Here's My Story
I joined the Marine Corp March, 1977 , was stationed at Camp Lejeune from
June to December of 1977, bunked in the main-side bachelor's barracks and my
MOS was 1391 (Bulk Fuel Man).
I can't recall one Marine who didn't think the water smelled or tasted foul.
Our complaints fell on deaf ears or answered with excuses like "that's what
water tastes like in North Carolina". We were all kids. Seventeen year olds,
excited to be Marines and trusting the Corps.
On several occasions, a dozen or more Marines would have to return to the
barracks because of illness. Corpsmen had no idea what the problem was.
At one point, I received a three week "no duty slip" for huge cysts on my
neck. Other Marines had aggressive skin rashes, stomach or intestinal
problems.
The rest of my Marine career was in Japan refueling F-4 VMF 214 BLACKSHEEP.
After my discharge, I worked at Mitchell International Airport. Not long
after that, major health problems began.
Chronic fatigue and a ruptured disc left me with chronic back
pain. Working at any meaningful job became impossible. My wife, Mary, kept
me going but it was a long row to hoe.
Mary and I were watching the news one morning and heard the breaking news
about Camp Lejeune NC.
They had been poisoning young Marines for many years!
That report left me conflicted. On the one hand, my health problems had
finally been explained, on the other hand, the Corps didn't tell me about
it, a reporter did.
Since that newscast, I have spent much of my time searching for the facts.
The documentation is incredible. Data sheets outlining chemicals and their
effects on humans. Who knew what when. It was very enlightening.
It was also very sad.
Many Marines suffer life threatening health issues brought on by the Camp
Lejeune experience.
It angered me. My brothers were being denied medical compensation. It seemed
to be a cover-up.
I sprung into action and here we are.
Semper fi
|