Lejeune Contamination Disgraceful – Victims Should Be Compensated

The following is a personal story submitted to Civilian Exposure and published as part of our new series: “Contamination Chronicles: Personal Stories of Exposure”. If you would like to submit your story, you may fill out our form here or send directly via email to share-@-civilianexposure.org.

My daddy was stationed at Camp Lejuene, NC beginning 1955 at various different times throughout his 22 year career. I attended school until my junior year. He retired when I was 18 years old. We lived in different locations on the base, one of them being Midway Park. I was born in 1956 and have suffered with neurobehavioral problems from around 12 years old, still take medication, and see a doctor on a regular basis for these problems. I also suffer from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and bone problems and have for 40 years.

My brother was born May of 1957 and also suffers from neurobehavioral problems, osteoarthritis, gout and has had four strokes. My dad had strokes, arthritis and dementia. He passed away six years ago. My mama suffered from osteoarthritis and neurobehavioral problems. She passed away four years ago with Alzheimer’s.

I have heard that you can pass it to your children. I have a son, 37 years old, who has suffered with type 1 diabetes since he was 18, which is considered to be an autoimmune disease. By contrast, my sister was born at Jacksonville, Florida and has had no health problems that I am aware of.

I believe this is TERRIBLE! My Dad was a dedicated and loyal Marine that loved serving his country. He was also a two tour Vietnam Vet. It is disgraceful that this water contamination has hurt so many people and so many have died or are dying from the water. But some were not even born due to miscarriage. Some born there only lived to be small infants. I believe that the veterans that served and the children that were involved in this terrible water contamination should be compensated as soon as possible.

Note from the Editor: The author currently resides in Georgia. The account/editorial is verbatim from the author without edit, with only the omission of their name to preserve anonymity.

In addition, we have to agree with the writer’s sentiments. Yes, veterans and children exposed and suffering should be given assistance, but also along with all the civilian workers, spouses, reservists and any other living soul that set foot on that base for a minimum of 30 days anytime between 1953-1987. That would be the right thing to do.