Over the years of this writer’s service at the Library of Congress, veterans and their families have sent me questions about maps that show the locations of U.S. forces in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Chief among the reasons that they have sought this information is because some American personnel were exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Thailand. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was used to defoliate the thick jungle in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The intended result was to expose enemy forces who relied on the trees for cover. In Thailand, Agent Orange was used to clear the jungle around bases, as a means to enhance security. However, there was a terrible consequence: Exposure to Agent Orange resulted in cancer, birth defects, and other significant ailments. Public outcry and official investigations followed. In response to veterans and their families suffering from the effects of Agent Orange, the U.S. government makes a presumption of exposure for those who served on land in Vietnam for the purpose of filing a claim with the Veterans Administration. But in the case of veterans who served solely in Thailand, the Veterans Administration states: “To receive benefits for diseases associated with herbicide exposure, these Veterans must show on a factual basis that they were exposed to herbicides during their service as shown by evidence of daily work duties, performance evaluation reports, or other credible evidence.” This writer notes that the policy is source of debate, anger, and frustration for some American military veterans and their families. It should also be mentioned that the Veteran’s Administration outlines other situations where veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange on their website.
Considering the amount of inquiry around this matter, finding official maps that offer highly-detailed depictions of the locations where Americans were based in Thailand and that were made during the Vietnam war has proven elusive, even at the Library of Congress. While trying to locate such materials, this author discovered an interesting map in the Geography and Map Division’s Titled Collection that shows the locations of U.S. military and civilian personnel located in Thailand during 1969. It includes, on its reverse, a map of American installations within the Thai capital of Bangkok. The division also holds a later edition of the map from 1972, which is not shown in this blog. Neither edition of the map appears to be widely distributed in libraries. Although this map does not provide enough detail to clearly illustrate the perimeter of any specific base, it does indicate how massive the American presence was in Thailand and helps to inform the scale of the related problem of Agent Orange exposure.
Another relevant source is a set of maps created by Army Map Service that is titled Thailand 1:50,000, Series L708, Edition-1. The set is held by the Geography and Map Division but does not appear in the library’s online catalog — a not so uncommon reality given the scope of the division’s some 5.5 million items. It has the call number of G8025 s50 .U5. The set, however, has a significant limitation: It was printed in 1960 and thus predates the arrival of most American military personnel to Thailand. While one can see the locations of Thai military facilities, absent are installations and perimeter defenses that may have been added later by American forces. Unlike the 1969 map mentioned above, the set is fairly distributed and is listed in twenty-one libraries, according to Worldcat.org. Information on the sheets is in both English and Thai. Cartographic information for the series was gathered from aerial photography conducted in the 1950s.
Before moving on to the 1969 map and example from the AMS 1:50,000 set, it is necessary to explain that the U.S. government viewed Thailand as a logical staging area for American forces because of its proximity to North and South Vietnam. Thailand also was buffered from the conflict zone by Laos and Cambodia, thereby making it safer for American personnel. With those factors in mind, the two governments reached a so-called gentleman’s agreement that permitted American forces to use Thai bases. A military map made in 1961 of Southeast Asia, which can be seen below, illustrates these points.
The 1969 map that was mentioned in the opening of the blog is titled U.S. Installations and Facilities in Thailand. The 652nd Topographic Engineer Battalion depicted the broad reach of American forces in Thailand, which can be seen below. This second edition was published by USARPAC (United States Army Pacific) on November 1, 1969. It is scaled at 1:1,562,500 and provides coverage for all of Thailand. The mapped data concerning American forces is broken down by color: Red symbols represent U.S Army installations and facilities that numbered 45; the blue U.S. Navy and Coast Guard installations that numbered 18; the green U.S. Air Force installations that numbered 28; and the brown “Joint and Others” locations that numbered 11. The latter group was composed of U.S. government civilian personnel, such as ambassadorial staff, intelligence analysts, contractors, and others. Of all the various branches of service, the USAF was the most active in combat operations. On the bottom of the map is a list of U.S. installations and facilities, broken down by service branch. The list also contains the UTM coordinates of the installations. On the reverse is a map titled U.S. Installations and Facilities, Bangkok, Thailand, 1 November, 1969. It shows that U.S. military and civilian personnel were located, largely, southwest of the Thai Royal Palace. Information is presented in a fashion similar to the front page.
From 1961 to 1975, the United States Air Force deployed aircraft throughout Thailand, and these planes were responsible for the majority of USAF air strikes over North Vietnam. The first base of operations for American forces was at Takhli Royal Thai Air force Base, which is located approximately 144 miles northwest of Bangkok. USAF fighter-bombers first arrived in late 1961. The base, predating the arrival of American forces, is depicted on the map Amphoe Ta Klhi, Sheet 5060 I, AMS Series L708, which is shown below. The base is situated in the upper left of the map. Facilities such as the control tower, headquarters, living quarters, and others are indicated, but the official perimeter of the base of is not clearly discernible. Other key bases for USAF operations included Korat, Ubon, U-Tapao, and Don Muang, and Udorn. Agent Orange was employed around many of these airfields and other U.S. installations in Thailand.
This writer hopes that these maps will help shed more light on this understudied facet of the Vietnam War; in addition, and no less important, raise awareness about American service personnel who were exposed to Agent Orange while in Thailand. Some stories about the impact of Agent Orange can be heard firsthand by way of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, which contains interviews with Vietnam War veterans.
More information on this topic can be found in a book series titled Veterans and Agent Orange.
Comments (481)
I was stationed at Ubon RTAFB IN 1971/72 as a B57G maintenance crew chief. I learned of my exposure to Agent Orange on April 29, 2019…47 years after the fact. That knowledge helped me reconcile in my mind the illnesses and diseases I’ve suffered for the past 30 years.
Most discouraging was when I attempted to locate Veterans who served with me, the first five I researched had all died of otherwise presumption-of-service-connection diseases and illnesses before the VA ever conceded that toxic herbicides WERE used in Thailand. Their policy of claimants having to prove “duty on or near the perimeter” is flawed as it does not allow for any possibility that the toxic dioxin contaminants spread throughout the bases by vehicle and foot traffic, atmospheric natural winds and turbulence created by aircraft and helicopters, munitions movements, dust storms, animals, flowing ground waters after rain storms, etc.
Do not be fooled by lack of public attention or the passage of time! The bottom line remains that no matter the location or mission, YOUR military members served 24/7/365 in toxic environments and now have to fight the VA for benefits! And that is absolutely not right!
I served in Ubon Air force base late 70-71 as a mechanic.
I served at Ubon, 72-73 on the line in security forces. I have suffered diabetes, and a rare skin disease Bullous pemphigoid. It’s nasty with blisters and incurable. I am not getting timely reembursement of meds under FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM. I live in Bangkok but not much longer I am so sick. God bless
I served with usaf at korat rtafb 6/69-7/70 with tdy to numerous other bases in Thailand and Vietnam. medical complications ever since. may 2019 filed with va but never connected service with all these complications and now have to prove everything is service connected.
Served in Ubon RTAFB from1/6/72 to1/6/73 sensor shop and Security Police Augmentee. Developed a nonexploding module for sensor security that saved countless F4 delivery aircraft. Also defended the base March15/16 overnight attack by NV soldiers setting up a mortar as a diversion signal to the others that were to attack through the main gate. The mortars never got off. I shot all four involved in that my SP’s M16 was jammed and I had a half clip of twenty bullets used 9 to kill all four, the Thai army took care of the NV soldiers in town. Jailing some who died there days later.
no mention anywhere of U.S. marines at airbase in namI liphong , Thailand. Better known as “the Rose Garden. we lived in tents, waited for rain to shower and ate c-rats until the seabees came. The base was surrounded by jungle. There were canine units there. Marines were secuity for the 9th marines out of danang and those that left from okinawa.
no mention anywhere of U.S. marines at airbase in namI liphong , Thailand. Better known as “the Rose Garden. we lived in tents, waited for rain to shower and ate c-rats until the seabees came. The base was surrounded by jungle. There were canine units there. Marines were secuity for the 9th marines out of danang and those that left from okinawa. called era vets same as those living home every day in the states. Classified the same. Its a dishonor and flagrant insult.
Any one in Udorn around 1971? I am trying to find out what they sprayied the antenna field with to keep the weeds down. Does anyone know or remember how clean the camp was from weeds.
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from jan 1969 to jan 1970 as an ECM repairman on EB-66 AC. would like any info from fellow airmen about agent orange. *personal information removed per policy*
To jack stover. I was at Takhli from June 1969 to June 1970. Worked on the trim pad. Would like to contact you.
I was stationed at Korat from Jan 1975 to June 1975. An EWO on AC-130s A&H Models. Crewed a Spectre on Mayaguez recovery. Would like to contact fellow airmen stationed at Korat during that period.
I was in UDORN in 1969 to 1970 as an RF4c Mechanic. When we arrived at UDORN we were told that we would probably be sent to AUGMENTEE duty for 30 days to help the SECURITY POLICE to help guard the base PERIMETER. They were UNDERMANNED. There had been an attack in 1968 and they sprayed the base perimeter with AGENT ORANGE as a result. Well I got called up and guarded the base perimeter. I have since developed NON HODGKINS LYMPHOMA STAGE 3 CANCER a VA PRESUMED AQUIRED DESEASE from exposure to AGENT ORANGE. I have since applied for compensation been turned down because the VA says there is no record of me serving as an AUGMENTEE on the BASE PERIMETER. I have heard of other guys having missing records from military. I have been trying for 3 years to get COMPENSATION with NO GO from the VA. Can you help what do you guys think pretty sorry.
i WAS IN THE ARMY IN THAILAND FROM 1967/68 AND WAS STATION IN KORAT, UDON, AND BANGKOK AND HAVE BEEN DENIED DISABILITY FOR AGENT ORANGE . ANY ONE BELIEVE
THEY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE AND HAVE BEEN DENIED DISABILITY BENEFITS PLEASE CONTACT ME
To Pat Kearny
I was stationed at Korat from December 1974 until October 1975. I worked in the ECM shop.
I was stationed at Udorn in 1967. I worked our normal 7 day 12hour shift. I was an aircraft Mech and was in the 606 Air Commando Squadron. We worked on the Air America ramp next to the F102 run up area next to the deflector barrier. Lived in the old barracks with no windows just screen. I am quite sure we did everything thing but devour agent with our daily meals and duties. Va working on claim currently on appeal. Don’t give up keep fighting for our rights and benefits.
Do your homework before writing articles. Nakhon Phanom was a front line base during the Secret War yet you don’t mention it. Guys who were there as well as Laos and Cambodia do not have coverage over A O. We all raised our hands and went where they sent us but now they force a division between us and wait for us to just die. Stage 7 prostate cancer myself along with three auto immune diseases. Oh I guess I forgot to mention exposure to A O increases your chances of developing autoimmune diseases by a factor of several hundred thousand. Of course you would have trouble finding that information in the physicians reports submitted to Congress on A O since that paragraph was stricken by CONGRESS from the report. But I found it. The whole affair is a travesty of justice without honor for our service.
