Former Marine Testifies Over Deadly Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

Former Marine and other witnesses tell subcommittee that communities were left vulnerable to toxic chemicals.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It is hard to find a sadder story or a more determined Marine than Jerome M. Ensminger of Richlands, North Carolina. He lost his daughter Janey to cancer after a long struggle in the 1980's. At the time they could not figure out what caused it.

A decade later Jerry, who never went a day without thinking of Janey, was watching the evening news and learned that the Marine Corps and Navy had been caught up in a scandal over TCE (Trichloroethylene) poisoning at Camp Lejeune. It was a problem that in the end, would be too large to sweep under the rug, even though the government has tried. TCE is a degreasing agent that was used to clean military jet fighters and for many other purposes.

While the government blames the problems on PCE (Perchloroethylene) contamination from an off base dry cleaner, it does little to change the fact that the Marines had been allowing human beings to drink highly toxic water for generations fully aware that it was happening through different sources. .as really surprised by some of the reactions." But Jerry pushed on and was not going to slow down over the disapproval of other Marines, even if some were his oldest friends.

Now Jerry is fighting tooth and nail to make sure that the facts are at least known, and the government's record keeping he says, leaves much to be desired. The IRIS system he is fighting to save is the only database that can help those suffering today and those whose illnesses are yet to be detected.

IRIS, the Integrated Risk Information System, is where the EPA maintains assessments of the health-impact of chemicals. Federal agencies, state and local authorities, private companies, and individuals rely on IRIS to plan a response when chemicals are found in air, water, or soil. IRIS offers guidance on what chemicals are toxic, and at what levels. The IRIS Website sees approximately 20,000 visitors per year.

Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) said, "When state and local authorities get poor information, or no information, from IRIS regarding the health hazards of a particular pollutant, their response to pollution in a community is likely to be confused and confusing,"

The Subcommittee is examining whether the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) continued efforts to delay assessments of the health risks posed by toxic chemicals is contributing to illness and premature death for thousands of Americans.

His words toward the administration are biting and harsh; they contain some of the anger of Ensminger and others we have reported about recently at Salem-News.com.

"The White House has effectively blocked the EPA from posting new health assessments of hazardous chemicals by prolonging the assessments because of inevitable uncertainties about the interaction of chemicals and human health," said Miller.

Today's hearing illustrated the connection between the experiences of individuals and communities with trichloroethylene (TCE) pollution issues and the IRIS database. Ensminger, who attained the rank of Master Sergeant during his time in the Corps, testified about watching his young daughter suffer and succumb to leukemia; she was conceived while the family was stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, which had very high levels of TCE in its drinking water.

Other experts illustrated how state and local governments rely on IRIS when they try to decide what to do when chemical pollution is identified.

TCE has been widely used since the 1920s as a degreaser. Discovery of its toxic properties eliminated its use as an analgesic in the 1930s and by the 1970s evidence in animal experiments indicated it might cause cancer.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that EPA will not complete their TCE assessment until 2010—twenty one years after the original start date. Yesterday Chairman Miller sent a letter to the White House asking for all documents related to the long-delayed assessment of TCE.

"Completion of an IRIS assessment is just the first step in the process protecting people from dangerous exposures to toxic chemicals," said Miller. "People will have been exposed to a known toxic substance for decades, for a generation, while the government engages in study after study. Have we become so obsessed with getting the science right that we have lost sight of our real goal – protecting public health? Or is getting the science right a pretext for obstruction?"

A backlog of assessments has been made worse by a new review process that the EPA and OMB revealed on April 10th, 2008. The GAO testified at the first hearing on IRIS last month that the new process provides for even more secrecy and delay, with more opportunity for polluters to weigh on the draft assessment without public input or knowledge.

Good morning, my name is Jerry Ensminger and I served my country faithfully for more than 24 years in the United States Marine Corps. I would like to thank the chairman, the committee members and their staffs for all of the hard work that went into making these hearings possible. I must say that since 3 January 2007, I have been heartened and inspired by the over-sight activities of this congress. You have been taking on the important issues that matter to the majority of our citizens, not just the issues that affect/benefit special interest groups and big business!

I am appearing here today as a tragic example of the consequences of a system that ignores our environment and the inevitable health effects that result from it. Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina is quite possibly one of, if not the worst drinking water contamination incidents in modern world history! The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that between 750,000 and 1,000,000 people were potentially exposed to horrendous levels of toxins through their drinking water while stationed at Camp Lejeune.

My daughter Janey was conceived while her mother and I lived in one of the base family housing areas where the drinking water was affected by the contamination at the base. Just like our other children, Janey was born seemingly normal, that is until she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphosytic Leukemia (A.L.L.) at the age of six. In 1997, the ATSDR proposed a childhood leukemia/non-Hodgkins lymphoma study for Camp Lejeune children who had been exposed to Volatile Organic Chemicals (V.O.C.‘s, cleaning solvents!) in utero while their parents lived at the base between the years of 1968-1985. (Note: The start date of this study was based upon the beginning date for the computerization of birth records in North Carolina, not on potential exposure.) The protocol/proposal for this study outlined that that the expected occurrences of the targeted illnesses in a cohort of 10,000-12,000 births for that time period would be 7.2 cases. The ATSDR has confirmed 14 cases of leukemia and 2 cases of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, this is more than a 100% increase in the incidence of these childhood cancers! Mr. Chairman, let me layout some of the facts and figures relating to the Camp Lejeune water contamination situation. The documented levels of contaminates in the finished drinking water (at the tap) were some 280 times higher than what is currently considered safe for these very same chemicals! The Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery issued strict regulations (BUMED INST 6240.3B) in 1963 governing potable water distribution systems on Naval Shore Facilities. Included in these regulations were pre-emptive measures to ensure that existing and future water supplies were not contaminated by extraneous sources. The Camp Lejeune, Tarawa Terrace family housing area water supply wells were located on the virtual property line, down gradient, and directly across the street from multiple potential civilian contamination sources! (Gasoline stations, auto repair facilities, dry cleaning establishments, and known septic systems)

In 1971, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command from Norfolk, Va. came to Camp Lejeune and selected multiple sites for the construction of new drinking water supply wells for the base. One of these new wells was HP-651 which began producing raw water for the Camp Lejeune, Hadnot Point water distribution plant in January of 1972. The site which had been selected by the Navy engineers for the placement of HP-651 was at the back corner of the base disposal yard! (junk yard!) The disposal yard had been in operation for decades by the time this site was selected for a drinking water supply well.

