Page 20 - Desert Oracle July 2019

U.S.S. Epperson, (DD-719), a Navy destroyer used of Vietnam, wrote about his experience with
during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
exposure to Agent Orange, “The ship’s supply
of potable water was contaminated with Agent
ROA has had resolutions advocating for Orange to a significant degree. We drank that
service-connected recognition of toxic exposure water in the ship’s scuttlebutts (water
since 2007.
fountains). That water was used in the
preparation of food and beverages and for
Special thanks to Capt. Morgan Little, USN washing dishes and utensils. We showered and
(Ret.) and Captain Samuel F. Wright, JAGC, shaved and brushed our teeth with that water.”
USN (Ret.) for their dedication to getting this
legislation passed.

VA Purges Medical Applications

In 2017 Congress sent a letter to the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs putting a hold
on their decision to purge over 200,000
applications for medical enrollment with VA. A
VA IG report explained there was insufficient
management of the enrollment process by VA
Central Office and therefore veterans should
not be held responsible for incomplete
applications. However, by May 2019 it was
reported that the enrollment applications were
deleted.

While ROA has not been able to verify these
actions took place, we urge ROA members to
check on their applications for medical
enrollment so you know whether the application
is still current or that you should reapply. For
clarification this does not include disability
applications.

Citizen warriors must be ready to deploy — they shouldn't pay
for health care