Hello John,
Thank you for your comment and your service. Nakhon Phanom is on the map titled U.S. Installations and Facilities in Thailand by the 652nd Topographic Engineer Battalion. It also is listed on the map’s index under Army bases, which appears in red.
Ryan Moore
Library of Congress
Was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from May 68 to May 69. Took 13 yrs to get VA to accept AO claim. Most of us young airmen were required to train for and deployed to perimeter as part of base security. Using that argument and other documents, BVA ruled in my favor and Ordered VA to rethink their denial for all those years. Still took a year, but rating was finally approved.
I was stationed at Utapao May 68 to Jan 69. The pol tank farm 16 hours on night shift. Fenced in compound back fence the base perimeter. I was approved for AO exposure. Ischemic heart disease and diabetes. Claim approved the first submission. I had pictures of my duty section with no vegetation and an identical picture I took 37 years later tank farm covered in vegetation.
I was stationed at Ubon Jun 70 to Jun 71 with the 408th MMS. I performed a variety of duties (assembled bombs – including laser guided – worked at the bomb dump as well as the bomb/flare/rocket build-up areas at a fenced-in perimeter location, and delivered various munitions to F4’s on the flight line as well as flares and 20mm rounds to AC130 Spectre aircraft). Although I have acquired a variety of medical ailments over the years (heart issues, type 2 diabetes), I don’t believe I had significant AO exposure related to my duties there, based on my reading of this. Years ago I enrolled in the Pennsylvania vets agent orange program (I assumed there was no exposure in Thailand but was TDY with the 366th MMS in Da Nang for a short period in 70, but again, I don’t believe I had exposure to AO in that setting either). This is the first I have heard about possible AO exposure in Thailand for some who served there, depending on their MOS / AFSC, or requirements to work perimeters. Thanks for your work on this Ryan.
Stationed at Takhli and Korat Thailand from May 1970 to May 1972. Been trying to get the VA to approve my Parkinsons. Any help will be appreciated.
I was in the Air Force in Thailand from May 66 to May 67. Stationed at Don Mong for short time, then on to Takhli and Phitsanoluk. I worked Hill 260 at Takhli. I was in the 1890 Comm. Sqdrn.
Kearny Pat
I was stationed at Korat at that time period. I might have worked on those gun ships. I was an aircraft painter.
Hope to hear from you.
Stationed at NKP Thailand 67-68, worked at Task Force Alpha, located out from the base in the jungle. I have been diagnosed with Ischemic Heart Disease (two heart-attacks). Applied in 2015 for Compensation according to the Presumable VA list, and was denied “not service connected”. Appealed and was denied again “not service connected”. Awaiting a board review if I am around that long. Thank you all for your service as we were young and naïve men fighting for our country.
I served in USAF at Korat RTAB 73-74 with 388th Fighter Wing MOS 461 Munitions. I know I was exposed to Agent Orange sprayed around Hooches, perimeter road and everywhere else they wanted to kill vegetation. Now suffer nerve damage, terrible neuropathy and diabetes so far. Still waiting for service connection.
Was stationed at NKP in ’67, 68. Have an ischemic heart problem which resulted in a massive heart attack. Attribute that to agent orange exposure while on NKP and while at Pleiku, Vietnam. VA has denied a claim.
I was stationed at Ubon Aug 64 to Aug 65. We had
Squadrons of F4C’s, the coolest plane ever.
I was a communications specialist. I knew where our fighters
we’re bombing before they did.
Bud Snyder: Any info/maps showing the location/flightline of the US NAVY P3 patrol squadron detachment
location at U-Tapao. Several trailers congregated together and aircraft parking ramp. We stayed in concrete barracks. Traveled down to the beach for burgers, etc., at the snack bar,and out the gates to town (Newland). Any of that traveling in or near perimeter spray or drift zone? Trying to establish VA claim but not successful establishing perimeter location exposure.
Thanks
Was stationed in Udorn July 73 July 74 621 TACC NS, any help on finding Agent orange use during that time.
My husband served in the marine stationed in Udorn Thiland in 1962. I’v been trying to get VA benefits for myself since my husband has passed away 2 1/2 years go.VA has
My husband served in the marine stationed in Udorn Thiland in 1962. I’v been trying to get VA benefits for myself since my husband has passed away 2 1/2 years go.VA has repeatedly denied me. He ha all the diabetis, two open heart surgeries and parkensons. Most of hi records were blacked out.
.
My husband served in the marine stationed in Udorn Thiland in 1962. I’v been trying to get VA benefits for myself since my husband has passed away 2 1/2 years go.VA has repeatedly denied me. He ha all the diabetis, two open heart surgeries and parkensons. Most of records were blacked out.what do they want from me that they are not telling me. What don’t they want me to know?
I was at Utapao in 1967 as part of a detachment from USN patrol squadron 46. Haven’t had any luck finding maps showing our location on the base. I know there was jungle very near where we were located. Haven’t had any currently recognized AO related ailments. I do believe that some health issues I have may be AO related.
There is a Facebook group that I have found very helpful. My father was stationed at Takhli from Jul 69-Jul 70. First claim denied. Working on his 2nd now.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/391919177646188/
I was at Udorn ,Thailand Oct 73 to Oct 74 as a RF-4C crewchief lived off base just off base. Found out had stage 2 diabetes and had a few surgeries to take tumors off. I showered from old tanks the mommasoms had no.idea where water came from.but got infections . Not sure if agent orange services in water but I heard it doesn’t go away have tried to get claim but getting denied.
Stationed at Ubon RTAFB Thaiand, early 70’s during the Vietnam war. Fire Control Specialist on AC-130A/AC-130H Gunships. In 2011 diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. VA wants to deny my claim of exposure to Agent Orange present there and my exposure being the cause of this disease and disability. I am still trying to fight this though. I gave a year of my life to do my part in support of the war, and the VA does not seem to think my disease and disability is the Government’s concern.
I was stationed at Korat, Thailand in 1970-71. I was stationed at Camp Friendship 7Nth Main. Bn. Would like to correspond with anyone that was there during that time period. I have been denied any benefits for Agent Orange and my health is failing loosing my motor skills and quality of life. Any suggestions would help.
I was at Tahkli, Thailand in 1973 for one of many TDY’s from the C-130 Wing at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Tx. I was only on the ground for 8 days with my C-130, and I remember walking each day thru tall weeds between my barracks and the flightline. Is there any chance I was exposed to Agent Orange? I have really bad peripheral neuropathy, high blood pressure, and many other health issues. These problems didn’t occur until years later after I got out of the Air Force in 1980.
I was TDY to Utapao AB in 1968. Due to my duties while I was there I was in and out of the jungle, plus I stayed in a hooch that had a wooden board walkway to the latrine. I was surrounded with dirt and mud as the base was still under construction. The only pavement was where they parked the Bombers and Tankers and the runway. I had been healthy up until 1978 when I started to get all kind of health issues. I came down with type II Diabetes and then in 2006 I was diagnosed with Hairy cell Leukemia. After fighting the VA for 7 years I finally received 100% disability. I had to enlist the aid of my Congressman because up to then the VA kept rejecting my claims. Also when President Trump took office he made a big difference how the VA treated us Veterans.I will tell you not to give up and study up on how to file a claim. Be patient however the system is much better now but don’t be afraid to contact your Congressman as it really speeds up the process. Don’t give up we served our country but didn’t know that we would be sprayed and betrayed.
I was a jet mechanic at Ubon from 1969 -1970. I lived on the perimeter road where the Pathit Lao sappers broke through. that was a hectic night as i was on CQ that night.I submitted written and photo evidence to that fact.. I also worked on the flight line working on the AC-130’s but the VA didn’t care one bit.. yesterday i received my summery of case with a flat denial on my second appeal.. I am so sick and tired of this mess.My CAD is getting much worse now..
I was in the airforce 1971 to 1975. I was TDY to Utapoa NKP Tahki 72-73. Then again in 74 75 for 8 months at Utapao for the cambodian air lift.I joined the navy in 76 and started having sever head aches that resulted in nerological problems.Brain damage.
I was in the airforce 1971 to 1975. I was TDY to Utapoa NKP Tahki 72-73. Then again in 74 75 for 8 months at Utapao for the cambodian air lift.I joined the navy in 76 and started having sever head aches that resulted in nerological problems and brain damage.
I’m trying to help my mother get benefits resulting from my father’s death. I am sure his ailments were as a result of AO while in Thailand 68-69. He stationed at Ubon but spent time in the field and at Udon. At one point, he was picked up by the Jolly Green Giants. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I’m researching for my husband who was stationed at Camp America (officially may have been Camp Falong) 67-68. He worked as supply clerk for 809th infantry division, a construction detachment. Just diagnosed with multiple myeloma haven’t filed claim yet. Base perimeter was barbed wire fence. Anybody stationed there? Have a successful claim? Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.
I was stateioned at NKP, Thailand and on my Discharge Physical in 1971, it was determined that I had a HEART MURMUR which was NOT present when I enlisted. I filed for Service Connected Disability immediately upon my return and was DENIED. That was 1971, It is now Feb. 2020 and in the meantime,
I have had an ABLATION and TWO (2) Defibrillator Implants; Hearing loss; Glaucoma, plus radiation treatment for PROSTATE CANCER.I later learned that planes from my Thai Base were taking off with Agent Orange.
Finally, today, 02-12-2020, I spoke with an ADVISOR at the Federal Bldg in WLA and felt good about what he told me. The record shows I filed on 02-25-1971. But my Rabbi, has already received his disability rating and we were stationed at the same location and we were all around the base and community.
I PRAY that 2020 will be a fruitful year.
I was at NKP Mar 1970 – Aug 1971. Claim for disability is currently at BVA awaiting a decision. I have document from 56th CES at NKP showing that the perimeter was sprayed in 1971. Also document stating that base commanders were at liberty to use herbicides anywhere within the base perimeter. No approval from higher authority was needed. Also many of us flew from US and landed in Vietnam for aircraft refueling enroute to Thailand. We had to disembark in Vietnam for the refueling. BVA has recognized that this qualifies as “boots on the ground in Vietnam” and qualifies for presumptive exposure. Here is hoping we all get positive results from VA.
I was in the Army and sent from Okinawa Japan to Sattahip Thialand (TDY) in support of operation Babylift in 1975. I worked at the Vayama ammunition Depot during my tour of duty. Agent orange was used at the Depot to clear vegetation around the ammunition storage areas and fence line. There was a large storage area in the Depot where drums of agent were being stored. I have prostate cancer and I have provided proof that I was there and is still awaiting a decision. The proof of my services there was the passport the US Army issued me for that mission.