In February 1985, HP-651 tested positive for some 26,000 ppb of Volatile Organic Chemicals! There is little doubt that this water supply well was contaminated immediately upon, or very shortly after its construction! (Note: The ATSDR’s on going water modeling for the Camp Lejeune , Hadnot Point and Holcomb Blvd. water systems will verify this fact once it is completed.) The irony of all this is the fact that many of the human exposures that took place at Camp Lejeune would have been avoided had Navy and Marine Corps officials followed their own regulations!

The most audacious and blasphemous truth to this entire water contamination incident at Camp Lejeune is the fact that Navy and Marine Corps officials knew of the existence of this contamination in the drinking water for 5 years before they took any action to rectify the problem! (Navy and Marine Corps officials were knowingly poisoning their own people!)

That is correct, all of this was known and taking place behind the scenes at the very same time that my daughter Janey was suffering through her fight with leukemia and they said absolutely nothing! Not only did they say nothing, they went as far as to return 2 of the 3 known contaminated wells for the Tarawa Terrace housing area back on-line for 2 more years! They had the option of tapping into the local community water lines which were located just a few feet from the property line. Instead, Navy and Marine Corps officials opted against this idea because they didn’t want to owe any reciprocating favors to the local community government!

Since the ATSDR entered the gates of Camp Lejeune to execute their congressionally mandated mission, representatives of the Department of the Navy (DoN) have done all they could to obstruct their efforts. I can make this statement with confidence because I possess the documentation to back it up! As recently as the week before last, DoD and DoN officials were threatening to thwart the ATSDR’s initiatives at Camp Lejeune by withholding funding!

It is a known fact that the United States Department of Defense is our nation’s largest polluter. It is beyond my comprehension why an entity with that type of reputation and who has a vested interest in seeing little to no environmental over-sight would be included in the scientific process. Not only are they (DoD) obstructing science, they are also jeopardizing the public health for millions of people all around the world.

It is quite obvious by their activities to thwart science that they have something to fear. What they fear is their past negligence and the liability that comes along with it! There is little wonder why the DoD has been seeking immunities from environmental regulations for the last 7 years and yet this administration and past congress’ have allowed their (DoD’s) tentacles to infiltrate the realm of science. We all need to allow science to speak for itself and let the chips fall where they may!

This is a recent article by Tim King about the Navy's reluctance to pay a half million dollar payment to researchers who are exploring the health problems related to TCE at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina: Federal Agency Money Bickering Could Spell Doom for Sick Marines

Tim King is a former U.S. Marine with twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor. Today, in addition to his role as a war correspondent in Afghanistan where he spent the winter of 2006/07, this Los Angeles native serves as Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website, affiliated with Google News and several other major search engines and news aggregators. Tim's coverage from Iraq that was set to begin in April has been delayed and may not take place until August, 2008. You can send Tim an email at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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allegra esposito October 15, 2014 8:06 am (Pacific time)

Another thing I have really noticed is the fact for many people, less-than-perfect credit is the consequence of circumstances past their control. One example is they may have already been saddled through an illness and as a consequence they have higher bills for collections. It can be due to a employment loss and the inability to do the job. Sometimes breakup can truly send the funds in the undesired direction. Thanks sharing your thinking on this web site.

Mike March 21, 2014 8:22 pm (Pacific time)

I was stationed at Camp Lejeune 1986-1988 and was diagnosed with a 7th nerve cranial tumor. No one in my family has a history of tumors. It's not a coincidence that many of us stationed there are coming down with such tumors.

sonya parker March 4, 2012 1:02 pm (Pacific time)

my dad was stationed at camp lejuene and he found out that due to that he now has parkinsons disease. i watched the story on tv about the water and its pathetic how the government is but it is now not a shock when they do act the way they do . what bothers me is that my dad is slowly losing his own control of his own body! shame on you camp lejeune and shame on this government!

yvonne femiano December 22, 2010 7:56 am (Pacific time)

I was stationed at Camp Lejeune from 79-82. I been suffering from hair loss, skin conditions, enlarge liver, cancer of the cervix, enlarge lymph nodes. I can't believe this is happening! How do I file a claim for this? any information you can give me that will be great my phone number is 407 381 3866

copastor September 26, 2010 4:02 am (Pacific time)

I asked a questioned about Marines stationed earlier at Camp Lejuene because I have had a bout with cancer. How will I be able to hear back from you!

Editor: Hello, I am on the road right now with another former Marine, Ken O'Keefe, who has a speaking tour underway in the NW. My email is tim@salem-news.com and I will be glad to help in any way possible, please drop me an email, thanks and Semper fi.

copastor September 26, 2010 3:59 am (Pacific time)

I want to know if Marines stationed at Camp Lejuene in the late 50's could have any contaimination?

kerry April 13, 2010 10:58 pm (Pacific time)

Semper Fi! Thank you, Jerry, for standing up and speaking out.
My husband and I are currently investigating our daughter's diagnosis with ALL - she is a survivor, after a BMT, and years of hell. Both my husband and I are former Marines who served from 1994-1998.
I am sorry for you loss. Blessed be.

Brandy December 11, 2009 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

My mother was pregnant with me in 1978 while living in cAMP lEJUNE IM NOW 30 AND STILL HAVEN'T CONCIEVED A CHILD,I WAS BORN PREMATURE WITH BOTH CALPSED LUNGS,i HAVE VERY BAD FEMALE PROBLEMS THAT NO DOCTOR CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT CAUSING PROBLEMS,AND MY MOTHER WAS DIGNOSED WAS BREAST CANCER IN 2000 WITH VERY BAD BONEL LOSS!!! wHATS GOING TO HAPPEN TO US?? wHO IS GONNA PAY FOR MY LIFE BEING DAMAGED? 12/09/09

Dudley Keeter September 26, 2009 6:57 pm (Pacific time)

I was stationed there 1987 to 1990 could I have been exposed?

Tim King: Dudley, it is likely that you were exposed, but all Marines who served there are not going to end up with cancer. I am glad that you and every other Marine who reads these stories at least knows the possibility and they can take appropriate action.

Semper fi brother

Jessica Ensminger February 22, 2009 8:46 pm (Pacific time)

Sarah, Please go to www.tftptf.com and register. I am not sure if it says there how to register, however, you can send an email to my dad and he can tell you exactly what you need to do.

