So are we Senator, so are we disappointed. Yes, we do deserve better.
Semper Fi- yea right! [sigh]
Aug 9, 2010
Burr meeting with Cherry Point, hospital leaders- ENCToday
Burr meeting with Cherry Point, hospital leaders - Local - ENCToday
"“I am, once again, deeply disappointed that my colleagues have failed to approve an amendment providing care for the veterans and families who suffer illness due to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune,” Burr said in a release. “These veterans and their families were harmed in the service of our country. They deserve better.”"
So are we Senator, so are we disappointed. Yes, we do deserve better.
Semper Fi- yea right! [sigh]
So are we Senator, so are we disappointed. Yes, we do deserve better.
Semper Fi- yea right! [sigh]
Aug 6, 2010
Senator Richard Burr to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Senator Richard Burr comments to the Veterans' Affairs commitee regarding Camp Lejeune Water contamination. Seems they can see their way through to help the Agent Orange vets, but didn't see that the families of those same vets suffered here at home suffer and die daily from the contamination they grew up with at Camp Lejeune. It a shame...
Senator Burr really gives them what for in this video, however, his words are in vain since they did not, in his words, "act in the best interest of North Carolina veterans when it voted against my amendment to provide health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans and their family members exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This is a disservice to the people who have sacrificed on behalf of this country, and I will continue to push on this issue. During the hearing, I strongly urged my colleagues to rethink this issue."
We the affected also strongly urge them to rethink this issue. If it was their family, or even their state as Senator Burr suggests, I bet they would.
Thank you Senator Burr for your continued support.
Senator Burr really gives them what for in this video, however, his words are in vain since they did not, in his words, "act in the best interest of North Carolina veterans when it voted against my amendment to provide health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans and their family members exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This is a disservice to the people who have sacrificed on behalf of this country, and I will continue to push on this issue. During the hearing, I strongly urged my colleagues to rethink this issue."
We the affected also strongly urge them to rethink this issue. If it was their family, or even their state as Senator Burr suggests, I bet they would.
Thank you Senator Burr for your continued support.
Aug 3, 2010
Aug 2, 2010
Jul 30, 2010
Jul 29, 2010
Camp Lejeune informational meeting will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina
The next Camp Lejeune informational meeting will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday July 31st. The location is the Charlotte Marriott City Center:
Charlotte Marriott City Center
100 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC
Time: 11:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Jerry Ensminger and Mike Partain will be the speakers. The purpose of these meetings is to bring the affected community together and enhance our understanding of how the drinking water contamination occurred, what areas of the base were contaminated and what health problems we are seeing in the community. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP Vanessa Bertka at the Bell Legal Group so that they can have enough food for everyone in attendance. Lunch is provided at no charge.
Vanessa Bertka
843-546-2408 ext 757
vbertka@edbelllaw.com
If you are interested in holding a meeting in your area, please contact Mike Partain at Mike.Partain@TFTPTF.com. So far, we have had interest in the following locations and are attempting to organize meetings in Texas, California, and Tampa Florida.
Our next scheduled meeting is in Syracuse, New York on August 5th. We have heard from 10 people as of this email.
The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten,
http://www.tftptf.com/
Charlotte Marriott City Center
100 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC
Time: 11:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Jerry Ensminger and Mike Partain will be the speakers. The purpose of these meetings is to bring the affected community together and enhance our understanding of how the drinking water contamination occurred, what areas of the base were contaminated and what health problems we are seeing in the community. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP Vanessa Bertka at the Bell Legal Group so that they can have enough food for everyone in attendance. Lunch is provided at no charge.
Vanessa Bertka
843-546-2408 ext 757
vbertka@edbelllaw.com
If you are interested in holding a meeting in your area, please contact Mike Partain at Mike.Partain@TFTPTF.com. So far, we have had interest in the following locations and are attempting to organize meetings in Texas, California, and Tampa Florida.
Our next scheduled meeting is in Syracuse, New York on August 5th. We have heard from 10 people as of this email.
The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten,
http://www.tftptf.com/
Jul 28, 2010
A retired U.S. Marine says the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina caused his son's incurable brain tumor and the death of his daughter from brain cancer. His federal lawsuit accuses the United States of allowing Marines and their families to unwittingly drink and bathe in polluted and potentially poisonous water for 30 years.
Courthouse News Service- A retired U.S. Marine says the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina caused his son's incurable brain tumor and the death of his daughter from brain cancer. His federal lawsuit accuses the United States of allowing Marines and their families to unwittingly drink and bathe in polluted and potentially poisonous water for 30 years.
Jul 26, 2010
Jul 25, 2010
Jul 23, 2010
Jul 17, 2010
Jul 13, 2010
Jul 9, 2010
Jul 7, 2010
Camp Lejeune toxic exposure report released
Camp Lejeune toxic exposure report released
A report linking water contamination at Camp Lejeune to cancer in former base residents went to the desk of President Barack Obama recently.