I was stationed at Utapoa from Dec74 to Dec75 as a special purpose vehicle mechanic. We spent many hours weekly on the permimeter road recovering M113 and M706 APC broken or mired in mud. Did a three month TDY back and forth to Phnom Penh for the airlift. During my TDY, we were at the perimeter of Utapao daily with the aircraft preparing for each trip and return. Even did a day trip to Vietnam to repair and load 25k loaders on a C141 before the fall of Saigon. So far all claims been denied over the last 20 years ….Hypertension, Diabetes II, Liver and skin cancer, Cardiac ablation (2002), etc.
My husband served with the USAF from November 1966-October 1967 and was stationed at Takhli. He passed away from lung cancer in October of 2015. I am at this site because I believe his cancer may have been caused by agent orange and need to know how to proceed.
My husband served at the Korat air base in 1970. He worked as a computer repairman for a large computer which he has said for many years was within feet of the boundary. He has Parkinson’s now and I need more information. He now has memory problems. If anyone knows the location of this computer system please contact me.
HI , FROM OZ ,[ DOWN UNDER]. ANY ONE STATIONED OR KNOW ANYONE , AT US ARMY TROPO , SCATTER SITE COMPOUND , ABOUT 12 MILES NOTH OF KHON KAEN , NE THAILAND FEB–APRIL 1968, IT WAS . IWCS TERMINAL , JOINTLY MANNED BY US ARMY AND PHILCO FORD CONTRACTORS . THE OIC IN CHARGE WAS , WAYNE L COTTRELL. SSG E6, NCOIC KHON KAEN. ANY IN FO WOULD BE GLADLY RECEIVED , JOHN BOYD . EX CPL, 594 SIG TROOP , 2 SIG REGIMENT ADF.[AUST ARMY SIGNAL CORP. ] THANKS.
Assigned to Army medical laboratory near perimeter of Korat AFB in1969.my recollection was that is was located near the perimeter. On at least one occasion we
we’re issued M-14 rifles, and spent the night in a field on guard duty.
How do I get map of the base to substantiate my claim?
Guys, get a VFW service officer to assist you. I have gotten 3 Thailand vets approved and am working on 3 more. Google Dept of the Army FM 3-3, Dec 1971. It shows Tactical Employment of Herbicides, and near the back it shows a 500 yard kill zone from the sprayed area. I found maps of the Thai bases on line, had the vet mark where he was at on base, and how close it was to the perimeter, and the claims have been approved. Not all of them, but I am still working on the appeals.
I was flying combat missions out of Utapao in 1970/71. Agent orange was sprayed on us while doing a preflight inspection. I have diabetes, had prostate cancer, heart disease requiring open heart surgery and a brain tumor. The VA telks me nothing is service connected except the diabetes. Have fun fighting the system
I was exposed to agent orange at utapao thailand in 1970/71. I was in crew 9 VP17 US Navy.I need help from anyone who had a similar experience.
I was stationed at Udorn March 1970 -March 1971 working on RF4C’s with the 14th TFS. We on a regular basis ran our engines on the trim pad down by the perimeter. I noticed some people spraying in that area and ask if they were spraying for mosquito’s , and was told yes with some new stuff called AGENT ORANGE! I wondered why it didn’t work on the mosquito’s.
Served campfrindship 1967-68. Our area was not declassified till 2010. Still fighting agentorange heart surgery 2007.
I was stationed at Korat RTAFB 1974-1976 worked A7Ds, F-4s, and AC-130 Gunships.
Stationed at Korat RTAFB from 1974 – 1976. Worked on A7Ds, F-4s and AC-130 Gunships. I’m a diabetic, have thyroid issues. Have had skin problems plus. Yes…if you were at Korat you were always in the perimeter. Whether you were working F-4s at the trim pad or working AC-130 Gunships at the other end of the ramp on the perimeter
I was stationed at Ubon RTAFB in Feb. 1967 and did TDY to Korat RTAFB for 180 days returned to state side Feb. 1968. I work on J-79 in Ubon and J-75 in Korat, F-4C and F-105. I would like to get in touch with veterans that were stationed at these two bases. I need photos showing proximity of engine shop at Ubon. I also served as augumentation duty at Ubon any help on this will be highly appreciated.
I was TDY to KRTAB from Apr72-Sep72 during Linebacker 1. I’ve had progressive peripheral neuropathy not experienced by other family members, since at least the early 90’s, which recently required amputations. The DVA has been tone deaf because I wasn’t an SP or CE.
I was at Don Mong in 67-68
Leroy Paluch, Michael Everett, Stephen Lawson
I worked 6th APS SCOOT (Support Cambodia Out of Thailand) Dec73 to Oct74. The Navy P3 Orions operated off the same ramp as the C-130 SCOOT airlift. If you have a detailed map of UT, look to the south end of the runway for the aircraft ramp numbered 5060. I worked the “Hot Pad” just above this ramp and loaded C-130s on 5060. I have one picture taken in 1974 on 5060 showing a couple parked P3s. Ramp 5060 is entirely within the 500 meter drift zone.
I was stationed in namphong Thailand from 1973 to 1974 I was attached to the airwing and we supported the war from there. The base consisted of a mess hall houtches and the air strip and planes that were frequently flew missions I’m pretty sure that agent Orange was stored there and that the jungle was sprayed around the perimeter of the camp. I have type 2 diabetes and have had for quite a few years now. I am going to see a kidney specialist in June to see if they are going to take one of my kidneys are put me on dialysis or both if anyone has proof of agent orange at this location please let me know. We also took our r and r in Udorn. I am a former marine semper fi
I was at Takhli in 1965-1966 working at a munitions storage area. I have had Diabetes for years and diagnosed with Gleason 6 Prostrate Cancer. I have stage 4 kidney disease as well. Any info about Takhli for this time period or prior to 1965 would be greatly appreciated.
I was stationed at Korat 74-75 388 MMS 46250 weapons mech F4. Prostate cancer, ishemic heart disease, hypothyroidism. been denied 3 times
My dad was part of the 6010 wild weasles and was stationed in Takhli and Korat from July 70-July 71. He recently passed and was exposed to agent orange. If anyone would have known him please reach out. Merlin Terlouw
My first base assignment after tech school was Eglin assigned to the 33rd TFW, MMS. Was there two weeks and went TDY to Udorn, after arriving was told to report to the preload shop where I worked nights for duration there . Looking for anyone who was there because you walk out revetment and the perimeter fence was across the street and had a bunker on the corner of the road going to the bomb dump. After coming home, 7 months later went to Ubon TDY with the 33rd. Trying to prove exposure to AO. Thank everyone for your service.
I am a Vietnam vet 68-69 and asking for a friend of mine who was in Udorn from 71-72. he was in Vietnam for one week in Bien Hoa at the end of April 71 and he is looking for anyone who may have possibly been there as well.
Hi
I was stationed at U-Tapao from January 1970 through December 1970. Assigned to the 635 combat support group
I was in Life Support, maintained all equipment used by pilots. I was on the flight line every night, B52 s.
Developed prostrate cancer and didn’t know I could file a claim!
Well I did in 2018 and I’m still fighting for it. Having trouble proving I had perimeter guard duty! I know I did it, I remember how dark it was out there at night. Couldn’t your hand in front of your face! Is there anyone out there that has the same experience??
Service officers tell me different things.
Any advice is appreciated.
Served at Ubon Aug. 1971 to Aug. 1972 and Korat Jan. 1973 to June, 1973. Often worked End of runway
I lost my husband, also a Vietnam vet, who served in Saigon and in Thailand, who for years ignored symptoms, playing ostrich–when he felt lousy, which was about most of the time, he’d say, it’s just my allergies. Well, March 26 of 2020 he died suddenly of a heart attack, he had recovered, we thought, from a major stroke in November of 2019. The Cardiologist said the stroke was caused by atrial fibrillation of his heart, then the lower chambers gave out. He was 72, far too young to die!
My husband (Arthur Maier) and I worked for Philco Ford in Bangkok, Thailand from 1967 to 1969. My husband also worked in Korat for about 9 months. I was searching for information about Philco Ford in Bangkok. (My mother also works for Philco Tech-Rep Division for several years.
Thank you for all this great blog. I discovered so much information that never knew about before.
My husband (Arthur) worked in Bangkok, Thailand for Philco-Ford Communications and Satellite Division from 1967 to 1969. My husband also worked in Korat for about 9 months teaching at Korat Technical College. My mother worked for Philco Tech-Reps Division from 1966 to 1970. was searching for information about Philco-Ford in Thailand and came across this blog. Thank you so much great information that I’ve never known about.
Serviced at Camp Friendship 1970 – 1971 442nd Signal(microwave tech) on the perimeter of Friendship and Korat AFB. I have a very rare blood disorder and have to take very strong meds to survive, I remember asking the guys what they were spraying all over the compound and the answer was for bugs!!! Well we all know differently now. I have been turned down by the VA two times now, and have retained an attorney. What they did to everyone is terrible and not just. Like to hear from anyone from Camp Friendship.
I was stationed at nkp Thailand May 1971 thru May 1972,SPS security. Towers,Bunkers m60. Suffer from heart disease, neuropathy, arthritis, diabetes, PTSD and recently stomach cancer near the esophagus.
Stationed Udorn Apr 69 thru Apr 70.Worked control tower as air traffic controller.Had heart attack in 2012,,Ischemic heart disease is a covered ailment. Working thru a law firm for relief..the military guide says, among other things …”must prove exposed…or other credible evidence.” Other credible evidence might include not an MOS along perimeter fence,but assigned a barracks approx. 75′ from perimeter fence and required to sleep to be in shape to work 7 days/week..
I was stationed at NKP, Thailand from Feb. 70 to Feb., 71 was diagnosed with Diabetes in 2001, just got my Agent Orange benefits about 2 months ago. I was with the 601 Photo Squadron, if anyone else was in the unit or in NKP during that time you are more than welcome to Contact me… Thanks for your service and Welcome home…
Jerry Bruns since you worked on the trim pad, can we talk about how close the pad was to the perimeter?
Thank you,
Larry
Ann Myers, you need to file for DIC benefits.
I would be happy to help you with that. I was not at Takhli but at U-Tapao.
email me.
I understand there were two places where they had computers on the Korat base. One was near or in the central supply. The other was a distance from the pooches within feet of the fence. I believe the later was for tracking flights. The guys who worked on this computer needed to get a bus or at later hours rides to their duty station. My husband still has his driver’s license because he was one of the drivers. Does anyone remember this? It would be helpful to us.
I was TDY at Udorn sometime between September 66 and December 67 as a radio repairman on the RF101c Voodoo. The Air Force literally flew me around the world from RAF Upper Heyford UK to repair one Voodoo in Udorn I worked on the jet on the flight line adjacent to perimeter. I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005. Ré diagnosed to Multiple System Atrophy in 2011 Does anyone recall specialists like me flown in for TDY on complex Voodoo repairs? There is no record of my TDY.