Sarah February 1, 2009 1:31 am (Pacific time)

My father was stationed at Camp Lejeune in the late 70's and early 80's. I was born in 1981 at the hospital on Camp Lejeune. I was premature and I had meningitis- not once but twice. My parents were told that I would not survive and if I did survive I would likely have neurological problems. I had 8 blood transfusions before I was a year old- all at the hospital at Camp Lejeune. I was released after 8 months from the hospital. I am 27 years old now and I have unexplained numbness and pain in my back associated to schmorls node, a leison in my right femur, suspected by a orthopedic surgeon to be bone cancer after my full body bone scan resulted in a positive reading ( which after seeing a orthopedic surgeon who specializes in oncology, he first said he thought it was enchondroma, and then a bone infarct and now refuses to do a biopsy because he was an off network doctor and tricare would not authorize it to be done at an off network facility), I have an abnormal MRI of my brain (a neuroepithelial cyst and another unspecified abnormality in my deep white matter) When my father contacted the USMC after he heard about the toxins in the water supply he was told that it did not affect him because he did not live in base housing. My family went on base all the time before and after I was born!!! I spent the first 8 months of my life at the hospital on base. My neurological impairments along with my previous meningitis, and now these leisons, have prompted me to dig deeper into the toxic water contamination disaster. I would really like answers along with everyone else. My family has not registered/claimed any of these issues. Could you please tell me where I could register my claim?

Editor: Sarah, please write to us at tim@salem-news.com and we will forward information to you, thanks for writing, Tim King

Carol October 8, 2008 7:50 pm (Pacific time)

More information about TCE legislation and action by Senator Dole: http://dole.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.DetailandPressRelease_id=98849a81-50e2-4f45-ac0c-ad04901760e2andMonth=7andYear=2008 http://dole.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.DetailandPressRelease_id=83309283-8dbe-4bf8-b9c7-782d7875856bandMonth=10andYear=2008 Senator Elizabeth Dole’s Amendment to Defense Authorization Bill requiring the Secretary of the Navy to notify Camp Lejeune’s victims. H.R.4986, subtitle B, section 315: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c110:4:./temp/~c110RRhyg3:e187673:

Carol October 4, 2008 8:37 pm (Pacific time)

Senator Elizabeth Dole has been active in the cause of Camp Lejeune's Poisoned Patriots. Please contact your senators and ask them to assist her in those efforts. Please see Senator Dole's press release at the link below. http://dole.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.DetailandPressRelease_id=98849a81-50e2-4f45-ac0c-ad04901760e2andMonth=7andYear=2008 Remember to visit www.watersurvivors.com

Ben Franklin September 30, 2008 7:04 pm (Pacific time)

I am a former Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune. Of my three children born there, one died prematurely, and the others have neurological problems. I am also an author writing a book to educated the public on the water contamination disaster

cansurvivor September 25, 2008 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

I too was exposed to TCE groundwater as a child while growing up in Tucson AZ. While my friends and family are dying the early excuse that was given was all the sickness was caused by the Hispanic diet. Good grief.

Terry July 13, 2008 5:22 am (Pacific time)

We are heading a campaign to educate congress on what happened at Camp Lejeune so that when we visit DC again there will be even more members of Congress that are ready and willing to get on board with helping us fight for justice and dealing with the DOD and the Corps. If you would like to help us, visit www.watersurvivors.com and read the discussion board daily to see which Congress person or media outlet we are writing, faxing or calling that day. We could use your help. We have made some wonderful headway thru this campaign, as well as all of our visits to the Hill. Please consider jumping on board to help all the victims and survivors of Camp Lejeune.

Jerry Ensminger July 9, 2008 3:03 pm (Pacific time)

If any of you would like to learn more about the Camp Lejeune situation please visit our web-site www.tftptf.com

Jerry Ensminger July 7, 2008 8:04 pm (Pacific time)

The site which you are describing was the base insect control, not the base drycleaner. You are correct in that they moved the base insect control (exterminators) to a new building and they turned the building which they vacated into the base day care center! The chemical mixing area was part of the playground for the children! Semper Fidelis???!!!

JAMES CUNNINGHAM @JAMESTONI@BELLSOUT July 2, 2008 12:11 pm (Pacific time)

WHAT HAPPENEDTO THE STORIES ABOUT THE OLD BASE DRY CLEANERS THAT WAS TURNED INTO A DAYCADE THEN CLOSED BECAUSE OF THE CHEMICALS BURRIED IN THE PLAY GROUND LEAKING?

Jerry Ensminger June 25, 2008 7:02 am (Pacific time)

Doc, Thanks for asking about the family, the same to you and yours. No, the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) does not only pertain to federal facilities/departments. This is the initial evaluation that is required by law on all chemicals that exist on the market and new ones that are developed. If you can get your state involved (especially California) the better off you will be. You must keep a close eye on the current USEPA, they are tainted, ask your state to take duplicate samples if and when any are taken...Jerry

Richard Matteoli June 24, 2008 3:37 am (Pacific time)

Jerry, regards to you and your family: Does the EPA and other procedures you are talking about only pertain to Federal facilities? What happens if the contamination goes beyond the Federal facilities and travels underground into civilian areas like it has at El Toro? Does having state and local water regulators becoming involved make it better, worse or more complicated from your experience? Semper Fi, Devil Doc, Ret.

Jerry Ensminger June 21, 2008 12:45 pm (Pacific time)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with studying and creating initial risk assessments on all chemicals that are created/used in this country or could be imported into this country from around the world. Once this initial assessment is completed, the chemicals are added to a quick reference (unenforceable) data base for everyone to use, that data base is what we know as IRIS. If a chemical is suspected of being harmful to human health or the environment by that initial assessment, the EPA is tasked with executing indepth studies to determine exactly how harmful these chemicals are and what restrictions/limits should be placed upon them. These studies could (and do) take many years to complete, all the while, we are unprotected from the affects. (Note: The European Union has adopted a pro-active protective standard for their citizens/environment. If they suspect a chemical to be harmful to humans or the environment, it is banned until it can be proven that it is not. This is the complete opposite of the current US policy, we allow the chemical to stay on the market until it is proven to be harmful, then it is banned/restricted!). Not only is our protection policy "ass backwards", the Bush administration has allowed special interest groups (industry, DoD, DoE, NASA, etc., etc..) to become directly involved in the scientific process during the IRIS evaluation. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not only given these special interests a seat at the scientific table, they are allowing these special interests to conduct their own (skewed) risk assessments which are being utilized in deciding the fate of these chemicals. I will give you one guess as to whose evaluation determines the fate of certain chemicals under the current system/regime. I will give you a clue, it isn't the one done by the scientists at our EPA! This interference is resulting in many chemicals never being evaluated beyond the IRIS phase, mission accomplished for the special interests! The hearing that I testified at last week was just one in a series of hearings being held by the House Science and Technology committee to hopefully rectify this problem once we have a new administration in the White House. They asked me to testify about my own personal tragedy that is directly related to chemical exposure and put a "human face" on this problem. All we can hope for now is that the American people will elect a government this fall that is truly concerned about the health and well being of our citizens and our environment instead of just the almighty "buck!" Jerry Ensminger