A report linking water contamination at Camp Lejeune to cancer in former base residents went to the desk of President Barack Obama recently.
Jun 25, 2010
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Meeting in Orlando
By Dea Hayes 6.24.10
The meeting held in Orlando, Florida had around 40 former Lejeune residents and retirees. Sadly, many were in grave health. A variety of Cancers, kidney transplants, skin disorders and many others were present to hear what they had to share with us. The information they provided was momentous; however, Mike Partain, of tftptf.com with the help of Vanessa Bertka, the Paralegal with Bell Legal Group, and a great slide show was able to break it down for us in a noteworthy manner.
The Bell Legal group is working with an Orlando area firm of Grower and Ketcham and Attorney Patrick H. Telan who can be reached at 407.423.9545, located in Maitland, FL. I will say I felt absolutely no pressure from these Attorneys to work with them. They were more about helping get information out to all of us than selling services. I appreciate their efforts for our cause. They even had an unexpected luncheon brought in which was way more food than was needed. Vanessa assured me that the remaining would be donated to one of the shelters. I thought that was great of them.
Even though I have been following this story since I learned about it, one of the stark realities I came away with was that nearly everywhere at Camp Lejeune, on base and off had contaminated water in one way or another. Between fuel dumps, chemicals used as cleaning solvents, the TCE and PCE as well as Benzene, well known as a human carcinogen, our water was substantially filled with toxic chemicals for over 40 years.
The most startling point made was that the USMC and the NAVY are still hiding/holding information, not cooperating as they should be and knew about this the majority of the time. The standards we all thought they worked by were no standard at all. They really do/did not care about our quality of life during and after the service. Their actions speak so much louder than the words that we groomed and grounded with.
I am heartbroken to know that Semper Fidelis means not a thing though I have always believed in “Always Faithful” and grew up under the belief that it truly meant what it said. (I do have a super role model of that faith however, thanks Dad) Countless Marines and their families, and my close friends know that "Semper Fidelis" signifies the dedication and loyalty that individual Marines have for "Corps and Country", even after leaving service.
With regret, I find that the “Corps and Country” does not really care. For if they were “Always Faithful” to those who served, we would not have to fight them to get the care we all need. We should be compensated for the deceit and lies and the wasted time that could have been used to save one’s life or the ability to live a better life. There are many out in the civilian world since spending a majority of their lives at Camp Lejeune who no longer have ties to the military. These people (all once dependants), most of whom have no healthcare, are which we fight for most, the sick, the diseased, the disabled. We also fight for those we have lost due to medical problems and diseases. If only they could know, it wasn't all in their heads.
Once a Marine, always a Marine- I plead for the USMC and Navy to be “Faithful” to their Marines and their families who sacrificed much for their service. Please take care of my family and friends and countless others who so desperately need answers, medical help and a little happiness with what is left of their sickened lives. Be “Faithful” to those we have lost, those who suffered many years of pain and illness because of the contamination. Be “Faithful” to our children’s children who are affected with diseases and illness since our DNA has been changed, our bloodstreams polluted, and our lives lived in hell.
I so appreciate Mike Partain and the Attorneys of Bell Legal Group who are working on our behalf. Be sure to go to a meeting they have planned in the coming months. You will learn much, cry some, and understand a whole lot more. I also appreciate the help of handful of politicians who are fighting for us as well.
In closing, I will include a letter from Mike Partain giving more information and meeting dates to come.
Greetings everyone,
I wanted to go ahead and get this posted so we can get the word out ASAP. The Bell Legal Group has sponsored two informational meetings for Camp Lejeune. Jerry Ensminger spoke at the first meeting in NC and I spoke at the recent meeting here in Florida. To be honest we were not really sure what to expect with these meetings or who would show. Based on our experiences at the two meetings, it is quite apparent that our community is in the dark as to what happened at Camp Lejeune. We need to change this....
I want to point out that these meetings are being held to as an opportunity for us, the affected community, to spread the word and inform ourselves as to what really happened at Camp Lejeune. During the meeting, we showed some of the key documents, explained what contaminated the water and where the contamination was found. We also discussed what the USMC knew about the contamination, when they knew it, and what they have reported/not reported to the affected community.
The Bell Legal Group has been very gracious by bearing the costs for the food and meeting space and more importantly, for allowing us to talk about Camp Lejeune without making you sit through a sales pitch. They were available for questions during lunch but otherwise, the focus was on information and not to sign people up. Without their support, this would not be possible.
The next meeting will be Saturday July 10th in Roanoke Virginia. We will need at least 100 people to hold the meeting. Jerry Ensminger or I will be in attendance...or both of us. We will present the facts, what we know and where we are going. We will also try and answer as many questions as we can.
