Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 10, 2024 3:06 am GMT
Jon Stewart Advocates for 9/11 Troops Exposed to Radiation
In a growing push for recognition and support, comedian Jon Stewart is mobilizing efforts to secure medical care for the first U.S. troops deployed after the September 11 attacks, who are currently suffering from radiation exposure that has yet to receive official acknowledgment from the government, even after 23 years. This urgent call for action comes on the heels of a troubling history that links these veterans to serious health issues stemming from their time at the K2 base in Uzbekistan.
The Problem at K2: A Hidden Legacy
Following the 9/11 attacks, special operations forces were deployed to the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, known as K2, in early October 2001. Between 2001 and 2005, over 15,000 U.S. troops passed through this base. They encountered clumps of yellow powder, later identified as radioactive uranium, near Soviet-era missile storage bunkers.
A declassified November 2001 Defense Department assessment confirmed that the radioactive material at K2 was not depleted uranium but rather a type of enriched uranium. Nevertheless, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not yet recognized exposure incidents linked to this location as part of the presumptive conditions for health issues among veterans, leaving many without the assistance they desperately need.
Health Consequences Faced by K2 Veterans
Numerous veterans who served at K2 have reported a range of serious health issues, such as:
- Cancers
- Kidney problems
- Bone cancer risks
- Reproductive issues and birth defects
Despite these alarming reports, K2 veterans like Matt Erpelding, who served as a C-130 pilot at the base, argue that their plight continues to be overshadowed by bureaucratic roadblocks. “It needs to get done now,” he stated, highlighting the sense of urgency felt by those still waiting for their claims to be recognized.
Stewart’s Role in the Advocacy
Stewart has been a vocal advocate for veterans’ health care, particularly for those impacted by toxic exposure. He emphasizes the need for swift action, criticizing the slow response from governmental agencies. During an interview with the Associated Press, Stewart expressed frustration over the lack of accountability in addressing the veterans’ claims. He stated, “K2 veterans were the tip of the spear. They were the first group deployed in the war on terror and they are still on a lazy Susan of bureaucratic nonsense.”
This week, Stewart participated in a meeting with a Defense Department official to discuss potential changes that might help secure benefits for K2 veterans. This interaction signals a pivotal moment in lobbying efforts, showcasing the commitment of high-profile advocates to this pressing issue.
The Government’s Position
The White House has indicated that President Biden is supportive of veterans harmed by toxic exposures while stationed at K2. However, significant hurdles remain. Officials have reiterated that more information is needed before any formal recognition can occur. The Pentagon stated it remains “committed to thoroughly reviewing all information related to K2” but has yet to publicly acknowledge any extraordinary health risks faced by the veterans who served there.
Despite some veterans receiving compensation under the PACT Act, which was signed into law in 2022, many feel this falls short. VA spokesman Terrence Hayes noted that around 12,000 K2 veterans have been compensated for certain service-related conditions, averaging about $30,871 per year. Yet, the lack of formal acknowledgment regarding radiation exposure continues to create unrest and uncertainty among many veterans.
Recent Developments in Advocacy Efforts
In recent months, there have been legislative attempts to address this ongoing issue. Congress has seen bipartisan efforts aimed at formally recognizing the health risks associated with K2, spearheaded by representatives such as Stephen Lynch and Mark Green. A more comprehensive acknowledgment of these health risks might pave the way for better support for veterans who served at K2.
Current Legislative Landscape
The government is currently relying on ongoing research, such as a lengthy study examining depleted uranium, which will not be concluded until 2031. This timeline has been frustrating for veterans who seek immediate action rather than prolonged studies.
Furthermore, community advocacy organizations have made strides in reaching out to thousands of veterans from K2, with more than 1,500 reporting significant health issues linked to their service. Despite these efforts, many veterans question why there is such hesitance to officially recognize the dangers associated with K2, especially given the documented environmental assessments released by Congress.
A Call to Action
As the debate continues, the heroes of K2 remain in limbo, caught in a web of red tape while grappling with serious health issues. Jon Stewart and others are fervently advocating for these veterans to receive the healthcare and benefits they have earned, pushing for accountability from the very institutions that sent them into danger post-9/11. The need for swift recognition of their service and sacrifice has never been more critical.
In the aftermath of the unrecognized exposure and the ongoing health battles faced by K2 veterans, continued pressure from both the public and policymakers will play a vital role in shaping the future for those who bravely served their country in a time of crisis.
Additional Resources
- Veterans Affairs Health Care
- U.S. Congress Legislation Tracker
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