Carol June 20, 2008 4:42 am (Pacific time)

http://www.watersurvivors.com/discussion_post_detail.asp?PostID=2733

Candy June 20, 2008 3:21 am (Pacific time)

Jerry, I never said I wanted to testify before Congress, I said I wanted my story "heard" before Congress,I just thought it was time to hear stories from a woman's point of view, I don't feel this is "crying and screaming" over the internet. I don't consider that complaining either. You stated that you worked on this issue "alone", I think Major Tom would take offense to that comment, since he is the one who got you tons of information to take to Capitol Hill. Also at one of the CAP meetings you were asked by Marty to read a letter he wrote, but you said you had other things to talk about, after this man personally asked you to read it for him. Just another example as to who comes first. You said you don't go to Capitol Hill representing any web-site, group or individual, but aren't you an administator on "The Few The Proud and The Forgotten? Mike, you and I did not discuss anything from the CAP meeting, you have me confused with someone else. What you and I were discussing was the Marine Corps web-site,which by the way is an unsafe one to register on, and I was telling people they could register by e-mail at clwater@usmc.mil, that was the best and easiest way to do it. I am not an administator of any web-site, so as far as your name being removed, you used your full name which is clearly stated in the web-site rules not to do so, so apparently you have a problem following rules. As far as my identity goes, I asked Tim to remove my name from one of the stories he did, to which he complied, I told him I didn't want to be another "Jerry"!. This is the last time I am discussing this issue with any of you. So if you will excuse me, I have work to do.

Jerry Ensminger June 19, 2008 11:42 am (Pacific time)

"The hit pig squeals everytime" I ask everyone to scroll down these pages and look at who it was that started these attacks. It wasn't me or any of my associates.......

Terry June 19, 2008 12:53 am (Pacific time)

Mike, Your post were deleted after leaving your full name and contact info as well as tftptf. You can read for yourself, we ask that you do not give your name, but instead use a fake user name. You also posted telling our members to visit the Marine Corps web-site and to register there. We do not recommend that course of action because of the routine blanket of use to which one must agree. There are other ways to register which do not include the routine blanket of use. Sorry if you don't like these rules, but they are ours and this is my sisters and my site. You know good and well that I have given names and numbers to members that want to get intouch with each other. This is a rule my members have agreed to and close to 1700 people must not mind.We don't tell tftptf how to run their site, please extend us the same courtesy. We have not threatened congress, we have asked a question because we want to know if congress shares the opinion that we are "hokey". We expect an answer and we will share that answer with our members. We simply informed Rep.Miller of our intentions to share his answer and congresses answer with ALL of our members and supporters. I do not like to mention the other site because one of the people you follow has said things in the past that I have taken as threats as well as told lies about me to people on the hill and elsewhere and whether he will admit it or not, has told others to CHOOSE SIDES so I guess he does feel like this is a competition.I quit the CAP because I thought his lies and abuse would stop if I wasn't there. They have not. I have done nothing to this man other than given him info over the years. Given his name to news reporters and other victims. He will not stop with this personal vendetta. I have not tried to take peoples money for my own personal uses, I have used donations to help with the expenses of traveling to DC for over 1000 people that could not make the trip themselves and I spoke for them, using their names and telling THEIR stories as well as mine. Monies that for over six years have been no more that between 400 and 600 total that came into our account, to pay for gas, food, taxis,and hotel stays.Other money I used came from my widowed mother to help the cause. I have NOT tried to sell the names on my site,even though that would be a great idea so I wouldn't have to deal with the likes of people like him again. I do not want him or his site to have anything to do with mine. We are different in our approaches. I AM NOT SIGNED WITH ANY LAW FIRM at this time. HE IS! But it is said I'm the only one wanting compensation from this? I guess none of you have filled out a federal tort against the government.I guess if you ever get a settlement we can expect all of it to go to a charity, since you haven't suffered any financial hardships by what happened to you from LeJeune.Who am I using and how and to what end? Certainly not a future in politics, like some others. This man has called me to use me when it fits his purposes. Called to tell me how he yelled and told this person or that person off and bragged about how he made them cry. He has taken credit for everything that has happened, when MANY have worked hard to get accomplished what has thus far been accomplished.And one gentleman gave him everything he's got in the way of history on LeJeune or he wouldn't have anything. As far as no post or persons being removed from his site. That simply is not true. They have removed things that they felt they had a right to for the betterment of their members. ITS THEIR SITE AND THEY PAY FOR IT AS WELL AS MY SITE BEING MINE! GET THE IDEA...They don't need watersurvivors and we certainly don't NEED tftptf. Thats why they started their own site. So why don't you leave us be and let us work on with out the lies and gossip and fighting.IF you ever go agaist him you will have hell to pay. You don't want to get on his bad side about anything.ITS NO FUN..Its bad enough fighting the Marine Corps in this thing. Its sad to be fighting each other. I know he'll love this, but I have had it. My nerves have had it. I am not a bad person and I would have never started THE STAND if my intentions were anything other than helping people. Dealing with this CRAP is NOT what I signed on for. Dealing with his CRAP is not what I sined on for. He is not the only person that has been working this thing for over ten years. He is not the only person that has spent time away from his family to help other people he has never met and he is not the only person to use his own resources to fight this battle. He is NOT the only one who has lost something because of LeJeune and he is not the only person who wants justice for what was done to them. You're his golden boy right now. Hope for you that doesn't change anytime too soon.Maybe you could buy a hog farm together this time and you could have your own animal farm and the skeletons it hides...I am done with this one.

Mike Partain June 18, 2008 7:26 pm (Pacific time)