A meeting about the CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION effects will be held July 10, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the
Roanoke Higher Education Center, Room 212, located at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA. (This location is handicap accessible.) If you believe your health or the health of a loved one has been compromised from exposure to Camp Lejeune water, we encourage you to attend this free informational seminar. For further information and to reserve your space, please contact Vanessa Bertka at 843-546-2408, ext. 757. Please RSVP by July 8th. There is no charge or obligation to attend.
Additional meeting dates are listed below. The informational meetings will be held from 11-3 p.m. each date. Please be advised these dates are subject to change if the minimum amount of attendees are not met. We ask that you RSVP to receive updated information.
July 17th Virginia Beach , VA RSVP by July 15th
July 31st Charlotte , NC RSVP by July 29th
August 7th Syracuse , NY RSVP by August 5th
August 21st Pittsburg , PA RSVP by August 19th
Mike Partain
Jun 23, 2010
The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten • View topic - Camp Lejeune Informational Meeting Roanoke Virginia July 10
The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten • View topic - Camp Lejeune Informational Meeting Roanoke Virginia July 10
A meeting about the CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION effects will be held July 10, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the
Roanoke Higher Education Center, Room 212, located at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA. (This location is handicap accessible.) If you believe your health or the health of a loved one has been compromised from exposure to Camp Lejeune water, we encourage you to attend this free informational seminar. For further information and to reserve your space, please contact Vanessa Bertka at 843-546-2408, ext. 757. Please RSVP by July 8th. There is no charge or obligation to attend.
Additional meeting dates are listed below. The informational meetings will be held from 11-3 p.m. each date. Please be advised these dates are subject to change if the minimum amount of attendees are not met. We ask that you RSVP to receive updated information.
July 17th Virginia Beach , VA RSVP by July 15th
July 31st Charlotte , NC RSVP by July 29th
August 7th Syracuse , NY RSVP by August 5th
August 21st Pittsburg , PA RSVP by August 19th
A meeting about the CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION effects will be held July 10, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the
Roanoke Higher Education Center, Room 212, located at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA. (This location is handicap accessible.) If you believe your health or the health of a loved one has been compromised from exposure to Camp Lejeune water, we encourage you to attend this free informational seminar. For further information and to reserve your space, please contact Vanessa Bertka at 843-546-2408, ext. 757. Please RSVP by July 8th. There is no charge or obligation to attend.
Additional meeting dates are listed below. The informational meetings will be held from 11-3 p.m. each date. Please be advised these dates are subject to change if the minimum amount of attendees are not met. We ask that you RSVP to receive updated information.
July 17th Virginia Beach , VA RSVP by July 15th
July 31st Charlotte , NC RSVP by July 29th
August 7th Syracuse , NY RSVP by August 5th
August 21st Pittsburg , PA RSVP by August 19th
Jun 22, 2010
Jun 21, 2010
Jun 18, 2010
Jun 12, 2010
Jun 10, 2010
Burr, Hagan up pressure on Camp Lejeune water study :: WRAL.com
Burr, Hagan up pressure on Camp Lejeune water study :: WRAL.com
The proposal would require the Navy to provide an inventory of documents within 90 days of the bill's passage to researchers with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, or ATSDR.
The proposal would require the Navy to provide an inventory of documents within 90 days of the bill's passage to researchers with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, or ATSDR.
Jun 9, 2010
Senators want law on studies of Camp Lejeune water - News14.com
Senators want law on studies of Camp Lejeune water - News14.com
Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr are pushing for legislation that requires the Navy and Marine Corps to help complete studies looking into Camp Lejeune's tainted water.
Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr are pushing for legislation that requires the Navy and Marine Corps to help complete studies looking into Camp Lejeune's tainted water.
Jun 8, 2010
Hagan and Burr agree on OLF | hagan, agree, north - Local - Sun Journal
Hagan and Burr agree on OLF hagan, agree, north - Local - Sun Journal
June 07, 2010 7:57 PM
Sun Journal Staff
North Carolina’s opposing party senators are on the same page of the Senate Defense Authorization bill with amendments to prevent an OLF in Northeastern North Carolina and support studies on water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Details of the bill were released Monday by the Senate Armed Services Committee for full Senate consideration. Sen. Kay R. Hagan, D-N.C., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., sit on the committee.
“This amendment restricts funding for an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in North Carolina and Virginia until the Department of the Navy justifies the cost of its construction in a series of exhaustive studies that are to be submitted to the congressional defense committees,” a Burr spokesman said.
The amendment also asks for criteria for basing the F-35C aircraft-carrier version of the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and a description of the OLF facilities required to support its training.
Hagan said in a release, “The Navy has existing OLFs and military airfields. These facilities must be evaluated before planning any new OLF, which I, along with the citizens of North Carolina, strongly oppose.”
