While we are somewhat knowledgeable, we are not and do not claim to be experts in matters related to toxicology, medicine, or law. We present here documentation which we have discovered and intend to show that documentation in its original form. We are not responsible for the findings reflected in any of these documents and leave it to you to interpret the opinions of the professionals. We absolutely do not give, and should not be misconstrued to appear to give, any type of medical, legal or other advice.

This web site is a volunteer effort in the public interest and the vast amount of information presented here is not intended for resale at anytime to anyone. This web site is not being supplied for the purpose of any publication nor have we given permission for anyone to do so. Its sole purpose is to assist veterans suffering the ill effects of toxic exposures encountered in service.

We have worked diligently to display various documents and links to copyrighted documents. These are important documents that relate directly to veterans issues and provide the reader with a wealth of information. We have every intention to avoid any violations of copyright law, and do not believe we have violated such law by linking to that material from this site.

There are documents provided herein which do not reflect any indication of a copyright. In the event a copyright document has been inappropriately displayed within this site, please bring this to our attention in order that this can be corrected immediately.

This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, and the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for research and educational purposes.

It is NOT our intention to infringe upon the rights of those protected under the copyright law. We have done our best to respect and honor the laws set forth by the US Copyright Office

The majority of the data enclosed is available on line and or was attained from official sources. We appreciate and respect the professionals who have documented their findings regard herbicides and occupational exposures and for making the information available to the public. We also appreciate the librarians who have assisted in the assimilation of documents and all government agencies who also provided related materials.

Also note many of the documents have been provided under the Freedom of Information Act.

While we have the right to an opinion, and may at times state that opinion, such statements bear no further weight than personal opinion. Additionally, compilation of information on this web site will be ongoing for as long as we feel there is pertinent information to add.

We will not assume responsibility for anyone who alters, misinterprets or misuses information found on this site in any manner whatsoever.

Development and contents of this site has relied extensively on the work of Susan Belanger and Taura King. They have literally spent years gathering data on veteran exposure to herbicides and other toxins in Vietnam and MANY additional areas both in South East Asia (e.g., Thailand, Laos, Cambodia) as well as other places around the world. If it were not for their long hours and hard work, the plight of the AO veteran problems would not be as advanced as they are now or will become in the future. They have done this work without pay and have freely shared their information with any veteran who could benefit from it. Susan and Taura deserve our overwhelming gratitude for all their past and continuing efforts.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in an effort to advance understanding of veterans' issues. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the included information for educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

It has been the goal of many Volunteer Veterans Advocates, Veterans and professionals to assist a Veteran in substantiating a well-grounded claim with the Department Of Veterans Affairs due to exposure they encountered while in service.

The content enclosed is compelling and will validate exposures many encountered during service. This site is a volunteer effort in the public interest and is being offered for the sole purpose of providing evidence to veterans having served in any Southeast Asian theater as well as the waters in and around these locations. It is also made available to veterans' widows and or other family members for the purpose of addressing a claim. The enclosed evidence will also be used for official purposes to assist in addressing the Agent Orange Act, which in part, excludes qualifying Veterans from attaining compensation under Title 38.

It is a fact that lethal agents were deployed and used at military instillations throughout South East Asia and within the United States and elsewhere around the world.

It is the opinion of those having served in countries outside the bounds of Vietnam, that the law is considered inadequate in several respects. The law does not clearly address nor identify those having served in the many locations affected by herbicides and other toxic agents.

A veteran should not bear the responsibility of “the burden of proof” until such time as those with knowledge are forthcoming. Historically, this country has denied the use of herbicides and other toxic substances throughout the United States and Southeast Asia. Over time, evidence specifically found in declassified documents and scientific findings support that the use of these agents in fact occurred in many locations and during years not considered war eras. The documents make clear that the powers that be have been less than forthcoming in releasing this information thereby denying the veteran the right to compensation and benefits they may have earned due to service to their country. Until the keepers of this information are forthcoming, the burden of proof should in fact be placed on the appropriate government and military entities and not the veteran.

Additionally, the law does not have provisions for addressing the effects of occupational exposures many encountered in service. Under Title 38 there are provisions allowing for conditions which develop in service and or within one year of service. There are chemicals which veterans encountered (circumstantially and under a specific MOS) which can certainly cause the delayed/latent onset of devastating illnesses according to the professionals.

Veterans of American may not understand that they must take issue with this the silence of our government in order that it can be addressed. The powers that be know and understand this is a serious situation, yet it is a subject they have not formally addressed nor made provisions for under the law.

It is our intention to take issue with this and request that the law address and provide provisions for compensation of such exposures.

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