Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
Posted by Gerald Warren on 4/22/2019, 6:52:23
In an attempt to disqualify a veteran from receiving benefits testimony from the historical agency states he couldn't have been exposed to herbicides because they didn't use herbicides at Takhli, Thailand except the period of April through September 1969.
The appeals board ended up awarding the claim to the veteran but I just used this information on my appeal since I was assigned there during that time period. I also tried to bring up the DOD 500 meter drift since it should be relevant to the claim. Appeal was only submitted two weeks ago and included my evaluation that pointed out some of my duties included driving on the base and trips downtown through the main gate and base perimeter.
I will copy and paste the part of the exact verbiage and include the case number if any of you want to refer to this on your appeals or application for compensation.
In March 2017, written correspondence from an archivist at the Air Force Historical Research Agency was provided regarding the Veteran's claim to herbicide exposure and daily morning reports. The archivist stated that in June 1966, the United States Air Force ceased using morning reports, so there were none to document the Veteran's time in Thailand. In addition, the archivist stated that Takhli Air Force Base did not use any herbicides for any vegetation control around its perimeter until April through September 1969, and thus the Veteran could not have incurred herbicide exposure.
We all know that is B.S. on not using herbicides but it is important that they did admit a specific time where it was used, especially if you were there.
On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma
THE ISSUES
3. Entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
2. Entitlement to service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
3. Entitlement to service connection for lung cancer, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
REPRESENTATION
Veteran represented by: Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
Anyone interested in reading the citation can google it by just the citation number. If you aren't computer savvy and want me to send you the entire citation just email me and I can make that happen.
What I really enjoyed reading was their testimony and the fact the board awarded the veteran anyhow.
Just proves what many of the guys on the board have been saying, keep the ball rolling and never give up. Good luck and don't forget to write your senator and congressional representatives for presumption for all Thailand veterans.
gwarren4@att.net
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
I was TDY at Takhli May-July 1972 and tactical herbicides were used eveywhere The barrels were stored in the supply compound (many leaking)and I personally hauled the damned things all over in my trusty white Datsun pick
Previous Message
In an attempt to disqualify a veteran from receiving benefits testimony from the historical agency states he couldn't have been exposed to herbicides because they didn't use herbicides at Takhli, Thailand except the period of April through September 1969.
The appeals board ended up awarding the claim to the veteran but I just used this information on my appeal since I was assigned there during that time period. I also tried to bring up the DOD 500 meter drift since it should be relevant to the claim. Appeal was only submitted two weeks ago and included my evaluation that pointed out some of my duties included driving on the base and trips downtown through the main gate and base perimeter.
I will copy and paste the part of the exact verbiage and include the case number if any of you want to refer to this on your appeals or application for compensation.
In March 2017, written correspondence from an archivist at the Air Force Historical Research Agency was provided regarding the Veteran's claim to herbicide exposure and daily morning reports. The archivist stated that in June 1966, the United States Air Force ceased using morning reports, so there were none to document the Veteran's time in Thailand. In addition, the archivist stated that Takhli Air Force Base did not use any herbicides for any vegetation control around its perimeter until April through September 1969, and thus the Veteran could not have incurred herbicide exposure.
We all know that is B.S. on not using herbicides but it is important that they did admit a specific time where it was used, especially if you were there.
On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma
THE ISSUES
3. Entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
2. Entitlement to service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
3. Entitlement to service connection for lung cancer, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
REPRESENTATION
Veteran represented by: Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
Anyone interested in reading the citation can google it by just the citation number. If you aren't computer savvy and want me to send you the entire citation just email me and I can make that happen.
What I really enjoyed reading was their testimony and the fact the board awarded the veteran anyhow.
Just proves what many of the guys on the board have been saying, keep the ball rolling and never give up. Good luck and don't forget to write your senator and congressional representatives for presumption for all Thailand veterans.
gwarren4@att.net
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
I certainly believe you!!! The problem I am having is VA believing it and then putting me on or near the perimeter. They don't or at least don't seem to honor the drift zone or anything. That is what I'm running up against at the local level in Houston.
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
I was there is 67 & 68 and I know the empty barrels of A/O were used to hold up shade umbrellas for the flight line Thai guards. I'm looking for my pictures now.
Previous Message
I was TDY at Takhli May-July 1972 and tactical herbicides were used eveywhere The barrels were stored in the supply compound (many leaking)and I personally hauled the damned things all over in my trusty white Datsun pick
Previous Message
In an attempt to disqualify a veteran from receiving benefits testimony from the historical agency states he couldn't have been exposed to herbicides because they didn't use herbicides at Takhli, Thailand except the period of April through September 1969.
The appeals board ended up awarding the claim to the veteran but I just used this information on my appeal since I was assigned there during that time period. I also tried to bring up the DOD 500 meter drift since it should be relevant to the claim. Appeal was only submitted two weeks ago and included my evaluation that pointed out some of my duties included driving on the base and trips downtown through the main gate and base perimeter.
I will copy and paste the part of the exact verbiage and include the case number if any of you want to refer to this on your appeals or application for compensation.
In March 2017, written correspondence from an archivist at the Air Force Historical Research Agency was provided regarding the Veteran's claim to herbicide exposure and daily morning reports. The archivist stated that in June 1966, the United States Air Force ceased using morning reports, so there were none to document the Veteran's time in Thailand. In addition, the archivist stated that Takhli Air Force Base did not use any herbicides for any vegetation control around its perimeter until April through September 1969, and thus the Veteran could not have incurred herbicide exposure.
We all know that is B.S. on not using herbicides but it is important that they did admit a specific time where it was used, especially if you were there.
On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma
THE ISSUES
3. Entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
2. Entitlement to service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
3. Entitlement to service connection for lung cancer, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
REPRESENTATION
Veteran represented by: Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
Anyone interested in reading the citation can google it by just the citation number. If you aren't computer savvy and want me to send you the entire citation just email me and I can make that happen.
What I really enjoyed reading was their testimony and the fact the board awarded the veteran anyhow.
Just proves what many of the guys on the board have been saying, keep the ball rolling and never give up. Good luck and don't forget to write your senator and congressional representatives for presumption for all Thailand veterans.
gwarren4@att.net
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
I was at Takhli from Dec.68-Dec. 69 as an instrument/avionics tech. I would perform compass swing/calibrations at the compass pad near the supply area where the barrels were stored. There were no facilities out there, so I would walk to the perimeter of I had to relieve myself.
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
Have you filed any claim for compensation? Did you find the references I was talking about or do you think they might help? Let me know if I can help with something.
Previous Message
I was at Takhli from Dec.68-Dec. 69 as an instrument/avionics tech. I would perform compass swing/calibrations at the compass pad near the supply area where the barrels were stored. There were no facilities out there, so I would walk to the perimeter of I had to relieve myself.
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
I was a weapons loader working at the end of the runway near the perimeter. I am having the same problem convincing them I was near the perimeter. Anyone have any Ideas on proving this claim.
Maybe a letter from someone who knew this is true.
Re: Air Force Historical Research Agency Admits Herbicide Use on Takhli
My claim is in the first appeal stage. Can you send me an email at gwarren4@att.net
Previous Message
I was a weapons loader working at the end of the runway near the perimeter. I am having the same problem convincing them I was near the perimeter. Anyone have any Ideas on proving this claim.
Maybe a letter from someone who knew this is true.