The senators’ Lejeune amendment requires the Navy to assist the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to complete its studies crucial to getting to the bottom of water contamination problems at Camp Lejeune. The scientific research agency of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs full Navy cooperation to identify all relevant water contamination documents.
The amendment, first included in the Defense Appropriations bill by Hagan last year, also includes a provision to keep the Navy from disposing of water contamination claims before the studies are complete.
June 07, 2010 7:57 PM
Sun Journal Staff
North Carolina’s opposing party senators are on the same page of the Senate Defense Authorization bill with amendments to prevent an OLF in Northeastern North Carolina and support studies on water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Details of the bill were released Monday by the Senate Armed Services Committee for full Senate consideration. Sen. Kay R. Hagan, D-N.C., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., sit on the committee.
“This amendment restricts funding for an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in North Carolina and Virginia until the Department of the Navy justifies the cost of its construction in a series of exhaustive studies that are to be submitted to the congressional defense committees,” a Burr spokesman said.
The amendment also asks for criteria for basing the F-35C aircraft-carrier version of the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and a description of the OLF facilities required to support its training.
Hagan said in a release, “The Navy has existing OLFs and military airfields. These facilities must be evaluated before planning any new OLF, which I, along with the citizens of North Carolina, strongly oppose.”
The senators’ Lejeune amendment requires the Navy to assist the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to complete its studies crucial to getting to the bottom of water contamination problems at Camp Lejeune. The scientific research agency of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs full Navy cooperation to identify all relevant water contamination documents.
The amendment, first included in the Defense Appropriations bill by Hagan last year, also includes a provision to keep the Navy from disposing of water contamination claims before the studies are complete.
Jun 3, 2010
Marines in Trouble; Politicians & Press Push Corps Toward Truth - Salem-News.Com
Marines in Trouble; Politicians & Press Push Corps Toward Truth - Salem-News.Com
---- We've suspected it, others have proven it; the officials running the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy- have been acutely aware of the toxic water at Lejeune, along with the Department of Defense, and their bets are being called. ----
---- We've suspected it, others have proven it; the officials running the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy- have been acutely aware of the toxic water at Lejeune, along with the Department of Defense, and their bets are being called. ----
May 31, 2010
May 30, 2010
Congress pushes military for data on tainted water - Spokesman.com - May 29, 2010
Lejeune Water Contamination News
Congress pushes military for data on tainted water - Spokesman.com - May 29, 2010
My wish for this Decoration day is for the spririts of our lost Patriot souls to find a home in hearts new Patriots who will carry on the torch of Freedom for our country. May they be at peace.
Congress pushes military for data on tainted water - Spokesman.com - May 29, 2010
My wish for this Decoration day is for the spririts of our lost Patriot souls to find a home in hearts new Patriots who will carry on the torch of Freedom for our country. May they be at peace. May we have peace. ~Dea Hayes
May 29, 2010
May 28, 2010
Email from Sen Richard Burr- Lejeune water contamination update
This has been another busy week in Washington, and the U.S. Senate tackled some important issues. First, the good news.
Two amendments that I introduced and are of particular interest to North Carolina were approved in committee this week. The first amendment responds to the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) discovery that the Department of Navy has failed to disclose significant information and documents about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The Navy must now work with officials at ATSDR to reconcile the information of both groups and to ensure that all documentation related to the water contamination is made available to ATSDR within a specific time frame.
Secondly, I’ve heard from many of you who are concerned about the building of an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in areas of North Carolina and Virginia. In response, I drafted an amendment that prevents the Navy from initiating the construction of an OLF until the Secretary of the Navy has provided the defense committees with reports that delineate the impact that the OLF will make on the area and demonstrate a real need for such a field. I am pleased this amendment was also approved.
In other positive news for our state, I am always pleased and proud to welcome fellow North Carolinians who come to Washington to testify before Congress on important issues. On the education front, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee welcomed Henrietta Zalkind, Executive Director of the Down East Partnership for Children in Rocky Mount, to a hearing on the importance of early childhood education and child care. While on Capitol Hill, Zalkind shared with us about her experiences in North Carolina, and specific steps Congress can take to improve the quality of early childhood education so that all children regardless of background, are able to succeed in school, college, and the future workforce.
On a more somber note, this week, our national debt reached $13 trillion dollar mark. It is abundantly clear that business as usual in our government must stop. I have co-sponsored several bills that would cut government spending, but many of these failed to garner enough support to be approved. Our budget deficits are a tremendous threat to our nation’s future. We must work together to prevent our children from having to pay off more debt simply because we are afraid to make tough choices about our priorities. The current debt crisis in Europe should be a wake-up call to all of us that we must start making hard choices now.
