time with the VA). Thanks for your post Mike. Hang in there bud, we're in it together!

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by John Powers on 11/18/2017, 16:09:34, in reply to "Important AO-Herbice Document"

I was stationed at Takhli Jan.66-Jan 67. I was a two striper crew chief on B-66's. Being a lowly airman I was farmed out for other duties. I re bet using a hand sprayer to spray "weed killer" around the hard stands. Anyone else remember this additional duty? TIA

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Michael on 2/11/2018, 12:32:11, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

This fits my post that I just posted to the main link earlier today. I worked at the mobile Tropo site just a little south of the trim pads you're talking about. A few months before I left, which was in May of 1969, I was sent to work night shift back out there. What I saw was that all the vegetation was gone and at night I could clearly see the lights from the bomb dump and the lights around the trim pads. I never knew what they used and quite honestly didn't think much about it. Now I know. thanks

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Ryan Stephenson on 2/12/2018, 8:46:46, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

in May 1972 a C-130 came from Vietnam with a full load of Tactical herbicides to include Agent Orange I was TDY and attached to the 49th Supply Squadron and helped the barrels in storage and delivered them all ove the base.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Mike C. on 9/28/2018, 7:49:45, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

How you doing Rich...

Mike ~ ~

vikingsss@aol

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Rich on 9/30/2018, 5:40:12, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

I'm still hanging in there Mike, thank you for asking. As far as my claim goes it has been sitting at the board of appeals intake center waiting for disposition for the last year or so. Maybe longer. I've been turned down 3 times since 2012, who knows maybe this round will be the lucky charm. We'll see. I'll post my results when the decision comes in. Best of luck to you.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Gary S. on 11/30/2018, 13:55:11, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

I was a fire protection specialist who worked at the crash station located on the base flight line. (24 hrs. on-24 hrs. off. Slept and ate there while on duty) I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Been fighting with the VA since 2013. Appeal after appeal. Now being assisted by the DAV who will take my case to a federal judge. Was constantly exposed and clearly worked in the perimeter drift zone. VA claims only Security Police were exposed. Need letters from fellow Takhli vets who worked the flight line.

Previous Message

How you doing Rich...

Mike ~ ~

vikingsss@aol

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Gary Schuld on 12/13/2018, 13:02:58, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Looking for any Fire Protection Specialist's to write letters supporting documentation that anyone who worked the flight line was clearly exposed in the spray and drift zones when Agent Orange/herbicides were sprayed, most notably the area between the runway and flight line where color picture maps clearly show dead vegetation. Need documentation that firefighters did fight grass fires around the base perimeter. Fighting lower extremity peripheral neuropathy for 45-years. Help.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Jim Elmore on 12/15/2018, 11:13:45, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Gary
I am also dealing with neuropathy, and many other issues.
I was stationed there in 1966 and 1967 and most of my time was spent on or near the flight line.
If you need anything I would gladly help out.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Charles (Chuck) Pickering MSgt on 12/15/2018, 14:29:57, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Previous Message

Anyone have documented proof of this or any other spraying of Agent Orange/Herbicide at Takhli in support of a Disability Claim?
I have tried to contact those on the Roster that were at Takhli the same time I was, but the listed email addresses all give fatal errors.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Charles (Chuck) Pickering MSgt on 12/15/2018, 14:38:58, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Previous Message

Please add me to the list!

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Gary Schuld on 12/16/2018, 13:00:30, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Hello Jim,
Thanks you for responding to my post.
Much appreciated.
Jim I was at Takhli during the Cambodian bombing campaign.
I came on a TDY from Clark AFB, Philippines.
Jim the DAV and American Legion tell me to get letters from fellow vets also stationed at Takhli.
The letters simply need to state that flight line personnel were constantly exposed to Agent Orange/herbicides, and how they were dispersed. Then include your disability and your contact info.
Again the VA tries to disprove saying that only the Security Police AFSC's are the only ones that were exposed. Ahhhh! My e-mail is gjs1952@aol.com
The more letters, the better for the claim and appeals.
Thanks Jim

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Gary Schuld on 12/19/2018, 11:43:24, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Hi Mike,
Like Chuck, I would kindly ask the same of you. Could and would you please add me to that list? For some reason the VA states that they have no knowledge of Agent Orange being used anywhere near the base flight line. They only want to recognize the Security Police AFSC and the base perimeter as being sprayed. It's like they don't want to believe in the fact that the herbicide drifted.
Thanks,
Gary Schuld
15723 Fernway Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44111

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Gary Schuld on 1/7/2019, 11:03:47, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Hi Jim Elmore,
Jim and fellow Takhli RTAFB vets. Regarding your response to my post.
Would and could you please send me a support letter stating the use of Agent Orange at and around the base flight line and runway perimeter.
I need any and all documentation from other USAF vets stationed at Takhli for when I go to my hearing at the Board of Appeals.
Thanks,
Gary Schuld
15723 Fernway Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44111