USAF 2 years in Danang,Phu-Chat,Vietnam,Ubon Thailand the Government could care less about our health problems take you Oxicodone and shut up, and that’s if they will even send it to you that’s Our Reward for going to war !
Looking for NKP 71-72 that knows a Steve Furches . Located in NKP RTAFB in the 56th Field Maintenance Squadron.If you have info please contact me!
Looking for info for my dad Steve Furches . NKP RTAFB 1971-1972 in the 56th FMS . Please contact me if you have info .
I was at Ubon RTAFB, December 1969 – December 1970, 8th Combat Support Group (PACAF) 408th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (MMS).
I was diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and prostate cancer in 2015 – no family history of any of these. My claim and 2 letters of appeal have been denied. Corroboration might help. Anyone willing to share photos or maps, etc?
I think we are a year or two away from a situation where the veterans who were based in Thailand will have a much easier road for their disability claim. Problem with that is a lot of the veterans won’t live that long.The VA is not our friend when it comes to disability claims and most of the reform has to be forced on them by Congress. I was based at Korat In 1969 and I have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
I was at Udorn from 73-74. When I asked my local VA about this they said they knew noting about it and would not test me for exposure. As a supply sergeant, I was on the flight line and in the all the time. 20 years after I am dead they will figure it out that I should have at least been tested.
I was at NKP 1967-68 with the 56th Transportation Squadron. Exposed to AO, and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004, all claims submitted to VA were denied. Finally approved in 2017. Don’t give up.
Udorn 08/1970 to 07/1971 Looking for photos of Hospital tents for that time.
I was at Takhli Jan 1966-1967. I was the fuels guy on Operation Limelight. Went to Yokota for a few weeks in Jan 1966. No place to stay at that time at Takhli. I worked at the tank farm on the perimeter of Takhli. We went through ~16 million gallons of JP-4 a month supporting with 80% of all fuel used in Southeast Asia for supporting 26 KC-135 tankers, 55 F-105’s, EB/RB-66’s based at Takhli. The majority of the fuel can from Bangkok in 3170 gallon trucks. Soaked many times due to failing couplings from trucks to tanks at this backward RTAFB.
Fast forward, got non-hopkins lymphoma. VA disalowed the cause being agent orange because I was stationed in Thailand.
Any USAF personnel assigned to 56th Transportation Sq at NKP 1967-68 who was exposed to AO and suffering from the effects of that exposure?
I was at Korat RTAFB from 11 May 1975-Feb 1976, with the 388th SPS, and it seemed I was always guarding the perimeter. I am aware the war cutoff was May 7, 1975, how does that work for me if I arrived on the 11th, and probably still got exposed to AO. After May 7th, I am sure they did not go out to the perimeter fences and do a massive AO cleanup. I suspect I may have diabetes, not sure yet, how will all this all come into play, will I have a claim? I would appreciate anyone’s input.
TDY Korat from Myrtle Beach AFB SC Oct 72 Apr 73. Would like to make contact with Robert Calhoun 388 Security Police Squadron Korat. Need information about base perimeter for VA claim. Any other Security Police who worked the Korat perimeter please contact me. Greatly appreciate any information.
sp 4 Army stationed at Camp Friendship (Korat) 1967. Worked in the POL dump.
FOR Craig Douglas Joley
FOR Reuben Bravo
Craig and Reuben-
One source of help is the Facebook group “Agent Orange in Thailand”. Several members of that Group have went through similar difficulties in getting VA disability.
My email is fortean1 at mindspring.com .
Camp Friendship from May of 1970 to December 1970, then Sattahip December 1970 to May of 1971. Assigned to 7th Maint Bn while in Koran. Developed soft tissue sarcoma from agent orange exposure. The company headquarters in Koran was right on the perimeter fence line so may have contacted it then. Either that or at Sattahip as our barracks was directly on the beach and we swam there for recreation. This area I have now learned was also sprayed. The VA has turned down my claim now three times. They claim agent orange was not used in Thailand which we know is a lie.
I served at Ubon RTAFB 1969-1970. I was a Security police augmentee I too was exposed. My original records were burned in a Saint Louis fire and my copies were lost during a flood. I do have a DD 214. I am 73 years old now and need to file for disability. However, I get discouraged from all the horror stories I’ve heard with claims being denied and don’t know who could help me file? I am the proud type of guy that didn’t want any government assistance but the older and poorer I get, I need to swallow the pride.
I served in the army at comm sites at Utapao Korat, and Hill 272 Sattahip. I came down with large cell B cell non hodgkins lymphoma and it damned near killed me. Surgey for tumor removal and repair of a broken humorus bone from the tumor., radiation, and 6 months of intensive high dose chemo. Nothing on my AO claim but denials based on them needing more specific site locations, proximity to perimeters which I provided on maps of the sites. Where do I get specific
info on my precise site and barracks locations?
I was at Ubon 70-71 as a weapons loader 408th MMS. Our barracks were right on the perimeter. I have recurring skin cancers melanoma, basal, squamous cell cancer. I have applied for disability and sent the VA a whole packet supporting my exposure — denied twice VA will say yes I have a disability but I must get an outside doc to confirm it is AO related hell my dermatologist wasn’t even born in 70 VA doesn’t care about us Thailand vets they are just waiting for us all to die. Brothers in arms its all about the money they don’t want to admit we were exposed just like the Blue water navy and boots on the ground vets. Call me disgusted
Stationed at Udorn 11/69 – 9/70. I was an aircraft mechanic/crew chief with 555TFS. Worked both flight line which included trips to do end of runway checks, which was on the perimeter of the base. During my stay the C-123 aircraft that sprayed the base, landed and were located just a stones throw from our flight line. Myself and a couple of other crew chiefs went over and boarded the 123’s to see how they worked. We were told they would be spraying around the base in the next couple days. Yes, Udorn was sprayed with Agent Orange, the exact date I do not have but I know they sprayed because when you entered the chow halls they had a note telling individuals to indoors from like 8 to 12 pm. It was no secret and the commanders knew as well as everyone else. Have I tried to get any compensation for heart problems or skin cancer or other problems, along with the fact that I spent 10 days in the hospital in Udorn for an unknown problem, NO. Why because unlike today’s veterans who get 100 % disability for a bum knew or anxiety everyone know the Vietnam Vet gets nothing. Good luck, when I die I hope they will remember what we did for our country. Probably not, they will just tear down all the monuments.
I’m looking for information about Mukdahon AB Thailand from 1966-67. My husband was a Medical Service Specialist in the 621 TCSs. I can find very little regarding this base and their duties there. He had been fighting the VA for benefits since he was diagnosed with Type ll diabetes in 1999. He was denied. This progressed to bladder cancer,2 brain tumors, and a epitheliod sarcoma on his leg. He was denied for the cancer drugs he needed. He passed in 2013. I’m still fighting this and will not give up! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
I served US Army 71-74 was Deployed to a small base north of Udon (CLASSIFIED) from Nov-72 to Nov-73 There were dead plants across much of the base not just the perimeter. The water in Thailand was undrinkable. We had a well and filtering plant for our water needs. I believe that during the rainy season the chemical Agent Orange filtered down to the water table and we ended up drinking small amounts every day in every meal and every shower we took absorbed some through our skin. I felt fine for years. Until 1986 after my second son was born I became Diabetic. And my Second and third sons both had Bladder Reflux which is a malformation of the bladder and it usually kills the infant before birth. (Both are doing fine now after surgeries)
Over the years I became Diabetic, have issues with my thyroid, heart. kidneys, liver, bladder, my entire digestive system is affected. Have to be very careful of the foods I eat. I do believe that every Service Member who was Deployed to Thailand was affected in some fashion medically and health wise. Not just as Congress decided in it new regulations. They just do not want to part with the money. They show their contempt for those of us who Served this country during a time of a very unpopular war. My ex-wife divorced me because I could not explain my health issues to her. What is odd I met a widow who lost her Husband to Agent Orange. We dated and she Loves me And I her. A bright spot in my life.
KORAT ’67 &’68 – I have been diagnosed with diabetes type 2, kidney cancer, hbp, ischemic heart disease, elevated PSA (probable prostate cancer), copd – all claims denied – all presumptive agent orange – if you have been successful with any claims I need your help.
I served at Udorn RTAFB from SEP 69 thru AUG 70. I worked in the RAPCON and Control Tower as a 27250. I started with tremors in 2015 and saw Neurologists at the So. Nevada VA hospital. None of which would diagnose me but give me all sorts of drugs. I transferred to the VA clinic in St. George, UT. was referred to Civilian Neurologists and was diagnosed OCT 2019 with Parkinson’s. The Dr. advised me to make a claim with the VA. I did in DEC. I got notified this month my claim was denied. I agree with the #1 person on this blog! It’s all bullshit that Agent Orange just stays around the perimeter of the base! We served our country; they subjected us to bad toxins; then they reject our claims!
Why don’t all the comments show up here? I’m sure there are more than 100 people with problems the VA won’t respond to.
Was stationed at Ubon from 1970 to 1971 working on Project Igloo White. TDY to Korat from Sept 72 until March 73 working on the Wild Weasels from McConnel.
Ubon 1970 to 1971 working on Project Igloo White. Korat Sept 72 to March 73 working on the Wild Weasels.
I was stationed at Camp Vayama, Sattahip, Thailand. 1967-1968. The VA has turned me down twice. I have Diabetes 2, Ischemic Heart Disease, Barretts Disease, Skin Cancers, Neuropathy,Pancreatic Cancer and arthritis. I am trying to file one more time. Looking for maps, testimonies on verification of being spayed with Agent Orange, or any help possible to prove my case. I am 75 years old and not sure how much time I have left. Thank you for any one that might be of help. Rod Gaudin (SPC 4 47th Infantry)
Stationed with the 5th RRU Det D in Nung Sung Thailand , 1966, 67 U.S. Army lived in tents several miles from Udorn Airbase. Our Bgg case Camp was nothing but red dirt in summer months and red mud during rainy season. No grass or weeds inside nor outside perimeter. Surrounded by lush jungle and rice paddies. Always wondered why nothing grew at the camp.
stationed at Korat Airbase in 1973-1975 looking for a medic by the name Wayne Berry
I served at Ubon RTAFB, 71-72, as an aircraft mechanic on B57G Night Intruders and F4 Phantoms. I, myself, have not suffered from exposure there, but several of my colleagues and good friends from that period have died from complications due to Agent Orange, and several others still fight the ongoing process of the exposure. I am fortunate, but many others haven’t faired as well.
I was stationed Udorn RTAFB ’74-’75 Corrosion Control, flight line and beyond. Painted F-4s. Have heart problems,prostate problems, pre diabetes etc.who knows what else. WHOs the right VA do I CONNECT….