In this regard, last night, the Senate voted to approve the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010. Originally intended as a bill to fund our military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, by the time this bill got to the floor of the Senate, it was full of spending that is completely unrelated to our troops. I have always been proud to support funding for our troops and our national defense. However, I am disappointed that this year, the supplemental funding bill is – once again – filled with unrelated spending that is not paid for with cuts elsewhere in the budget. I am especially disappointed that money is being taken away from our U.S. veterans to send money overseas. I supported amendments that would have improved the bill and covered its $60 billion cost, but unfortunately, these amendments were once again rejected by the majority in the Senate. I voted against this bill as it takes our country even closer to the edge of financial collapse.
Finally, I am pleased that on June 4, I will be speaking at the North Carolina Disabled American Veterans Convention in Raleigh. I look forward to talking with our brave veterans and answering their questions, and I hope to see some of you there.
Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend. Take a few moments to remember all those who have lost their lives so that we could enjoy this time off with our families in freedom.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
Two amendments that I introduced and are of particular interest to North Carolina were approved in committee this week. The first amendment responds to the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) discovery that the Department of Navy has failed to disclose significant information and documents about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The Navy must now work with officials at ATSDR to reconcile the information of both groups and to ensure that all documentation related to the water contamination is made available to ATSDR within a specific time frame.
Secondly, I’ve heard from many of you who are concerned about the building of an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in areas of North Carolina and Virginia. In response, I drafted an amendment that prevents the Navy from initiating the construction of an OLF until the Secretary of the Navy has provided the defense committees with reports that delineate the impact that the OLF will make on the area and demonstrate a real need for such a field. I am pleased this amendment was also approved.
In other positive news for our state, I am always pleased and proud to welcome fellow North Carolinians who come to Washington to testify before Congress on important issues. On the education front, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee welcomed Henrietta Zalkind, Executive Director of the Down East Partnership for Children in Rocky Mount, to a hearing on the importance of early childhood education and child care. While on Capitol Hill, Zalkind shared with us about her experiences in North Carolina, and specific steps Congress can take to improve the quality of early childhood education so that all children regardless of background, are able to succeed in school, college, and the future workforce.
On a more somber note, this week, our national debt reached $13 trillion dollar mark. It is abundantly clear that business as usual in our government must stop. I have co-sponsored several bills that would cut government spending, but many of these failed to garner enough support to be approved. Our budget deficits are a tremendous threat to our nation’s future. We must work together to prevent our children from having to pay off more debt simply because we are afraid to make tough choices about our priorities. The current debt crisis in Europe should be a wake-up call to all of us that we must start making hard choices now.
In this regard, last night, the Senate voted to approve the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010. Originally intended as a bill to fund our military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, by the time this bill got to the floor of the Senate, it was full of spending that is completely unrelated to our troops. I have always been proud to support funding for our troops and our national defense. However, I am disappointed that this year, the supplemental funding bill is – once again – filled with unrelated spending that is not paid for with cuts elsewhere in the budget. I am especially disappointed that money is being taken away from our U.S. veterans to send money overseas. I supported amendments that would have improved the bill and covered its $60 billion cost, but unfortunately, these amendments were once again rejected by the majority in the Senate. I voted against this bill as it takes our country even closer to the edge of financial collapse.
Finally, I am pleased that on June 4, I will be speaking at the North Carolina Disabled American Veterans Convention in Raleigh. I look forward to talking with our brave veterans and answering their questions, and I hope to see some of you there.
Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend. Take a few moments to remember all those who have lost their lives so that we could enjoy this time off with our families in freedom.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
May 23, 2010
Health Care for Exposure to Military Environmental Hazards - Salem-News.Com
In the immortal words of Yogi Berra, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Health Care for Exposure to Military Environmental Hazards - Salem-News.Com
Health Care for Exposure to Military Environmental Hazards - Salem-News.Com
May 21, 2010
May 17, 2010
May 13, 2010
May 7, 2010
President signed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law on May 5th
From the Email of Senator Richard Burr, NC-
As you know, this newsletter has been on a temporary hiatus since March due to Senate rules which prohibit Senators from sending out a newsletter for 60 days prior to an election. With the North Carolina primary behind us, I can once again communicate with you via this newsletter.
April and May in Washington have been big months for veterans. On Wednesday, May 5,at a White House ceremony, the President signed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law. The bill establishes new assistance for the family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans, including training and certification required to meet the veteran’s needs, access to ongoing support services, counseling and mental health services, respite care, medical care, and a monthly personal caregiver allowance. Two years ago, I started working with the Wounded Warrior Project, Sarah and Ted Wade from Chapel Hill, and Eric and Ed Edmundson from New Bern to put this bipartisan legislation together with Veterans Committee Chairman Danny Akaka. This was the culmination of a long journey, and a testament to the persistence of these and other veterans and families.
This bill also included some other provisions I am proud to have worked on. One is a provision for basic dental insurance coverage for veterans, modeled after a Tricare program. We must serve our veterans with the same dignity and honor that they served our country, and their advocacy is a critical part of the policy-making process.
