116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Home / Opinion / Letters to the Editor
Where is compensation for Vietnam vets?
Lonnie Bazal
Aug. 12, 2019 1:11 pm
With the recent passage of the 9/11 victims fund in Congress, now may be a great time to extend the same benefits to the brave military men and women who served our country in the Agent-Orange-infested jungles of Vietnam.
The veterans who served in Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange (which is recognized as a carcinogen by many health organizations) instead of toxins from the World Trade Center, but the impact to their health is very similar. Since it makes sense to our politicians to provide free health care for life, and compensation, to the 9/11 first responders, volunteers mand survivors, it seems to also make sense to treat our veterans who served our country on the ground in Vietnam, with the same respect, compassion and benefits.
Hopefully there's a comedian out there somewhere who feels the same way, and has the time to meet with our politicians.
Lonnie Bazal
Cedar Rapids
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com