I was stationed at Utapao afb. from mid 69 to mid 70 worked in the base photo lab doing recon photo . I got assigned as a Augmentee to security police and r was on peremiter several times as well as in the jungle . I lived in a hootch not far from the flight line when air craft took off dust went every where . I the Va has told me they cna find no records of my assignment to security as a Agumentee I’m diabetic have neuropathy stomach issues and severe hearing loss va has given me 30% but denied my exposure to AO as they claim i was a Photographer. I’m still fighting them at 72 and going on about 8 years
I’m looking for Frank Brown stationed at Ubon 72-73 he was dog handler for Rex4M83
Robert Calhoun June 9 2020, if you have copies of your performance reports, take then to VFW, or American Legion. I work with American Legion. Ask to submit a claim. They will guide you on the process. Also, talk to VA about taking a Agent Orange Evaluation. Most importantly talk to a Veteran organization.
I am looking for anyone who might have known a person who worked in the S-3 section at Korat AB , Camp Friendship in January 1967. His name was Robert Lewis . I have a picture of him an other people on a beach riding horses. He passed away on 08/06/2020. He was fighting with the VA about he could not prove he left the base while performing his duties. He leaves behind a wife and three grandchildren they were raising. If anyone remember him please contact me.
I was stationed at NKP from May of 66 to May of 67.
I was an aircraft electrician, only 10 months in the air force when deployed. Would like to hear from other Airmen as to what exposure they have had and what medical conditions they have. The outer perimeter was sprayed with AO and I believe we started flying sorties to spray AO in Laos and Viet Nam. As Aircraft Electrical I was on the aircraft Going maintenance. I applied for disability for exposure and was turned down with the reason that AO was of no danger once it dried.
We also had a breakout of Malaria and the fogged all through the hooch area every night, the dosage was stronger than what is legal in the USA.
I was an F-4D crew chief at Union RTAFB from 1972-1973. Christmas campaign. Lived and jogged on perimeter everyday. Worked flight line and phase docks, at trim pad frequently. I’ve had one bout of squamous cell carcinoma. So far no recurrence. VA still won’t recognize AO exposure is my understanding. I had no idea of AO at Ubon.
– Correction by poster.
Ubon RTAFB. Not “Union”.
Nkp June 67 June 68 munitions bomb dump special project seeding trails south with bomblets and sensors.ao used to clear diagnosed with prostate cancer.
USAF Veteran Utapao RTNAB Thailand, two times 1973 and 74-75 . worked KC-135 and B-52D flight line phase on west side and Bomber run-up 0n the Eastside. Lived in the concrete barracks both tours and the same one both times 2257. believe it or not prostate cancer 2012 and kidney bladder cancer 2020. Both organs had to be removed because of their advanced nature at the time of discovery I am in legacy appeal with a docket number. we have H.R. 299 now and bill S-1381 that have since been passed into law to help out my fellow vets
Was stationed at Camp Samae San Aug 73 to Oct 74 then Jan 75 till Jan 76, have my board hearing in 3 weeks,virtually, the first trip out of Travis flew nonstop to Saigon on chartered flight then after about 2 hours flew by C130 to UAFB. The way my research has shown, all servicemen that flew out of Travis AFB by commerical travel stopped in Viet Nam and had to get off plane for refueling, my case I switched planes to military aircraft. After about 5 months in Thailand we starting running 2 miles each morning, m-f and Camp Samae San was beautiful base but small, I am currently a disabled physician assistant, the congress in the last yr has submitted a house bill hr2201 and senate bill 1381, these bills are the same and would treat thai vets just like viet nam vets when it comes to agent orange, wish me luck, if i’m able to finally get what i deserve, i will be happy to help any of u all GOD bless America
Was stationed at Udorn 621st TCS from Feb ’69 to March ’70 Did a month as Security Police Augmentee. That should show my exposure but there were no written orders for that assignment. The VA asked for a buddy letter to prove my assignment. I supplied them one, and they still said no. There just waiting for us all to die off.
I was @ Don mong airforce base in 67 and 68. in communications
I was stationed on Udorn AFB between June 1971 – June 1972. I have a lot of the presumptive conditions but was also denied compensation. I was told my illness are not connected to the military. I know people in other branches that were compensated under the “Boots on the ground” concept . They are requiring proof that I was exposed to agent orange. Still searching, so If anyone has some evidence. Please share. God Bless, and good luck on the benefit that you so deserve.
I served in USAF at Sagion Tan Son Nhut AFB in 1964,I worked in large tent about a 100 yrs from the pad where an C123 transport was maintained and I pasted by the plane twice a day if it not out spraying Agent Orange.The plane nose was named Old Patches because it fly low ans slow over the tree tops doing its mission.I remember men would stand in the back of a duce and quarter filling the planes tank with agent orange by using a hand pump from a 55 gal drums.I remember seeing the stuff over flow from the drums and pump onto the ground.These men wore no protective gear the fuseledge of the plane would covered from spraying runs.Back in the 60’s there were no Hazmat warning,and no one knew a lust green jungle one the day,a few days later dead.I remember taking Hughy out along the Makong river and both side of the river were dead seems like a mile on each side.The stuff really works.I my heart I feel those men are not with us today having working in those conitions.I was told Agent Orange was shipped to war in Cargo ships by the the thosands of drums.Udorn AFB was the same around the base on a fly in there.By now all those Airman are dead and I guess there still a need for more proof.
Needs help please…. My dad was in Ubon and Udorn Thailand in 1964 and 1965. And Bangkok . We are trying to find out what squadron he was possibly in. He has a lot of health issues and can’t remember. How and where would I be able to find out about this.
Thanks for any info
I was stationed at Udorn RTAFB in 1967-68 in the USAF. I was in Aerospace ground equipment repair (AGE). I served 30 days as an Air Police Augmentee. Luckily I had a copy of the orders for same and was approved for compensation last year (2019). I would not have been approved w/o the supporting paperwork. The date on the order is: 1/15/1968 and the other last names listed are:Fisher, Samson, Proctor, Mapano, Shively, Dyson, Sadler, Dorenzo, Gregory, Fountain. I still have the copy of the order if anybody needs it that is on the list.
Stationed at 442 Signal Battalion (LL) Warin Thailand in 1970 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.
STATIONED AT UDORN DEC. 1973-DEC.1974
CREW CHIEF ON F-4E PHANTOMS WHITE SECTION 421st BLACK WIDOWS
HAVE PROSTATE CANCER 2018
FIRST VA CLAIM DENIED MAY 2020
HAVE A APPEAL IN
LOOKING FOR ANYONE THAT WORK IN MY SECTION
I was stationed at NKP Thailand from March 1974 to March 1975 with the 6908th Security Squadron. We were not MP’s. I was a Radio Communications Analysis Specialist. I worked with linguists and morse intercept operators. Our barracks were out next to the perimeter. I didn’t find out that they used agent orange on our base till a few years ago. I have neuropathy in my feet, I have had recurring problems with spinal stenosis. I’m about to have my 6th surgery. I am being treated for high blood pressure and being treated for heart pvc’s. I am on the VA’s agent orange list. I am just now contacting an advocate to see what steps I should take about making a claim. If anyone else that was stationed at NKP, especially the 6908th have had issues believed to be agent orange related please post here.
Stationed at Korat RTAFB Dec 1972-Dec73 ABCCC capsule maintenance TTY and Crypto repair for C-130 Airbourne Command Post. On and off flightline daily to preflight and postflight equipment aboard aircraft. VA will not accept that being on a Thai Base should be sufficient to claim exposure to Agent Orange. I am sure once 99 percent of us are dead, the VA will finally accept that we all were exposed to the chemicals and should not have to fight for acknowledgement to that fact. Just the fact that most of us traveled to the City of Korat at least weekly for something to do would make it fair to say we got exposed to the stuff. I wonder if the Thai Government would fess up to the surrounding areas from our Bases had many people come down with symtoms of Agent Orange.
I was with the 49 TFW and served in Linebacker 1 & 2,
mostly at Ubon, was there for two deployments. Crew Chief on F-4. Let me know about agent orange problems.
Lloyd T. Rainwater
I was sent TDY in Jun 1973 from Mather AFB to Utapao AFB Aircraft Avionics to Support KC135s and B52s. Our work shifts were 12/7 during my time there. Is there a way to prove I was sent TDY as there do not seem to be records other than one of my performance reviews from a MSGT who I was stationed with in Thailand. I was part of the launch crews (sat on edge of flight line where vegetation was dead or dying. As a Airman my regular duties included FOB along all flight lines and runways.
Looking for others that were stationed in Avionics (AMS) during 1973.
Stationed camp friendship 1965-1966.538 engineers.Anybody left sure would be nice too hear from you.
I left a wife and a 8 and 6 year old on Christmas day 1969 heading to San Francisco for my flight to Bangkok. I was at U-Tapao for the entire year of 1970. I was in AMS working on the Defensive Fire Control System (Gunnery System) on the B-52. My barracks was next to the parameter fence. We worked a 12 on 12 off shift with a two day break then shift change. I have Coronary Artery Disease, COPD and Psoriasis on my right hand. It was so nasty there it is a wonder we all didn’t come down with a lot of stuff. The VA has been giving me a hard time with Agent Orange exposure and my heart, skin and COPD claims/appeals. I finally will see a Judge on these appeals on 11-20-20. With all of the VA documents that state that Agent Orange was used on bases in Thailand, my denials stated that there was no evidence that Agent Orange was ever used there. Can you believe this coming from the VA? Wish me luck…
I was stationed at Ubon Air base July 1973 to July 1974.
I was a radiology technologist . My additional duties was to go into the community and help to vaccinate people in the community.A lived of posts very new to the base.
I was 20 years old and after Thailand I had acne until I was about 25 I develop hypertension and hypothyroidism at about 40.I will be contacting my VSO as soon as possible to the inquiry about a claim.
In 1969/1970 I lived in a NCO hootch on the parameter of Takhli. I am diabetic, have had colon cancer, and have severe arthritis that I have to take shots in the stomach for. I was also in Nam for a few days(not in my records, wife lost my boarding passes) so far they have denied my agent orange benefits. 3 men in my family served in S.E.A.
Stationed at NKP 1967/1968. Munitions Specialist. If anyone is having issues I would like information. I seem to be OK at this time. Thanks and wish all others well.
Service in Ubon, Thailand 1965 437th MAC.
Was among the first 55 US Airmen at Takhli 1965. Need information about what has happened to the others
I have helped 3 Thailand vets get approved by sending the following with their claims
1. Copies of maps and photos of their base, Ubon, Takli, Udorn, NKP, etc you can find these on the internet; copy yours and then put arrows where you bunked, jogged and worked in and on Agent Orange.
2. You can find a full copy of Operation Ranch Hand which states that all South East Asia bases will have the areas around the perimeters sprayed and and the run ways will be kept cleared for the planes, put that report in with your claim as proof of what they did.