On Wednesday, April 28, I had a chance to greet thirty veterans and active duty servicemember cyclists at the finish line of the DC Wounded Warriors Soldier Ride on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The Wounded Warrior Solder Ride began at the White House, and the vets rode through the District before arriving at Capitol Hill. Four North Carolinians participated in the Soldier Ride. Their participation provided them an opportunity to showcase their remarkable recovery and at the same time, through their visibility, advocate for positive changes in benefits and veterans policy.
As I’ve seen through my work on theCaregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, the spouses of wounded veteran soldiers share in the hard work and courage rehabilitation often requires. But often, their role as a military spouse requires them to also sacrifice their career and opportunities to add to their families’ financial well-being due to frequent relocations.
That’s why I introduced the Spouse Employment Act in the Senate on April 20. This bill encourages employment of military spouses by expanding Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military families. The WOTC is an existing federal tax credit and has been a powerful tool in promoting employment. Should my bill become law, employers of military spouses would be able to claim a tax credit of 40% of the first $6,000 in wages paid during the worker's first year of employment.
In addition to veterans issues, another big issue we have focused on recently in Washington is financial regulatory reform. The current financial crisis has made it abundantly clear that we must modernize and strengthen our regulatory framework in a way that ensures accountability, enforcement, and transparency. I am 100% committed to updating our financial regulatory system, but unfortunately the bill currently being debated could lead to more taxpayer-funded bailouts. I am also concerned that it does nothingto address the risk posed by the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two major contributors to the financial meltdown. In fact, according to this report from the Associated Press, Freddie Mac asked for another $10.6 billion in assistance from the taxpayers this week.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to see what we can do to improve the current bill so that it will benefit our economy, increase transparency, and not stifle growth. At the same time, I refuse to vote for a poorly crafted bill. Please check back to my website for updates on our progress.
Finally, I am proud to say that Congress has taken a step, albeit a small one, in the right direction towards restoring some level of fiscal responsibility by stopping its automatic pay raise for 2011. Under current law, Congress automatically gets a pay increase every year unless it votes to disapprove of the raise. I’m opposed to these automatic raises as I don’t think it’s right for Congress to receive an automatic salary increase when the American people are struggling, and especially when seniors on Social Security and veterans did not receive a cost-of-living increase this year. This month, the Senate took a step in the right direction by passing a bill I cosponsored along with Senator Feingold (D-WI) that will block a raise for 2011. The next step: repeal automatic pay raises for Congress for good.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
*Please do not respond to this email address. To contact me please click here, or visit my website burr.senate.gov.
As you know, this newsletter has been on a temporary hiatus since March due to Senate rules which prohibit Senators from sending out a newsletter for 60 days prior to an election. With the North Carolina primary behind us, I can once again communicate with you via this newsletter.
April and May in Washington have been big months for veterans. On Wednesday, May 5,at a White House ceremony, the President signed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law. The bill establishes new assistance for the family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans, including training and certification required to meet the veteran’s needs, access to ongoing support services, counseling and mental health services, respite care, medical care, and a monthly personal caregiver allowance. Two years ago, I started working with the Wounded Warrior Project, Sarah and Ted Wade from Chapel Hill, and Eric and Ed Edmundson from New Bern to put this bipartisan legislation together with Veterans Committee Chairman Danny Akaka. This was the culmination of a long journey, and a testament to the persistence of these and other veterans and families.
This bill also included some other provisions I am proud to have worked on. One is a provision for basic dental insurance coverage for veterans, modeled after a Tricare program. We must serve our veterans with the same dignity and honor that they served our country, and their advocacy is a critical part of the policy-making process.
On Wednesday, April 28, I had a chance to greet thirty veterans and active duty servicemember cyclists at the finish line of the DC Wounded Warriors Soldier Ride on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The Wounded Warrior Solder Ride began at the White House, and the vets rode through the District before arriving at Capitol Hill. Four North Carolinians participated in the Soldier Ride. Their participation provided them an opportunity to showcase their remarkable recovery and at the same time, through their visibility, advocate for positive changes in benefits and veterans policy.
As I’ve seen through my work on theCaregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, the spouses of wounded veteran soldiers share in the hard work and courage rehabilitation often requires. But often, their role as a military spouse requires them to also sacrifice their career and opportunities to add to their families’ financial well-being due to frequent relocations.
That’s why I introduced the Spouse Employment Act in the Senate on April 20. This bill encourages employment of military spouses by expanding Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military families. The WOTC is an existing federal tax credit and has been a powerful tool in promoting employment. Should my bill become law, employers of military spouses would be able to claim a tax credit of 40% of the first $6,000 in wages paid during the worker's first year of employment.
