MEASURE TO RECOGNIZE MAINE VETERANS’ AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE RECEIVES PUBLIC HEARING

Senator Tuttle sponsors measure asking federal government to provide care and benefits to veterans exposed to harmful chemicals at Gagetown

AUGUSTA –This afternoon, the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee held a public hearing on Democratic Senator John Tuttle’s measure to acknowledge the serious harm that has come to Maine’s National Guard veterans from exposure to Agent Orange and other harmful chemicals at Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

“Too many of our veterans have been denied coverage for disabilities caused by their exposure to these harmful chemicals at Gagetown,” said Senator Tuttle, a former Veteran of the Maine National Guard. “It is time the federal government provided all our veterans with the care and benefits they deserve.”

The U.S. government has refused to acknowledge any connection between the soldiers’ illnesses and their exposure to these chemicals. Senator Tuttle’s resolve will recognize the environmental hazards present at Gagetown and the resulting potential health risks and disabilities.

“We all agree that part of our nation’s duty to the men and women who serve includes making sure that we take care of the treatment and care of any injuries or disabilities caused by their service,” Senator Tuttle added. “It is our moral obligation to care for them and their families.”

The committee will hold a work session on LD 1632, “Resolve, Directing the Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management To Request the Federal Government To Recognize Environmental Hazards at the Military Training Center in Gagetown, New Brunswick and the Resulting Health Risks and Disabilities Suffered by Certain Members of the Maine National Guard,” later this session.

###