I'd like to point out yet another inconsistancy in "Candy's" so called benevolent intentions. Candy, you proudly broadcasted to the world in this forum that you post mostly in "watersurvivors" but when you have information that benefits everyone or needs to be shared, you post to both sites. Let me draw your attention to a conversation that you and I had 2 months ago on the "Stand". During that conversation we were discussing a topic you brought up about the last CAP meeting in Atlanta. I responded to one of your questions and in my response I stated "it is for this reason that I posted their information on this site and the other website The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten. Within an hour of my post, my user name was deleted from "watersurvivors" along with my post. I was banned from that website and to this day no one has bothered to tell me why. I used no offensive language, I insulted no one and as far as I can tell, we were having a somewhat productive conversation on a point that you brought out. The only conclusion that I can come up with is that because I was being objective and attempting to include everyone and not just one specific group, I was violating someones or some people's agenda. Certain members of the Stand aka "Watersurvivors" tout freedom of speech. However, after my experience I have found that freedom only applies if you agree with the hiearchy in charge. BTW, I have a screenshot of the posting that was deleted if anyone cares to see my horrible transgression. What is even more comical is that last week there was a new user on your site that was asking about breast cancer. Her name is Netha and someone had the decency to reply to her and tell her about me. They gave her my name and "user name" from the Stand. Apparenlty this was also another unspeakable transgression that resulted in the deletion of that user and their reply to Netha. This all reminds me of a scene from George Orwell's "Animal Farm: where the pigs cross out "All animals are equal" and replace it with a new slogan....."but some are more equal than others". Here is an example of how this twisted mentally is hurting us all....This is an excerpt from what their (the Stand) "education campaign" sent to Congressman Brad Miller today: "As a matter of fact, we would like to ask all members of Congress, if they see anything at all ‘hokey’ about our situation. Would you please ask them for us? Our question is not a rhetorical one, we really do expect an answer. We assure you, we will share with our friends on this forum, your answer or lack thereof.". Is this how you solicit aide from Congress...by threatening them? Like Jerry, I am done with this issue and debate. I'd invite every member of the "stand" to rent a watch "Animal Farm" and ask yourselves, Am I being used? As for me, I am glad that I live in a free country that my Grandfather Maj Warren B Partain Sr. USMC (Ret) and my Father Warren B Partain Jr Capt USMC and USNA Class of 1966 fought to protect. Otherwise, I am sure that after this post, a cart would appear outside my front door for a oneway trip to the glue factory......
Mike Partain.

Jerry Ensminger June 18, 2008 5:20 pm (Pacific time)

Candy, You have been one of the most outspoken over the last several days about getting your story heard on Capital Hill. I can assure you that if you are worried about your name getting out and/or protecting your identity, the last thing you would want to do is testify to congress! Your name would be plastered everywhere. So come on now, which is it, do you want to protect your identity or do you want to testify or do you just want to complain about something? Your statements aren't making a whole lot of sense! I can guarantee you this, I am done debating this issue, your inconsistent statements on this forum have convinced me that nothing anyone does will make you (or some of your friends) happy.........

Candy June 18, 2008 1:08 pm (Pacific time)

I do not use my full name, because as everyone knows I.D. theft is rampant in this country. I am registered on both watersurvivors.com and "The Few The Proud and the Forgotten". If you wish to respond to the discussion group on either site, you must enter your user name and password. Your user name is one of your own chosing. I mostly post on water survivors, but when I have information to share that I feel will benefit all the people exposed, I post it on both sites. I found out about the water contamination in 1999, and since then I have accumilated much information and documentation, that I have shared with many many people over the years, and I will continue to do so. You have a choice in this country to either give out all your personal information, or to safeguard and protect your identity. I chose to protect mine.

Jerry Ensminger June 18, 2008 11:11 am (Pacific time)

I want to thank Tim for the great job he did on this story. Semper Fidelis...Jerry

Jerry Ensminger June 18, 2008 9:17 am (Pacific time)

Spearman, I assure you that if I make a comment, it will carry my name. I don't hide behind user or just first names. By the way, who ever Anon is, he/she hit the nail right on the head!

dough boy June 18, 2008 7:12 am (Pacific time)

I know some of you on both websites have in claims. It seems to me that "money" and "health care" are the biggest issues. My solution to these problems is simple, if those of you who do not need health care and it is offered to you, tell them NO THANK YOU! If the Government should want to settle with you, example, 1 million dollars for your pain and loss, if you don't need it tell them NO THANK YOU! But a quicker solution would be to withdraw your claim. Seems simple enough to me.

Andrea June 18, 2008 5:57 am (Pacific time)

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't get my name mixed up in this mess. All I said was that Jerry did a nice job.

spearman June 17, 2008 11:31 pm (Pacific time)

alon or anon or whatever. misspell,hide or make no sense. you still sound like you don't know what your talking about.

spearman June 17, 2008 11:27 pm (Pacific time)

me thinks alon sounds a bit like Andrea or Mr.E!

Carol June 17, 2008 2:15 pm (Pacific time)

anon, If our lives are consumed by medical bills, if our family outings consist of visits to the doctor, the drug store or the hospital, what are we supposed to do? You seem to want us to shut up and watch our lives go down the tubes. What I am saying is that our American Dream is evidently not like yours. If I and others want to share that with DC, that is our right. If we are in danger of loosing our homes or have lost our homes, we should have the chance to say so. If my family has not done Christmas in about 12 years because finances have been spent on medical bills, I should have a right to say so. I mean no Christmas! Not even for our son. I still say he deserves better. I still say he deserves some health screening at government expense. By the way, another anniversary has gone bye, uncelebrated due to lack of money. We didn't even promise to try to do better next year. Repetition is the mother of learning and oh can it be a mother! We didn't chose this life, it was imposed upon us. Many of our neighbors look down on us because we're poor. Some acquaintances have told me to divorce my husband. They seem to think that a divorce will solve my problems. I think it would compound them. If I divorce my husband because he has health and financial issues associated with Camp Lejeune's contamination, it would say something about me that I could not live with. If I want to impress upon Congress the lack of compassion I have experienced in this struggle, I will do so. Asking for health care and compensation from the entity which contaminated my husband and has often led to our lives being a living hell is not beneath me. I'm the one who provides care for my husband. Your suggestion is insulting. I repeat, we did not do this to ourselves. It was done to us. If you haven't gotten a phone call in the middle of the night (while at work) from your preschooler, and had to rush home to take your husband to the emergency room, you don't know my experience. If you haven't had your preschooler help you carry your husband into a doctor's office, you don't know my experience. If you haven't spent your last dollar on yet another doctor bill (instead of groceries), you don't know my experience. I am trying to put a human face on this experience. I think others agree with that approach. Each of our experiences are different. If only your experiences are presented, that's not the whole story. I don't think the fact that the folks at www.watersurvivors.com are exercising their First Amendment Rights will destroy anyone. Folks in DC need to know that there is more to the experiences of The Poisoned Patriots of Camp Lejeune. I for one think they are mature enough to listen without being vindictive enough to deny help to those who suffer. You don't seem to understand that this is about our survival. Unfortunately, in this world, that takes money! You tell me how to survive without it. If we end up on the streets, holding out a cup, I don't think we'll get enough money to cover something to eat let alone the medications that my husband takes. I'll say it again, its about life, life costs, therefore its about a multitude of illnesses, miscarriages, still births, the day to day struggle with unbearable pain and guess what, its about MONEY too! If we have not told the story to your liking, contact your congress people and tell your own story. We have invited people to do that very thing! Please join in. If you prefer not to participate, please feel free to not participate. If we educate a congress person, PLEASE feel free to stay out of it and let them follow up with us.

