THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 5, 1995 TAG: 9506300004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
With deepest sympathy to O. B. Jones and his family (``Vietnam: The dying hasn't stopped,'' news, June 15), I feel compelled to express an opinion regarding Agent Orange and other chemicals used in wars.
There have been several articles written regarding the Vietnam War and the veterans thereof. There have also been many articles written with regard to the Korean War and World War II. My story deals with the latter two wars.
My husband was sent to a ship in San Diego in 1946 after receiving his commission in the Navy. This ship had been a flagship in the Pacific where bomb tests were being conducted involving radiation. He was 20 years old at the time. In 1989, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 63. He fought it for one year and passed away in 1990. His sister-in-law's brother died two months later with the same cancer. Both had been exposed to radiation in some way or another.
I lost my husband, my children lost their father and their children lost the love and knowledge of a grandfather. This community lost an educator who was held in high esteem by all students he touched.
I can't bring him back. I have no proof that radiation caused his cancer. I do know that positive studies have been conducted with regard to men his age and the effects of radiation. I feel sure there are many other veterans and their families who are able to relate to my story.
Those who were not killed in battle are now dying from the chemicals used. Tragic stories of effects of chemicals used in wars should include all wars, not just the Vietnam War.
BARBARA E. MANDELL
Portsmouth, June 22, 1995 by CNB