I went to the VA and registered as a Gulf War Vet, and was given a VA Identification card, and can now use VA Facilities for health care. As a Gulf war vet, I have to go through an evaluation exam for Gulf War syndrome next week as a matter of fact.
Your post has caused me to research this issue, and I for one want to know why I have some of these ailments for no explicable reason. I would love for the VA to tell me that I was not exposed to anything but from the research that I have conducted, I am not sure that is the case.
If you have any ailments that have persisted for some period of time, then you owe it to yourselves and your families to find out. For years I have had a sleep disorder, no energy, skin disorders, and gastric problems. These might be stress related, genetic, or worse case scenario symptons of Gulf War Syndrome. Just because we were on a ship does not mean that we were not exposed to these agents when the weapons were destroyed. I have had children since getting out of the navy, and if not for them, I would not be even asking these questions.
The research that I have read scare me. My children can pay for my having been there. And they deserve to know if they are at risk. I will let you all know what the VA has to say.
Fair seas and following winds...
Fred Keach - USS Saginaw (LST-1188) 1989-1994
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