3. your physician can state your illnesses, like chf, diabetes, PTSD, tinnitus, any of the presumptive illnesses on the VA forms or in a letter.
4.The VA doctor then has to look at all these illnesses at the C&P meeting or have other doctors look at you too.
5. If you worked on the flight line, as a security guard on the perimeters, electronic techs on the planes, base repairs, or construction, you need to explain your job and how it exposed you to AGENT
ORANGE.
6.Any photos of the tanker trucks that sprayed the base or photos of men spraying the perimeter fencing, yep, I have sent those in with claims, too. photos are very powerful.
Remember, most of these people looking at your records are younger; so you have to walk them thru what happened over there.
Do Not Give Up.
You fought for this country; if Agent Orange and combat stress disabled you; then our country needs to step up to the plate and provide the benefits you need.
Served with the 809th D company
Jan 1968 to Oct 1969
Was a field service mechanic on heavy Equipment also motor pool Sgt. have type 2 Diabetes Prostate cancer skin cancer arthritis heart disease
Filed VA claim in 2005 was denied
Has anyone received a positive resolution with the VA.
Stationed at Camp Friendship Korat 67-68. 21st Medical Depot. Delivered medical supplies throughout Thailand. Worked 50 yards from airbase perimeter. Crossed it daily. Ischemic heart disease and diabetes. Denied 3 times.
I was at Ubon 67-68 USAF jet engine mechanic. Also did guard duty 3 times on the outskirts of the base when we were on high alert, not listed on my record. I was turned down for the agent orange list. My brother was in Vietnam at the same time. We both had prostate cancer at the same time. There is supposed to be a bill in Congress to cover everyone that was in Thialand, but it has not gone anywhere in years.
Does anyone live in Thailand? I live in Bangkok and would like to meet a Vietnam Vet for a conversation. I’m 56 and am interested in the history of the Vietnam War.
I was stationed at Korat from Oct72 to Oct73. Worked on the flight line as a Crew Chief on EB-66’s tail# 424
I’ve had prostate cancer, heart disease, heart attack, COPD. VA has denied my disability July 2020
Was in Korat 1967-68 cant remember want unit Army next to airbase TDY all over udon/ ubon
Stationed at NKP 67-68 flew 53 combat missions as recon photographer with 601st photo. On 02s with 23rd TASS. Had diabetes,ischemic heart disease,high blood pressure and skin leasions. After reading all the comments by my fellow veterans. I’m discouraged by the treatment of VA claims.
I was in Ubon Thailand 71to 73. K9, I have Ischemic heart disease. Iam on the agent orang government list.. I had a massive heart attack. 5 way bypass pass. VA. Has except responsible. I remember coming in from post, and shining,in the moon light, coated with the shit, we use a pesticide, to dip our dogs in (malathion), now that also is a big health issues. our K9 dogs, who were left,,, cause of agent orange,, They would have been a good indicator,as what was used, in the name of war!! out of all the dogs that were in Thailand and Vietnam , only 3 made it back…( what’s it all about)
To: Thomas Hawn I was in korat us army and i was assigned to the 596th quater master and work as a mechanic on 2 vechiles that were my responsibility. We were taken by a truck. I was then dropped off at work on petroblem tank farm which was used to transfer fuel to the air base next to camp friend ship. I wore a patch on my uniform that was the 9th logisitic command. Hope this helps you out. william j wilson SP-4.
Was stationed in NKP 68 609 air commando sq. Have lost prostate,bladder to agent orange. Va dr said my cancer was related to agent orange but ratings board says I was not in Vietnam no rating on agent orange
I was stationed at Utapao in 1972-73 and Korat and Ubon in 73-74. I worked at the AGE shop. Would enjoy connecting with Vets who worked at any of these bases. All of my pics were lost in a relocation!
Happy New Year, best of health and stay safe.
I was stationed in NKP in 1968-1969. I was a Recipricat Aircraft Engine Mechanic. Upon my arrival, I had no idea as a (A1C) that I will be placed on detail for several months chopping down foliage and vegetation outside the perimeter were we slept out in the area which resulted to having Prostate Cancer attribute to herbicides (AGENT ORANGE) exposure. VA has denied me twice and now I am working on my 3rd denial letter and pray for their approval. Don’t give up.
My above comment forgot to mention my unit was with the 56th Field Maintenance Squadron (OPERATION RANCH HAND) NKP.
Served 98-70 NKP. Trying to contact a Stephen N. Wood. Have questions regarding AO issues. Read his blog and hopefully he can provide some information I am looking for . please email if possible . Thanks. Bob
Dell Ray Beckstead, I was stationed at D.Co. 809th Eng’s, May 69-May70, I have been fighting VA for a while, to no avail. I was a grader operator, then a low boy driver. I was tdy all over Thailand, I don’t have any pictures or anything that I can provide evidence of AO, I can’t even remember the camp name. I was tdy to Nam and Laos. But you had to be there 30 days or more for it to be on your records. I pray everyone is well and they get their ratings.
My brother Maj Bobby M Jones MD, USAF Flight Surgeon, was stationed in Udorn Thailand Sept 1972 – Nov 28 2972. Flying backseater in an F4D he became Missing-InAction & has not been recovered for slightly over 48 years. I am trying to get pictures of Udorn at that time & praying someone would have a picture of Bobby while he was there. BachMa Mt has been excavated & they found the BloodChit Bobby had in his Flight jacket that day but no remains. DPAA plans to return to the sight in 2021. Praying we can bring Bobby home.
Serve at the “Rose Garden ” Thailand Marine
aviation supply till they moved back to Japan ’73. Need help with claim . Is their any help out there?
Was stationed @ NKP 1968-1969 , 556th RED HORSE , working airfield / perimeter daily ,,, signed with the DAV , Saginaw MI , 2017 , after wife kept at me to do so. 7 claims filed , 5 denied ,,, received letter showing 2 claims service related and even though my Agent Orange was denied , I am listed with the VA as “Herbicide Exposed Veteran”. Thanks go to the Good Lord above for sending my DAV Service Officer who did a great job fulfilling her service to Veterans and going that extra mile to help get me 100% Service Connected.
I was #160 to post on here ,,, thanks for removing my post , will not post any more on this site . Brothers / Sisters who are suffering from AO , find a DAV Service Officer to help you .
I served at Tahkli, Sept. 67 to May of 68, then 3 months at U-Tapao and then 3 montns at CCK, all as an electrician working on KC-135’s & B-52s SAC 4258. I am now 75 and suffering with prostate cancer and myastehenias gravis (a muscle disease). I have not filed as I don’t live in the USA. However, I am now trying to pursue some legal assistance.
served in warin communications station a few miles west of the laotion cambodian border. and near ubon rtafb.there were full cambat operations in this area, f4 phantoms from ubon attacked targets in n vietnam s vietnam and laos. there were also rescue misssions being conducted daily for downed us pilots. our commo center was the largest and only link for all communications from vietnam into thailand they all came thur warin ics. there was a sattahip underwater cable that was blown up during my year there and all communications from that were rerouted thru warin ics. we also mantained communications contact with lima 11 in paske laos, which was rocket attacked the time i was there. given the vietnam service medal and our unit received the republic of vietnam gallantry cross. 1st signal brigade 442nd signal battalion company c. i would like to see a full recognition of our service as full vietnam war veterans, but i don,t think i will ever see it.
I served in the army 1972-75, I was assigned in Korea with the 1st 31st inf 2nd ID north of the Imjin River Nov 1972- Nov 73 and received HFP. I remember Thailand being one of the enlistment options at that time. I’ve been trying to research what army inf units were in thailand at that time and where they were stationed. It seems that a lot of the info about inf units in thailand
were classified (?). Can anyone help me with my research
and tell me what awards such as VSM and CIB. Thanks, Jin A
I hit the jackpot, I was in Thailand Feb 72 to Feb 73, assigned to the 307th FMS at UTapao, and 90 days TDY to Korat to the 4104th Air Refueling Provisional. We were housed in the old Army compound, Camp Friendship where they used Chemicals to eliminate all the weeds around the Hooches and perimeter. Our Barracks at UT were within the “Drift Zone”, as claimed by the VA. Neuropathy in both feet and both hands have progressively gotten worse however, the VA says I should have reported it within a year of exposure or when I determined it to be an issue. When I told them I figured it out they said, “Too Late!”
I served at U-Tapao royal thai airfield from 1968-1969
I’m looking for anyone from the 6201st CSG/SPS from Ko Kha air station Thailand I’m trying to find out what they sprayed our perimeter fences with.
I am helping a widow to file for DIC benefits. Her husband served at U-Tapao from June 1971 – June 1973, his MOS was Aerospace Ground Equipment Vehicle Operator, working with B52s and KC135s. He died from an AO presumptive disease but having trouble proving exposure…. Asking for assistance with photos, locations of where he might have been in barracks/dining… recreation on the beach? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your service and Welcome Home!
Stationed on Tahkli RAFB 1973, I filed a claim for my peripheral neuropathy is July of 2018, I was officially awarded exposure to agent orange by a VA doctor who was handling my case. Said I would receive benefits in 4 weeks. Never happened, my job title wasn’t security on the perimeter.. not sure if anyone realizes if you were boots on the ground in Vietnam where they sprayed it’s automatically given to you. Thailand is treated completely different. It’s sad! I have numbness in my hands and feet… I’m healthy physically, blood pressure etc… just nerve damage. I was also told if I get cancer I qualify… anyone have any information please contact me
My Dad, Marvin M. Parker, from GA, was an Air Force airman serving in Udorn, Thailand (1970-1971). He died this pass week (2/4/21). His job was medical with the Flight Surgeon’s office.’Does anyone know what this duty consisted of? After the AF, he was a Physician’s Assistant for over 27 years. Any info would be appreciated.
I was stationed at Korat RTAFB from 68-69 and spending about a month at Ubon TDY living in the old Ausie hootches at Perimeter.Next spent two years at Yokota Japan and Osan Korea.
I was a weapons mechanic working on the 20MM cannon on the F-105,F-4C,F-4D,F-4E and a little on the AC-130 gunship.
Heart attack and by-pass in 1999,Gaul Bladder removal,Prostate cancer,Rheumatoid Arthritis,two operations for blocked arteries in leg,Cysts in groin.
Probably just lousy health. Couldn’t have been the hours I spent on the flight line or lying in brush as an AP augmentee because they say AO was never used at these bases.BS!!!!!!!
I was at Ubon from 3/71-3/72. Security Police. Battled neuropathy in my legs forever. Never considered AO as the issue. Found I had CLL in November of 2018. Was made 100% disabled in 36 days. Had surgery to remove lymph nodes in my groin and starting chemo next week. Willing to share anything to help another.