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Mike C. on 1/28/2019, 18:17:31, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Email Mike C. > vikingsss@aol.com

Previous Message

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Gary Schuld on 5/17/2019, 11:47:03, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Hello fellow Takhli vets,
I am in need of written help from fellow Takhli RTAFB veterans exposed to Agent Orange and who worked the base flight line. I was a Fire Protection Specialist who worked a 24 hour on/24 hour off shift at the crash station. I am scheduled for a hearing with the VA Board of Appeals. I am asking for written letters to say that Agent Orange was in fact sprayed in our work area, and that we were clearly within the spray drift zone. Thank you. Gary Schuld 15723 Fernway Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44111 (216)-302-5226 gjs1952@aol.com

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Gary Schuld on 5/19/2019, 15:56:28, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Looking for for fellow Takhli RTAFB veterans Wayne T. Hollingshed, Robert L. Grieb and Donald H. Knapp. Unfortunately Michael E. Hanni passed away last year. We were all sent on a TDY from Clark AFB, Philippines, to Takhli RTAFB duringg the Cambodian bombing campaign. I need your help regarding my Agent Orange claim. Been suffering with peripheral neuropathy for 46 years now. Thanks, Gary J. Schuld gjs1952@aol.com

Previous Message

when ever anyone went through an entry control point onto to the flight line you may have been exposed to ao,wereas the areas beside and behind and also ditchs were sprayed on a regular basis.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Tony Zelisko on 5/31/2019, 17:20:01, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Jim,
If you still have info regarding herbicide spraying please email to me at tzelisko@cfl.rr.com.
Thanks.

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Tony Zelisko on 5/31/2019, 17:23:01, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

Mike C. Please contact me at tzelisko@cfl.rr.com.
Thanks..
Tony

Previous Message

Email Mike C. > vikingsss@aol.com

Previous Message

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Gary Schuld on 11/20/2019, 14:29:49, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Looking for any pictures of the tanker trucks that sprayed Agent Orange/herbicide in and around the flight line area. (Trim pads, the grassy area between the runway and flight line, the flight line entrance points and etc.)

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Norm Ritter on 11/22/2019, 4:02:59, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Gary, if your duty was close to or on the flight line they will approve it but in 1972 they sprayed the whole base during the reactivation including tent city where we slept for months till the hooches were ready. Hope your hearing goes well, they just reinstated my claim with very little effort once I was seen by an outside doctor.

Previous Message

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Gary Schuld on 11/22/2019, 7:58:52, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Norm,
Thank you so much!
I was a Fire Protection Specialist who was assigned the flight line crash station, next to the control tower. We worked 24-hours on and 24-hours off. We lived, ate and slept on the flight line when on duty. I've been in an appeal status for over 5-years now.
I was diagnosed with lower extremity peripheral neuropathy 45-years ago, and am now totally and permanently disabled.
Again much appreciate the quick response.

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Mike C. on 1/25/2020, 11:48:54, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

Hello John Powers >

YES... HAND SPRAYERs (GALVANIZED CANS with Push-Pump) WERE SPRAYED BY our HOOCH BOYS AROUND OUR BARRACKS... !! You could SMELL the Same ACRID ODOR through our OPEN-AIR HOOCHEs (Barrack)THAT WAS IDENTICAL TO the SPRAYED ODOR (FOG) AT OUR
TRIM-PADS AT NW END OF TAKHLI TAXI-WAY (RUNWAY)

EMAIL ME > Vikingsss@ Amer. Online

-------------------

Previous Message

Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by GREG FLEMING on 1/27/2020, 16:50:21, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbice Document"

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Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc

Posted by Don Cromer on 2/13/2020, 8:53:45, in reply to "Re: Tanker Truck Sprayed Trim Pad Often - Important AO-Herbicide Doc "

Jim,
I was stationed in Takhli, Thailand from Sepy68- Sept69.. I was a Test cell/Trim pad employee at that time. You mentioned about AO they sprayed that stuff all the time to keep vegetation down. That stuff left a film over everything we thought it was from the jet fuel from running the engines on the cell and trim pad. if Its not too late give me a shout out my e-mail is Donspyder2@gmail.com

Re: Important AO-Herbice Document

Posted by Melvin Aloysius Bosch on 7/19/2021, 14:56:49, in reply to "Re: Important AO-Herbice Document"

