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| September 11, 2003 GIs, public not told of germ tests Web Posted : 09/11/2003 12:00 AM Legislation sponsored by Rep. Ciro Rodriguez and passed Wednesday by the House would allow veterans exposed to chemical and biological weapons testing during the 1960s and '70s to receive tests and care at Veterans Administration health care facilities. The measure is aimed at 5,000 or more veterans who were part of Project 112 or Project Shad, Cold War-era tests that studied combat uses for biological and chemical weapons and methods to protect American troops from such attacks. Most of the tests were conducted at sea, but some were land-based. The Defense Department admitted in June that some of the tests used real biological or chemical weapons. Rodriguez said the Veterans Affairs Department asked for the legislation so it can test affected troops and treat any illnesses they develop as a result of the tests. "This is the least we can do for these fine men and women who were often involved in these experiments without consent and without adequate protection," the San Antonio Democrat said in a prepared release. Tests were done between 1962 and 1973. Military personnel will need to show they were involved in the tests or served on the ships involved in the testing. The affected veterans also can find help through the National Association of Atomic Veterans, said William Harper, national commander of the group whose members were exposed to radiation experiments and other testing while in the armed forces. Harper said the group is trying to find Project 112 and Project Shad veterans and inform them on how to file claims with the VA. The government made it difficult for World War II-era atomic vets to prove their exposure and get care, Harper said, and he expects the newest group to encounter the same obstacles. "It's been the same problem all along," Harper said. "They (VA officials) always want to do some study." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ctumiel@express-news.net |
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