I WAS STATIONED IN Danang FOR MOST OF MY TOUR.(70-71) FLEW 50+ MISSIONS OVER LAOS AND CAMBODIA. WE WOULD GO TO NKP AND REMAIN OVER NIGHT(RON) AND THEN FLY A MISSIO AND COME BACK TO DANANG. ALSO FLEW TO UBON, UDORN, U-TAPAO AND SOME OBSCCURE ARMY AIRFIELD WITH A BLOWN ENGINE. MOST WERE TYPHOON RELATED.
ALTHOUGH MY TIME IN THAILAND WAS LIMITED, I LIVED IN THE MOST AFFECTED AREA ON THE AIR BASE IN DANANG
1966-1967 538th Eng Co. C..construction. We were building part of the “Bangkok Bypass. We were located 81K from Korat in the mountains, in the jungle. I have a photo of Agent Orange barrels located in the Thai Army Camp area .An Ariel view of our camp in it’s early stages show that it wasn’t cleared by machinery only.
I would like the coordinates of Company C if possible.
I have many of the problems associated with the use of chemical clearing uses.
At 75 years of age I must say I have been very fortunate to be served very well by the Youngstown, Ohio (Belmont Avenue VA, outpatient Clinic)
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from April 69 to April 70. I was a mechanic/crew chief/flight engineer on a Kaman HH43B. Our mission was Air Rescue and Recovery. I was working the morning that the EB66 crashed off the end of the runway, killing all aboard. We were located by the Control Tower and the Fire Department.
I served with 355th out of Takhli 1969-1970. Have had surgeries for Sqaumus Cell and Basil Cell carcinoma. Also a problem with AFIB. Just had my Moderna shots recently at Dingell Hodpital, just trying to stay alive!
I was stationed at Ubon RTAFB from Nov 1968 to Nov 1969.
If anyone has information on Agent Orange that proves that AO was there during that time frame, that information would be greatly appreciated. My barracks was #2606 (1 of 3 buildings end to end) on the base perimeter next to an open field.(that fence line was sprayed on a regular basis). I worked nights and slept days and, sometime in the middle of my year, an F-4 was returning to base with a hung 500lb bomb. On approach, the bomb broke loose over that very same field & went off. Needless to say everyone who was asleep that day was outside on the deck before the fragments started to fall. Another 200 yards & it would have been IN our barracks!! The owner of the land was NOT happy. But, NOTHING WAS EVER PLANTED ON THAT OPEN FIELD FROM 11/1968 TO 11/1969!!!!!
AGAIN, ANY INFORMATION ABOUT AGENT ORANGE AT UBON RTAFB FROM 11/1968 TO 11/1969 WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!!!!
I was with 53 trans in sattihap .67 thru 68 we h..auled cargo and bombs to utapo A B and other places.agent orange was shipped to air bases.69 and 70 i was running the roads in convoys got sprayed with agent orange.i have problems claimed denied in 1970 when i reired .we got a prblem with the VA.
Trying to help my sister whose husband died of two AO presumed illness/cancers. He was in 1980 Comm Sq at Tahkli as a Comm Control Specialist in 1966. He told my sister he worked on the perimeter of the base and we have pictures of big communications antennas. Anyone have knowledge of or pictures of comm gear on the perimeter? Perimeter duty station is required for AO at Tahkli. Thanks.
Stationed at Korat and Sattahip 68-69 with 697th Engineers. TDY’d to 4 other known sprayed places. Have 5 AO connected diseases…been denied for every one. Appealing since 2013. Anybody else having trouble?
Udorn Thailand. 73-74
Aircraft mechanic. Within the past 15 yrs
Many things have started happening like Parkinson’s decease, neuropathy,
fibromyalgia, heart decease quadruple bypass
Just to name a few.VA denied me twice plus two appeals. If any one has any info
Please share. God Bless u all!
Reply to Wilfredo Caban. If you or anyone else here served as an air police augmentee for guard duty while in Thailand you will probably be covered. Any duty on or very near the base perimeter might also qualify.Good luck and God Bless.
I arrived at Ubon AFB on December 24th, 1971. Merry Christmas, huh? I was an electro-mechanical specialist on the FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) system. After a short rotation back to the states after my first year, I returned for two more years consecutively. Then, after 15 months, I went back to Korat AFB for a short 6 months. Forty-two months all-in. Having to work on the Gunships meant that I was within 200m of the perimeter. You need to be within 500m to be eligible for exposure to Agent Orange. I primarily worked the flight line. This meant I was on my hands, kness and on my back under the aircraft to get to my equipment.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago with two forms of bladder cancer. Bladder Cancer is not a recognized disability from Dioxin exposure. This past year, I had my mitral heart valve repaired due to 40% back-flow. I also have pronounced Vitiligo primarily on the backs of my hands only and from my neck upwards including my scalp. Think of getting a bad jungle fatigues sunburn: hands and face and head.
I cannot prove to the VA that the Vitiligo was a result of exposure to Dioxin causing my auto-immune system to fail. Nor can I prove that 42 months of continual sunburn was the trigger that caused the outbreak of Vitiligo.
I injured my back twice while overseas. Both times, I was blown off (military records confirm this). On December 24th, 1975, I began four months of Hell while defecating 10-20 times per day while continually bleeding from the strain. An abscess was finally found on my appendix. It was during this time I started to have pain radiating down my right leg. Then, six months before discharge, I injured it a fourth time.
Five lumbar surgeries and more than 43 rounds of cortecosteroid injections in my lumbar, 5 in my right hip and 4 in my sacral joint all over an eighteen year period.
I am fully disabled now to due my back injuries. I was never able to get an audience with anyone regarding the herbicides-Vitiligo-sunburn connection.
This may help some regarding each air base in Thailand and the use of AO:
https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a586315.pdf
Projuect CHECO
I read with interest all of the recollections of those serving at all the plush Air Force facilities throuhout Thailand, but I reflect back to the entry from Gary E McEvilla, September 24, 2019. Do any of you (besides Gary) know anything about Nam Phong, otherwise known as MCAS Rose Graden? I say “plus” regarding all of the Air Force locations because they we were plush compared to Nam Phong. We (expeditionary elements of Task Force Delta) had NOTHING when we arrived there in the spring of ’72…..no food (other than C-Rats) and no sleeping quarters other than our sea bags to prop up up against in one of the four wooden structures along the aircraft parking apron. But that’s the Marine Corps way. Go where you are told and where you are needed….and make the best of it regardless of the situation or conditions. But I will take my hat off to the SeaBees. They made short order in turning that sh-t hole into “livable” for us Marines. As for AO, I don’t know of anyone from the Rose Garden making claims for AO caused disabilities there. There may be, I just haven’t heard of any. And who knows, maybe AO has no effect on roses.
I served on Army tug LT2075 in Sattahip in 1969-1970 639th tug detachment. I have several of the illnesses associated with AO. Are there any others who served on LT2075 on here? I’m interested to see what your experience with VA AO approval have been. Thanks.
I was stationed in New Mexico, went TDY twice in 1963 & 1964
To Takhli, I didn’t know that they used AO for perimeter clearing
until reading this , from this blog. I also have diabetes third stage
Kidney failure, and hypertension, but seeing all you service members going through all this problems, I am already 79 years
old and a widower. Takhli was just a small air base when I served there, and we did get close to the jungle. Like to hear from anyone from CAFB, New Mexico , if you see this
My husband served at Korat Aug 73 to Sep 74. Was diagnosed with Parkinson’s with lewy body dementia. Claim sat dormant for 7 months. He passed away 15 Dec 2020. No one knows where his file is for me to see if I qualify for DIC.
Started at UTapao in73. Was “volunteered”to crew a ORH C-123 through UDorn eventually to Buen Hoa and others in Vietnam. 12th AF. Since I was originally TDY and then loaned out to the 123 my records don’t show me as having served around AO. I’ve been in remission from cancer since ‘12. Disability claim is on appeal. I am servic connected from a non combat injury. I have submitted many letters from VA doctors for PTSD and cancer. Yet I still languish on appeal. Looking for AF vets from that time frame.
I served at Udorn RTAFB from 4/74-4/75 looking for info on F-4 that crashed during training mission, pilot punched out WSO went down with the plane. I’d like to know more details if possible. Please email me with any info, also any contact inf on LT Col Dillard or Lt Garry urbanowitz
I was sent to Camp Samae San from MACV HQ in ’73, worked Logistical services at the Deep Water Port until the end of ’74.
Anyone who was stationed on Hill 272, Sattip Thailand, 70-72. In communication and exposed to agent orange
Trying to get help for my x-husband.Thanks
I served from August 68 until August 69 at Utapao AFB in the 556 Red Horse Squadron laying concrete and forms throughout the base. Lived in a wooden hooch at end of the runway and worked in all areas of the base. I had no idea that AO was being used to clear the jungles before we went in to grade and build barracks. A bridge. Runways and roads. I have had heart problems and headache with some minor kidney issues. I come from a family without heart issues. Going to start my investigation into applying for AO funds before things get worse and it’s too late. If anyone who was from the Red Horse outfit I would love to chat with you about our time there and anything you know about AO there.
I as station at TRAFB in 1966/67 went TRY to DaNang AFB Vietnam in Jan 1967. Looking for any info on when the 354 th TFS was there at that time to prove boots on the ground.
Served in utapao in 1966. Have diabetes. Have had a heart attack. Have neuropathy in both feet. Can barely walk because of the pain. Have tennitis. Applied for disability.got turned down. The reason they gave me was that I was there in peace time.
I was at UBON in 1965. F4 instrumentation. 47TFS
Stationed at Udorn 11/68 thru 11/69 432MMS. Spent many days and night working launch and recovery of the F4’s. Was load crew chief and my crew worked many sorty missions on the perimeter. Have been turned down three times for disability for prostate cancer. Told I was not boots on the ground. These idiot think that when agent orange was sprayed on the perimeter an around our barracks that it just stayed in one pot and was never air born. I would like to personally thank the United States government for treating the Viet Nam veterans with the respect that we deserve. You sent us there and now have abanded us.
I deployed to U-Tapao from August 10, 1970, to Aug 10, 1971. My career field was supply administration but on arrival, I was attached to security forces as an augmented member for the first four months. After the initial four months, I responded to numerous if Sac alerts throughout the year. We walked the perimeter with no knowledge of the contamination in our mist. One day our canteens were filled with water that was brown in color. We protested but accepted the fact drink or die of dehydration. Regardless no records indicated that was attached to the security forces. I only found out that agent orange was part of my life. I guess our government is waiting for us to die off.
I served at Udon, Thailand from 1967 to 1968 in the engine shop. Many of my friends that served with me have gotten cancer from Agent Orange. I also served at Takale Thailand during 1968.
1.Board of Veteran Appeals ruled flight line is an extension of the perimeter.
2. Army Manual 3-3, 1971, states herbicide spraying creates a 500 meter (5.5 football fields) buffer zone also called a “kill zone.” Not taken into consideration is the spray drifting as well. 500 meters is measure from base perimeter fence.