I was the Deputy Fire Chief From Jun 1972 Msgt Scott Ramsey was the Fire Chief. I was deputy for around 6-7 months till CMsgt Billy Bell came on board which moved me back to Assitant Fire. Yes we did have Fire in the Outer Perimeter. I was directly involved in 3 of them . One was and actual spray tanker unit That The Chief and I Put with 100lb dry chem. unit we had in the back of the Chiefs trunk. The 530 from station responded from Station 2 and couple of other units from Crash station. This is the one where six Thai works were burned severely along with the GI running the operation. All six Thai works died with in 2 week. The GI was flown to the Philippines. Never heard if he made it for sure rumor said no!! Another one close to the POL storage tanks on southeast side of Runway and the other one was between the CIA facility and bomb dump. There were a few others but I really can't remember the exact locations as I was not on duty at the time. Your Name rings a bell but I just can't place the face. I to have issues. Diabetes and Neurophty since around 1982 diagnosed in 1985. I hope this helps you out!!

sent me an E-mail melbosch@brighthouse.com

Mel

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Re: Informative AO @ TRIM PAD(s) Details >

Posted by larry reandeau on 3/26/2022, 17:00:33, in reply to "Re: Informative AO @ TRIM PAD(s) Details > "

Hi MIke, I worked in the RAPCON jan 67 -jan 68. Im on a va claim appeal for exposer to agent orange/herbicide spraying. I need proof I worked perimeter while in the RAPCON.
a copy of your statement could also be helpful. If your available to help me in any way I would be grateful.. I wish you well brother..Larry

Previous Message

Ahoy Rich,
My full Apology's, after so many months- just now replying back to you and others that may have needed my Statement(s). My Health like most of Vets sliding, my CPU crashed, losing this LINK, now finding my old Message & your reply. IF you get this and still needing additional data assisting your Claim, it will be no problem Reprinting and Notarizing, though we should include other New & Pertinent Facts discovered over this past Year, then Notary the Final data.
SEND YOUR EMAIL and I'll Email back direct. Until then > It's Mike Christiansen TAKHLI RTAFB '67 - '68 A/C Elect. Spec. 42350 E4. 355th CSG. This being an Accurate Description of the "SPRAY" activity & "AREA's" I witnessed nearly Nightly @ NW end of Runway, as I spent about 1/3 of my Shifts @ TAKHLI here > 1. (3)TRIM PADS (Concrete Slabs with Tiedowns & wheel chocks) at NW End of W.Runway. 2. Each TRIM PAD provided locations for Running Up A/Craft to 100% + Afterburner allowing us(Elect.) performing our Set of Required Elect. Tests (Avg. 45 Min. to 1 Hr. each A/C),ensuring ALL Systems Passed AOK (Such as Thrust Decay Switch, Engine H20 Injection, Master-Caution Fault checks,Flight Controls,Fire-Warning,& Dozens others. 3. Every time any Engine related Elect. Boxes, Switches, or Controls were R&R'd, or adjusted, an Engine Runup was required. 4. Due to HEAT of Day, I was fortunate enough to Work SWING-SHIFT most of my Year on TAKHLI. Only problem is > ALL SPRAYING by the Tanker-Trucks was done on my SWING-SHIFT(AO Evaporates Rapidly in Hot Sunny days, thus AO was typically Sprayed Early Evenings for MAX Saturation into the Foliage & Soils. 5. As described > Tanker Trucks would motor around entire Perimeter of ea. TRIM PAD where Foliage met the Concrete, Spraying often Nightly or every other Night. During Spraying, the Heavy MIST remained Airborne as a Visible Fog illuminated by the numerous trailerable Light Stands- soon after noticing the Oily substance coating my Arms and Uniform; I'd wipe it with my Hat, but again.. within minutes Oily substance coated my Arms. 6. You could Smell & Taste it immediately upon Truck dispensed it > Bitter/Sweet & acrid.. unmistakable & saturating Uniform; I'd Soak Uniform in Shower EACH Day Twice, before giving it to Hooch Boy who would then Soap Wash, Hang, and Press it; only to be Saturated again the next Night. 7. My experience & expertise earned me the Job of working at least 2 to 4 Hrs at any one of these (3) TRIM PADS ea. of my 6-Day Weeks, leaving Skin, Sinus's, Ears, Throat, & Hair Nightly Saturated with Direct AO Contact, while Spray-soaked Uniform kept AO coating my entire Body 18 Hrs./Week. 8. Each Morning, residue of same Bitter/Sweet Oily Flavor still Tasted, as well Smelling it again after Hooch Boys freshly Sprayed Bushes around Barracks w. Spray/Pump Cans 9. From this, obviously we were near continuously coated with AO, though when I asked Sergeants IF they needed to Spray all this often, they'd reply > "If you don't want Mosquito Bites of Malaria", but we knew it wasn't Mosquito Repellent 10. Headaches were common, with continuous Inhaling of what I knew was TOXIC and bad for our Lungs, Concentration and Memory felt as Foggy as was the AIR after Spraying. But our Job responsibility's keeping our Pilots Safe and Flying another Mission, was our priority.
Hope your Health is well, & your Claim accepted.

Mike C. 42350

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