Carol June 17, 2008 1:19 pm (Pacific time)

Mike, You and Candy do us all a great service by pointing out that Camp Lejeune is not only about cancer. The experiences of your families show that there are concerns beyond cancer, which is exactly my point. There have been studies in previous contamination cases which prove causation by some of the same chemicals involved at Camp Lejeune. How can it be that causation was proved and settlements paid in other cases but that those same chemicals may not have caused the cancer of Lejeune victims? The tunnel vision about cancer and TCE , in my opinion does many people a disservice. There are 70 plus contaminants of concern at Camp Lejeune, according to DR. Gerald LeBlanc. That does not mean that the cancer should be ignored, it means that the causation has been established and the money should be invested in other ways to help those who are suffering. Spending 10 years on the never ending study is a delaying tactic which only serves to increase the suffering, misdiagnosis and struggle of people (including cancer victims) who could be better served with the resources. The fact that the Dept. of the Navy is in control of the ATSDR's budget seems, at the very best, a conflict of interest and at worst, another delaying tactic. When testimony is heard before Congress, I truly believe the people of this nation would be better served by having testimony presented about all of the health issues associated with contamination. If it would be inconvenient for Congress to hear all of that testimony because of time constraints, I say, "Imagine how inconvenient it has been for survivors and caregivers to struggle for years upon years in contamination's aftermath". Who was first in this effort seems to be inconsequential to me. Who went to DC first seems to be inconsequential to me. The first person contaminated at Camp Lejeune is probably long dead. Lets say that he/she was first and get on with finding a solution for Camp Lejeune's survivors. The fact is that we are all trying our best to contribute. Many of us have different ideas about the best way to proceed. The thing that we must do is let everyone participate. Candy and Mike, I thank you for your posts here. They prove that Camp Lejeune is about cancer and a whole lot more! They prove that Camp Lejeune is about generations. Now lets please see if we can work together and let Congress know that. I DO NOT see this as an exclusive effort. I see this as our effort. If a person was at Camp Lejeune and wants to contribute, he/she should be allowed to do so. Caregivers of Camp Lejeune's victims should be allowed to contribute. Thanks Mike! Thanks Candy! Dr. Leveque, what say you?

Carol June 16, 2008 11:40 am (Pacific time)

It appears to me that people who were at Camp Lejeune have been involved in this since they set foot aboard that base. The struggle with contamination’s aftermath does not begin when a person becomes aware of the contamination.. The struggle with contamination begins when the health effects begin presenting themselves. Upon discovering that the base and the water have been contaminated, a lot of things make a lot of sense. Health issues are explained. Everyone who was aboard Camp Lejeune has an interest in what happens here, as do their children and grandchildren. The theory that we must all wait for scientific proof (of disease causation) absolute is flawed because at the snail’s pace at which the in-utero study continues to take place, those children may be long dead before the study is done. Is that because the Department of the Navy is funding the study? I think of it as the never ending study. Its odd because other studies, in other contamination cases, have been completed much faster than the Camp Lejeune study has been. Victims of other contamination cases have gotten settlements for exposure to some of the same contaminants which are of concern at Camp Lejeune. It appears that the difference between those cases and this case is who did the contaminating. It also appears to me that many people have been contributing to our cause. There are differences of opinion about how to proceed. The great thing about the United States of America is that we can disagree and rest assured that The Constitution of the United States of America protects our God given right to think for ourselves and speak for ourselves. A difference of opinion is not a competition. Anyone who suggests that our concerns for the issues facing all of us are “hokey” or unwarranted or competitive, belittles our efforts and our cause. All of those who served at Camp Lejeune did so to defend this nation. In defending this nation, they defended the Constitution and the God given rights which it preserves. One of those rights is the right to free speech. If we feel that our stories are not being presented accurately, we have a right to present them ourselves. If we have the feeling that our stories are not being presented at all, we have a right to present them. The education campaign which some think is “hokey” has actually generated many positive responses from The Hill. With more and more people contacting their congress people, some victims have actually gotten some help. This is freedom of speech in real life, WATCH IT WORK!

anon June 17, 2008 12:18 pm (Pacific time)

carol, it wasn't an "obvious attempt to discredit" her as i wasn't commenting to jennifer in the first place. i'm just trying to make the point that you all should be happy that anyone is listening to any of you. whether it be this guy or someone else. people are at least hearing about situation. the bickering back and forth between you all is going to destroy you. and i don't think it fair, if you want to play this game, for you to act like you know what health problems i go through. no health problem is fun. not cancer, not thyroid problems, not miscarriages. all i’m saying is that you should be thankful that congress is listening to even one of you. i visited the website you mentioned in one of your posts and unfortunately didn’t find much to be useful. i saw a lot of complaining. and oh yeah, MONEY. i’m not trying to be mean or disrespectful when I say this, but no one is going to listen to any of that if you don’t have cold hard facts to present them with. and i don’t see any on your site.again, not trying to be rude, but when all that is done is complain, you look less like survivors and more like victims

Mike Partain June 17, 2008 10:20 am (Pacific time)