In addition to veterans issues, another big issue we have focused on recently in Washington is financial regulatory reform. The current financial crisis has made it abundantly clear that we must modernize and strengthen our regulatory framework in a way that ensures accountability, enforcement, and transparency. I am 100% committed to updating our financial regulatory system, but unfortunately the bill currently being debated could lead to more taxpayer-funded bailouts. I am also concerned that it does nothingto address the risk posed by the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two major contributors to the financial meltdown. In fact, according to this report from the Associated Press, Freddie Mac asked for another $10.6 billion in assistance from the taxpayers this week.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to see what we can do to improve the current bill so that it will benefit our economy, increase transparency, and not stifle growth. At the same time, I refuse to vote for a poorly crafted bill. Please check back to my website for updates on our progress.
Finally, I am proud to say that Congress has taken a step, albeit a small one, in the right direction towards restoring some level of fiscal responsibility by stopping its automatic pay raise for 2011. Under current law, Congress automatically gets a pay increase every year unless it votes to disapprove of the raise. I’m opposed to these automatic raises as I don’t think it’s right for Congress to receive an automatic salary increase when the American people are struggling, and especially when seniors on Social Security and veterans did not receive a cost-of-living increase this year. This month, the Senate took a step in the right direction by passing a bill I cosponsored along with Senator Feingold (D-WI) that will block a raise for 2011. The next step: repeal automatic pay raises for Congress for good.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
*Please do not respond to this email address. To contact me please click here, or visit my website burr.senate.gov.
Apr 29, 2010
Apr 27, 2010
Collateral Damage in a War of Cover-up, Denial and Obfuscation : Veterans Today
Collateral Damage in a War of Cover-up, Denial and Obfuscation : Veterans Today
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For many Camp Lejeune veterans and dependents, the long fight for health care and compensation has left them with a deep distrust of the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. If ever there was a case for fence mending, this is one.
The Marine Corps has an outstanding record as an elite fighting force. There are an estimated 500,000 veterans and dependents exposed to the contaminated well at Camp Lejeune. For many Lejeune survivors, the Corps’ proud motto of “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) has become just another PR slogan.
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For many Camp Lejeune veterans and dependents, the long fight for health care and compensation has left them with a deep distrust of the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. If ever there was a case for fence mending, this is one.
The Marine Corps has an outstanding record as an elite fighting force. There are an estimated 500,000 veterans and dependents exposed to the contaminated well at Camp Lejeune. For many Lejeune survivors, the Corps’ proud motto of “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) has become just another PR slogan.
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Apr 24, 2010
Apr 19, 2010
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Apr 9, 2010
Veterans Input Needed on Environmental Breast Cancer Study - Salem-News.Com
Veterans Input Needed on Environmental Breast Cancer Study - Salem-News.Com
Input can be provided to the committee through written comments and materials submitted over the course of the study, and through brief presentations at committee meetings that will be held over the next few months.
The IOM’s Committee on Breast Cancer and the Environment is holding its first meeting on April 14-15, 2010 at the National Academy of Sciences Keck Building. The second meeting will be held in San Francisco area in the first full week of July 2010. Those interested in providing a brief presentation to the committee in April 14 or in early July should contact Jane Durch (jdurch@nas.edu) or Cassandra Cacace (ccacace@nas.edu). On April 14th, public comments will be heard during the mid to late afternoon. Time constraints may limit the number of speakers who can be accommodated, but all written submissions will be welcome.
Written materials can be submitted to the committee through the IOM staff at the e-mail or postal addresses shown below. Please note that any comments or materials submitted to the committee in paper or electronic form will normally become part of the study’s public record.
Questions about the study or providing materials for the committee’s consideration should be directed to co-study directors Lois Joellenbeck (ljoellen@nas.edu) or Jane Durch (jdurch@nas.edu).
Input can be provided to the committee through written comments and materials submitted over the course of the study, and through brief presentations at committee meetings that will be held over the next few months.
The IOM’s Committee on Breast Cancer and the Environment is holding its first meeting on April 14-15, 2010 at the National Academy of Sciences Keck Building. The second meeting will be held in San Francisco area in the first full week of July 2010. Those interested in providing a brief presentation to the committee in April 14 or in early July should contact Jane Durch (jdurch@nas.edu) or Cassandra Cacace (ccacace@nas.edu). On April 14th, public comments will be heard during the mid to late afternoon. Time constraints may limit the number of speakers who can be accommodated, but all written submissions will be welcome.
Written materials can be submitted to the committee through the IOM staff at the e-mail or postal addresses shown below. Please note that any comments or materials submitted to the committee in paper or electronic form will normally become part of the study’s public record.
Questions about the study or providing materials for the committee’s consideration should be directed to co-study directors Lois Joellenbeck (ljoellen@nas.edu) or Jane Durch (jdurch@nas.edu).