My Name is Mike Partain. I am one of the in-utero children who is part of the studies at ATSDR. My father was stationed at the base shortly after he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. I was conceived, carried and delivered on the base. There has not been single day in my life where I have not felt the effects of what happened to me while in the womb at Camp Lejeune. I was born with a skin rash that covered my upper body. The intensity of the rash ranges from extreme discomfort to a mild inconvenience. As a child I suffered through ear/nose/throat infections one after another. At the age of 10 my tonsils and adenoids were removed because I kept falling over asleep in the classroom at school. The ear infections continued until my teenage years. I had to attend speech therapy classes in first grade and I am ADHD. Puberty brought on new issues most notably the reappearance of the rash and problems with chronic infections in the epididymis some of which were severe enough that my pediatrician was very concern as to why I was getting them. After puberty, my rash would burn like fire when I sweat. Things like football and my passion, baseball became painful experiences when I played. I learned to adapt and overcome my obstacles as best I could. Then the high blood pressure started at 18. I joined the Navy at 20 and was separated from the Navy and enlistment in the Nuclear Propulsion program because half way through basic training, my rash flared up again and would not clear up. I married at 21 and fathered 4 children. 2 of them have the rash and 2 have issues with ADHD. When my son hit puberty his rash stepped up in intensity and has mirrored mine in location. Like me it is very hard for him to enjoy the outdoors because when he sweats it feels as if his skin is on fire. My mother developed thyroid problems while at the base and has been on medication ever since. 8 years after leaving the base, they removed her gall bladder and gall stone which was almost the size of a golf ball. More recently, my mother has developed diabetes (which is no where in her family) and diverticulitis. Thank God she does not have cancer. Until last year I was completely ignorant of what had happened to me at Lejeune. That all started to change when my wife gave me a hug one night in April. It was a hug that saved my life. With that hug, my wife found a lump in my right breast. The tumor was 2.5 CM in size and thankfully the one lymph node that was swollen was not cancerous. My right breast was removed on May 4th 2007. While I was recovering, I received a phone call from my father who told me to turn on CNN. What I saw and heard on June 12th 2007 made my blood run cold. It was Jerry and the Congressional hearings concerning Camp Lejeune and the water contamination. The place where I was born 39 years earlier. Every morning I am reminded of the horror of having cancer by simply looking into the mirror. This issue is not about who has cancer and who does not. In fact even though I am in the in-utero study and I have cancer….it does not count for the study because I was diagnosed after the age of 20. The in-utero study is about cancer and specific birth defects that are attributed to our exposure to these chemicals. It is about furthering the knowledge of science so we can understand what we are doing to ourselves and in the end it will help us achieve our common goal. The importance of the survey and the ones that will follow is that they will establish scientific proof that these chemicals are dangerous and affect the health of those who were exposed to in the water, the air or in the ground. Over the past 6 months, I have worked hard to locate people in my area who were at Lejeune. Some have cancer and some do not. In reality it does not matter if you have cancer or not. What matters is that we have all been affected. We networked together and got our local Congressman involved. We have spread out story out into the community. We lined up a lawyer who is now taking cases concerning Lejeune from people all over the country. This weekend, my oldest child is getting married to her high school sweet heart. My soon to be son in-law has something in common with me. He is the son of a Marine and he too was born at Camp Lejeune in 1988. I pray that what has happened to me and my family ends there and goes no further. We have risen above the all to easy role of “victim” and learned to adapt, overcome and affect the issue at hand. I can honestly say if it was not for Jerry, this issue would never have seen the light of day. We owe him a debt of gratitude for all the he has done for ALL of us!

Carol June 17, 2008 9:28 am (Pacific time)

Tim, In your article you state that this administration has effectively blocked EPA from posting new health assessments about chemicals. It appears to many of Camp Lejeune's Poisoned Patriots at www.watersurvivors.com that all administrations have ignored the problems at Camp Lejeune, survivors plights and the contributions that we could make to understanding contamination and its aftermath. Camp Lejeune didn't just happen recently. It has been happening for a very long time!

Carol June 17, 2008 4:33 am (Pacific time)

anon, on June 14 you said that we should be "happy" that they allow anyone to testify. Jenniffer responded on the 15th that she would be "happier" if others were also allowed to testify. Then, on the 16th, you somehow twisted that to mean that cancer is fun to have and testify about. That is an obvious attempt to discredit someone simply because she disagrees with you. Its obvious that you know little about cancer and the other illnesses which Camp Lejeune victims suffer. Having seen some people die of cancer, I can assure you, there is nothing fun about it. I have seen people speak about cancer, it didn't appear to be fun to talk about. Its obvious to me that many who are very close to this issue can't see the other person's illnesses as being important. It is Congress' job to understand such issues. If no one will allow testimony about all of the illnesses suffered by Camp Lejeune's survivors, how will Congress know? Congress has been working on this issue, very quietly I might add, and diligently (I hear), for at least four years. There are a host of illnesses which they should address. Its our responsibility to vote for them and then be certain that they understand the issues facing us. If we don't do that, they will be glad to spend our tax dollars some other place. Look at the big dig! I even heard that they recently sent 1 billion dollars to Russia so that Russia could convert from nuclear power plants to fossil fuel powered plants. In a world where we can all see the importance of using and developing alternative energy, they gave 1 billion dollars to the Russians to do the opposite. What could they have done to help The Poisoned Patriots of Camp Lejeune, if they chose to spend 1 billion dollars on them? What someone calls our "hokey" education campaign is our way of letting DC know that they are not hearing the whole story. As I understand it, many people have shared information and documentation with a certain person who does not acknowledge the contributions of others. My life is not a mission. My life is a struggle from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. Every day, I get up and its still here. Since learning about Camp Lejeune's contamination, it all fits. You may try to verbally minimize the struggles of my life, you may try to minimize my husband's illnesses but every day I get up and they're the biggest things in my life. Our right to wage our education campaign is a God given right which is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. If we feel that our stories are not being told, we can tell them. Indeed, if we feel that our stories have been told but wish simply to add our voices to those which are already being heard, we can do that too. Its a great thing we have here in the United States, its called freedom of speech. Isn't democracy great! WATCH IT WORK!

Candy June 16, 2008 9:49 am (Pacific time)

I know some of you know part of my story, but only a few know all of it. I was married at age 18, at age 19 my husband George and I had a daughter Michelle, she died Sept. 14, 1972. my son Michael was born Nov. 15, 1974, on Sept. 13, 1975, George was diagnosed with Acute Lymphosytic Leukemia, I was 5 months pregnant with our son Jeff. Jeff was born Jan. 20, 1976. George died Jan 15, 1977 5 days before Jeff's 1st birthday, he was 25 years old. I found myself a widow/single mom at 23. Thank God for my parents. My son Michael has anger issues, he has 2 daughters, his oldest, Cydney has been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Jeff has 4 healthy children THANK GOD! My illnesses started in 1989. So from 1989 till the present, I have seen numerous doctors, none of which could come up with "a" diagnosis. I have had 3 failed back surgeries, the latest this past March. I have 2 titanium discs implanted in my back. I've had 2 bone spurs removed and 2 titanium screws fused to my spine. December 07 I had my gall bladder removed (5 days before Christmas), I have myositis, permanent nerve damage to my left leg (my step-son calls it my "weather leg"). I suffer from anxiety attacks and bouts of depression. So out of this mess I call my life, I have my wonderful husband, Stan, 2 sons and a step-son, and 6 beautiful grandchildren, these loved ones are the light at the end of "my" tunnel. My son Jeff served this country proudly in the U.S. Navy from 1994-1998, and in the reserves from 2001-2007. As you can see this is not just a cancer issue. It is for all of the diseases, plus many more we are urging Congress to take action on. This is important to me because this affects my granddaughter, which would make this a 3rd generation issue.

Jerry Ensminger June 16, 2008 9:02 am (Pacific time)

I have done everything humanly possible over the past 11 years to seek justice for everyone that has been affected by this tragedy. I worked this issue alone for the first 3 years, it wasn't until after the ATSDR 'in utero study' kicked off that others started to get involved. Contrary to what some of you have been told, when I go to Capital Hill, I don't go there representing the members of ANY web-site, specific group or individual. When I go up there it is to represent everyone! Now, I must admit that my trips to our capital aren't as flamboyant as some other people's are, I don't go around handing out 'fake' bottles of water with 'Camp Lejeune Water' written on them. It has always been my theory that I don't need a gimmick to get my point across, I let the facts speak for themselves (in this situation, they are compelling enough!) and that stategy has worked quite well for me. Before I could use that stategy, I had to learn every bit of information that was available concerning this issue so I could speak intelligently and respond to official's questions, not only with words but with actual documentation to back up my words! For all of you people who are complaining about congress constantly asking me to testify, how many of you have taken the time to educate yourselves about this situation? I'm not talking about that 'hokey' so-called education campaign that is currently taking place on a certain web-site. I am talking about digging into the thousands upon thousands of documents pertaining to this situation and learning the facts! I could answer that question but I won't! The oddest fact about all of this antipathy is that none of you knows me from 'Adam.' I have never met nor have I ever spoken to any of you personally but you seem to have drawn some conclusions about me that are unjustified and untrue. If you are ignorant enough to allow someone else to fill your heads with lies about me (and others) then I don't give a damn what you say or think! I do want you to know this, if you and/or your loved ones were affected by this negligence, I will continue to fight for you/them regardless! You see, I am not competing for headlines or fame, for me this is a mission.........not a competition! Jerry Ensminger

Candy June 16, 2008 7:04 am (Pacific time)

Tyler,"THE PEOPLE" you referred to in your comment, are called water survivors. We have survived the worst contamination of water in the history of the United States. So maybe the next time you see a Marine from Camp Lejeune or El Toro you'll put your hand to your heart and thank them for the freedoms you have in this country today.

anon June 16, 2008 6:56 am (Pacific time)

so you're saying that cancer is good to have and fun to talk about? you've got really screwed up morals lady

Tyler June 15, 2008 10:13 pm (Pacific time)

It sounds like some people are intent on putting the cart before the horse. How can you prove the water caused your health problems if you are unable to prove it caused the cancers first? It sounds like you people need to get your prioities in order.

Well Tyler, do you think maybe that "you people" line is a little offensive? Do you represent one of these government agencies? It is a long ago proven, foregone conclusion that the cancer was caused by the water. The government has tried to pawn it off on the dry cleaner but that really only accounts for the PCE aspect. These folks have been fighting an uphill battle every step of the way; being supportive would be a better approach for you to take.

Tim King

Carol June 15, 2008 8:57 am (Pacific time)

If testimony, before Congress, about THE WORST CONTAMINATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IN U.S. HISTORY is limited to a few stories of cancer, Congress may think that the effects of contamination are limited to a few cancers. They may feel compelled to help a few people with cancer. Once that happens in the case of THE WORST CONTAMINATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IN US HISTORY, it will set precedent for all future contamination cases. If Congress ignores the multitude of health issues which Camp Lejeune's victims face, so will everyone else. It will be precedent in a world which is becoming more toxic every day!!!!!! Then the rest of Camp Lejeune's victims and all other contamination victims will have no help. Then the polluters will feel that they have a free hand to pollute, so long as they don't let the degree of contamination become worse than that of Camp Lejeune. It is vitally important that Congress hear testimony about the multitude of Camp Lejeune's health effects. I don't understand why that's hard for some to understand.

JENNIFFER June 15, 2008 4:06 am (Pacific time)

I'D BE "HAPPIER" IF SOMEONE ELSE HAD A CHANCE TO TESTIFY, NOT JUST "ONE" PERSON. THE ILLNESSES ARE NOT JUST LIMITED TO CANCER (LEUKEMIA, OR MALE BREAST CANCER). THOUSANDS HAVE BRAIN TUMORS, NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS, MUSCLE DETEORATION, FYBROMIALGIA, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. IT IS "THESE" PEOPLE THAT NEED A CHANCE TO TELL THEIR STORIES BEFORE CONGRESS. IF YOU HAVE JUST ONE PERSON SPEAKING FOR EVERYONE THEN, ALL OF THESE ILLNESSES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. PEOPLE HAVE TO BE ASSURED THAT THEIR INTERESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS TESTAMONY. IF CONGRESS DOESN'T HEAR FROM EVERYONE THEN THEY SHOULD, THAT'S WHAT I CALL "FAIR".

New Justice Fighter June 14, 2008 9:43 am (Pacific time)

I can understand what they are talking about. This guy seems to be the only one anybody wants to talk to because his child died, I guess THEY think that will sell more papers. I bet others lost loved ones too and would like someone to listen to them too.Everything I read on this thing has him being the only one to tell his story. Lets hear from somebody else!

anon June 14, 2008 6:36 am (Pacific time)

u should be happy they let anyone talk about it

CANDY June 13, 2008 12:31 pm (Pacific time)

AS A WIFE AND MOTHER, WHO LOST MY HUSBAND, TO ACUTE LYMPHOSYTIC LEUKEMIA, AND MY DAUGHTER, I WOULD ALSO LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE MY STORY HEARD ON THE HILL, AS WELL AS SO MANY OTHERS. IN DOING SO, IT MIGHT ENLIGHTEN THOSE TO THE HORRORS OF CHEMICAL EXPOSURES AND THE FAMILY TOLL THAT IT TAKES. I AM SURE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WHO HAVE THE SAME STORY AS I DO, WHO HAVE YET TO BE HEARD AS WELL. CANDY

Andrea June 13, 2008 9:31 am (Pacific time)

As always, Jerry did a wonderful job at the hearing and did so in representing everyone who has been affected. Thanks Jerry for all of your hard work for everyone and with The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten. And a big thanks to Tim for following this plight.

Carol June 13, 2008 6:14 am (Pacific time)

The powers that be have not wanted the story of Camp Lejeune exposed. This has been ongoing for over 50 years. The suffering of Camp Lejeune victims in not limited to cancer. If the system can confine everyone's concerns to cancer, that system can limit its overall financial loss. The stories of the multitude of other illnesses associated with Camp Lejeune should be told. Civilians were contaminated at Camp Lejeune as well. Congress must hear those stories too. How can this happen in the United States of America? Neither main stream media nor our leaders seem to want to hear or tell the whole story! The list of illnesses documented at http://www.watersurvivors.com/victims.asp is too long to duplicate here. Check it out. One source at the ATSDR calls Camp Lejeune's contamination the worst case of contamination of a public water supply in US History! Does anyone truly believe that it only causes a few cancers?

Carol June 13, 2008 5:51 am (Pacific time)

http://www.watersurvivors.com/discussion_reply_detail.asp?ReplyID=2754

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