Apr 8, 2010
Apr 7, 2010
Apr 1, 2010
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Mar 31, 2010
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Mar 18, 2010
Gov't Links Marine Paul Buckley's Cancer, Base Camp Lejuene Toxic Water - wbztv.com
Gov't Links Marine Paul Buckley's Cancer, Base Camp Lejuene Toxic Water - wbztv.com
According to Top 10 Veterans News from Around the Country
VA Rules Contaminated Water At Camp Lejeune Caused Veteran’s Cancer. The Quincy (MA) Patriot Ledger (3/18, Hanson, 48K) reports, “The federal Department of Veterans Affairs has ruled that chemical contamination at a Marine Corps base caused a rare cancer in a local veteran. The decision grants a full service-related disability pension” to 46-year-old Paul Buckley, “who has multiple myeloma, an incurable form of cancer that attacks blood plasma. It links the cancer to drinking water that was polluted by a fuel spill at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.”
According to Top 10 Veterans News from Around the Country
VA Rules Contaminated Water At Camp Lejeune Caused Veteran’s Cancer. The Quincy (MA) Patriot Ledger (3/18, Hanson, 48K) reports, “The federal Department of Veterans Affairs has ruled that chemical contamination at a Marine Corps base caused a rare cancer in a local veteran. The decision grants a full service-related disability pension” to 46-year-old Paul Buckley, “who has multiple myeloma, an incurable form of cancer that attacks blood plasma. It links the cancer to drinking water that was polluted by a fuel spill at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.”
Mar 17, 2010
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Mar 4, 2010
The North Carolina News Network - Navy OKs LeJeune Study
The North Carolina News Network - Navy OKs LeJeune Study
Written by Bruce Ferrell/David Horn
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Sen. Kay Hagan is applauding the move by the Navy to fund studies into the possible health impacts of contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. Hagan commented on the news that funding was moving forward.
"I was happy to hear from Ray Mabus, the Secretary of the Navy, that they have approved all of the studies that we've requested and that the funding has been sent to the CDC to begin those studies," said Hagan.
The other North Carolina member of the Senate, Richard Burr, had blocked the appointment of two top Navy officials until he received assurances the studies would be done.
Written by Bruce Ferrell/David Horn
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Sen. Kay Hagan is applauding the move by the Navy to fund studies into the possible health impacts of contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. Hagan commented on the news that funding was moving forward.
"I was happy to hear from Ray Mabus, the Secretary of the Navy, that they have approved all of the studies that we've requested and that the funding has been sent to the CDC to begin those studies," said Hagan.
The other North Carolina member of the Senate, Richard Burr, had blocked the appointment of two top Navy officials until he received assurances the studies would be done.
Mar 3, 2010
CAMP LEJEUNE HISTORIC Drinking Water Project
CAMP LEJEUNE HISTORIC DRINKING WATER PROJECT
If you or anyone you know lived or were stationed on Camp Lejeune in 1987 or before, please visit www.marines.mil/clwater or call (877) 261-9782.
If you or anyone you know lived or were stationed on Camp Lejeune in 1987 or before, please visit www.marines.mil/clwater or call (877) 261-9782.
Mar 1, 2010
Trial by water - Editorials - NewsObserver.com
Trial by water - Editorials - NewsObserver.com
A whole lot of people were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune during a stretch of years ending in the mid-1980s - of that there seems no doubt. Yet questions abound: Who was harmed? And at this stage, should anyone, or the government itself, be held to account?
A federal judge in Raleigh, Terrence Boyle, last week declined to dismiss a suit filed by the wife of former Marine officer who blames Lejeune's water for her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Navy's "unwillingness to release information regarding contamination at Camp Lejeune or to provide notice to former residents remains relevant ... " Boyle wrote.
The judge also noted that the Marine Corps was obliged under regulations to provide drinking water free of unhealthy "impurities." Oops - the Lejeune water, tainted with spilled fuel and who knows what else, apparently contained such goodies as trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride and benzene. At least the Navy finally has agreed to finance a study into who may have been sickened - or killed - by the befouled faucets of Camp Lejeune.
A whole lot of people were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune during a stretch of years ending in the mid-1980s - of that there seems no doubt. Yet questions abound: Who was harmed? And at this stage, should anyone, or the government itself, be held to account?
A federal judge in Raleigh, Terrence Boyle, last week declined to dismiss a suit filed by the wife of former Marine officer who blames Lejeune's water for her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Navy's "unwillingness to release information regarding contamination at Camp Lejeune or to provide notice to former residents remains relevant ... " Boyle wrote.
The judge also noted that the Marine Corps was obliged under regulations to provide drinking water free of unhealthy "impurities." Oops - the Lejeune water, tainted with spilled fuel and who knows what else, apparently contained such goodies as trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride and benzene. At least the Navy finally has agreed to finance a study into who may have been sickened - or killed - by the befouled faucets of Camp Lejeune.
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