3. Check Herbicide Spraying in Thailand and variants to find an abundance of information on the net.
My husband and I were in Udorn. He worked for Fairchild camera. We left just after Jack Trimble was shot down. Later we found that Jacks father was Charlie’s commander when he was in the Air Force. Charlie has so many of the same issues.
Hart trouble,strange skin disorders, fainting falls, the best of times the worst of times.
After leaving Saigon, Vietnam on Feb 15, 1973, I served at Ko Kha Air Station, Thailand (Feb 15 to July 1973.)
Worked at Communication Center. Reassigned to Malmstrom AFB, Montana for the second time in my career. Loved working as Senior Launch Control Facility Manager at Juliette 01 LCF. For all of 1975, I was the NCOIC of the Communications Center at 667th ACWS Hofn, Iceland. From 1976 to 1 May 1979 I served at Fairchild AFB, Washington, and retired from the USAF.
I was with the 7th RRFS, 05H, from June 71 to June 73. We were just south of Udorn. The VA treats all of us Thailand vets like “bastard children”, like we don’t deserve Vietnam veteran status. We didn’t receive combat pay but we did our jobs for the war. And I heard Navy vets, sitting off shore get qualified for Agent Orange? Most of the VA personnel I have seen have never been in the service so how are they able to say that we weren’t exposed to the chemical? The VA is a waste of time. Thanks.
Trying to help a friend with his benefits, he was with the 23rd Tac Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai AFB during summer 1973 but can’t find any personnel documents that list the names of people who were sent there. We have documents specifying *how many* people his squadron deployed/went TDY but nothing more specific. If anyone was at Korat AFB between Augus-September 1973 would love to compare notes.
I served in Thailand in 1967 & 1968 at Camp Friendship adjacent to the Korat RTAF Base. That was my base camp, but I hauled supplies to almost every other base in Thailand. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and learned shortly after about the direct correlation between prostate cancer and agent Orange. The VA refused my claim twice now for compensation due to the fact that I wasn’t in the Military Police Co which would have patrolled the perimeter of the airbase. Our army base was right there next to them with only a chainlink fence between us, yet every Air Force guy was eligible for benefits and we Army guys aren’t unless you were an MP. Crazy stuff as I was back and forth on their base on a daily basis.
Veterans, So far my atty its winning my case-Ischemic heart disease from exposure to herbicides at Udorn RTAFB-APR 69-APR70. I read many cases from the files of the Board of Veterans Appeals…One case # 1139851 stood out. This veteran says he “personally mixed and sprayed the defoliant along the flight lines, barracks, and along the perimeter the base.”.His case was approved and his testimony was “credible.” In my opinion you NEED a good attorney schooled in the law and in dealing with the VA.
I was stationed in Northeast Thailand from July ’69 to July ’70 as a USAFSS Ditty Bopper detached to the U.S. Army’s 7th RRFS, at Ramasun Station, north of Udorn RTAFB. My USAF unit was designated Det. 4, 6922 SW. I am currently engaged in filing a claim with the VA for medical complications stemming from significant exposure to Agent Orange while stationed there.
For those stationed in Thailand, the VA rules state you must have been within 500 meters of the perimeters to qualify for exposure to AO. For those stationed at Korat: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/thailandherbicideexposureclaims-151116154523-lva1-app6891/95/agent-orange-and-thailand-veterans-26-638.jpg?cb=1447688816.
Those of us that lived in the hooches while there… we were in the AO drift zone.
For us that were stationed at Ubon (I was stationed at Ubon for 3 years and Korat for 6 months), here’s a VERY important document: Project CHECO Base Defenses in Thailand: https://asknod.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/checo-thailand-base-defense-1973.pdf.
One last thing. If you open Google or some other search engine, type this phrase: Citation NR: Then type in a base, or an ailment or combo of. EVERY VA case that was filed with the VA relative to your search will come up. You’ll want to look way down at the bottom of the file to see what the final decision was.
Try it. And best of luck to all my brothers and sisters who served.
Stationed at Takhli from Jan’29 to Feb’70 with the 355th FMS as OIC of the Accessory Sys. Branch working with F-105 and EB-66 aircraft. Also made TDY’s to NKP, Ubon, Korat, and even to Tui Wah (sp) Viet Nam. Been turned down for compensation for Parkinson’s Disease and Diabetes several ties. VA denies that Agent Orange was used at Takhli or in Thailand.
I just scanned these messages, hoping to add something that is useful.
If you go to your nearby VA OPC, VA Hospital, etc. Look to see if there is a Disabled Veteran’s Office like the one near us at VA Mather in Sacramento, CA.
My First time at this VA Hospital, saw a DVA Office sign, walked in, told him was thinking to apply for VA Benefits, so he gave me the papers to fill out, took them home to do later, but later never came…
Was there again about 2-3 months later, different man in the office, shook hands, exchanged names, told me to sit and he would type it up…. did so, told me that he would give it to the right person in that VA Mather Hospital,and and sure enough, forget how long, but I had a VA card with 10% disability in the mail …
Later, filed again to increase VA % for hearing, got turned down for loss of hearing but OK for Tinitus (sp?)…. and before =
Before =
I got that VA letter in the mail, the DVA in Oakland sent me the result, and told me to see my local DVA Rep and he would type me another letter to try again …
I ended up with 20% had VA Health Care, free eyeglasses and free hearing aids, free doctor appts, but wife got sick to I was OK with 20%
I did have Prostate Cancer, thinking to apply to VA again, but was too busy, that 20% got me free medical care, took my prostate out, too large for radiation, as well as all the above, so prostate was cut out, and other trips to the ER, here and elsewhere, always went back to my VA PCP at VA McClellan Park, and she set me up for followup appointments for PT, GI, etc. so that 20% had done me ALL good,
Hope this gives you an idea what to do … one last thing, there is a VA …. need to look that up, here in CA we have County Veterans Services Officers, some are Very Good about telling you what to do, and filling out some paperwork, one I know, here in CA to fill out the form for CA DMV to have Vets added to your CA driver’s license to prove you are a Vet for Vet Discounts !!!
s/ pete
Just Broke 90,
b. 1931
Birth President was Herbert Hoover #31
What was the # of your B. President,
Trump was #45, and Joe is #46
my husband was station at Udorn august 66 to August 67, he assign as registrar of the hospital Homer E Hartsell S/Sgt, he had top secret clearances and was a courier carrying documents’ to headquarters, i would like to know were headquarters was? plus he would fly in to Vietnam but the VA couldn’t find any thing about that plus they were shot down over Laos and was on the ground hiding for 12 hours. I send all of his DD 214 and performance
records,clipping from newpaper and was turn down. Was anyone station there during that time that might remember any of this time and remember where he lived. He died April 2020, he had type 2 diabetes, heart problems and was on dailyze three times a week.Being retired and covered under tricare for life he saw civiiian doctors and no one every asked if he was expost to AO. He filed Seot 2019 and died before eer hearing from the VA, I refiled and was turn down but have an appointment before a judge in sept
Many of the comments I’ve read here are extremely disturbing. All I can say is “thank you” to those who served in Thailand.
I see nothing here, however, about the USAFF (United States Air Force Security Service). I worked for the USAFSS in 1975 at Utapao; my little group serviced U-2 aircraft (ECM and encrypted radios) based there which intercepted radio communications while soaring at high altitude over Laos and Cambodia.
I can find no record of U-2 service at Utapao. Nor can I find any mention of the USAFSS.
Got kicked out of Thailand in December 1975 due to a disagreement between Nixon and Thailand’s King. The disagreement’s outcome became known as “Palace Lightning,” and I wound up at Kunsan AFB.
Can anyone help me here with info? Or is everything still so secret about the U-2 in 1975 that “mum” is still the word?
Thomas Acklin , your name sounds familiar to me my husband Richard was stationed at Ko Kha 74-75.
I was with the 355TFS at Takhli AFB 68-69 as an instrument -autopilot tech. Developed prostate cancer in 2020 and type 2 diabetes. Filed claim and was denied. VA denies using AO during that timeframe which I dispute. I saw the barrels often with lids off in storage area as well as it being sprayed on the perimeter during the time I performed compass swings as part of my job. Would like any information that would help my cause.
I was at u-tapio with V-49 May Nov 1968. The Navy patrol squadrons were located right near the southwest end of the runway. that area was build by the navy seebee, not the red horse. if you look at the road that goes to the beach it starts where the vp squadrons were. the end building of the group is right on the perimeter. If you were there you were in contact with agent orange. I had bladder cancer, filed a claim, was turned down because I did not known where I was on the base at the time I filed. I do know I am Filing again. The Intelligence Officer from Vp49 in 1968 turned me on to our spot on the base. the perimeter lines make a point at the location if that helps. we were within feet of the perimeter not yards
Was TDY in May of 72 to Takhli from Holloway AFB. Takhli was being reopened at time and the conditions were deplorable. We lived and dined in tent cities with no running water. Water had to be trucked in. I think we all be assured that herbicides were used to kill foliage all throughout that base. I spent all my time working along the flight line and travelled all over that base for 46 days. I know have ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure and borderline diabetes. I have a claim pending with VA but not really holding out much hope until they finally admit that there should by a presumption of exposure just for being on that base. Would love to hear from anyone else that may have been there during this time
Was stationed at Utapao in 1970 and 71 and worked in the 635MMS Storage Section.I saw U-2’s land and take off from UT as well as SR=71’s.We also had munitions folks who were assigned to augmentee duty with the Security Forces.Had a guy named Bristol who was TDY to UT on the SR’s pitch on our softball team for MMS.He played with us because his unit was to small to field a team.He was a super pitcher.
First trip to SE Asia was Oct/Nov 1968 in the Coast Guard’s EC130E CGNR 1414 to survey and monitor LORAN signals transmitted from various USCG sites in Thailand and Vietnam. Air Force support troops at NKP were convinced we were CIA, otherwise what was a Coast Guard big white with red tail C-130 with all those antennas doing in the Golden Triangle. We made monthly flights until 1975. Last mission was the rescue of the S.S. Mayuguez crew captured by Cambodian Communists on May 15, 1975
I was TDY to U-Tapao, Thailand August through Nov 74. I was part of a TDY B-52 crew out of Beale AFB Flying missions out of U-Tapao.
I remember the U-2 flying out of U-Tapao while we were there. You might want to check with the Recce group located at Beale AFB, Ca where the Deuce is currently located.
I am a indochina vet myself, says it on my dd-214,
I was with the 49 tfw,New Mex, Da Nang, places in Thailand, left with the 366 tfw, discharged in Mt. Home
froze my buttox off there. Back in Carolina. Why is it that I do not know any of your names.Agent oj, Same time, Da Wolf Man! out of L.A. Linebacker 1 and 2. Ubon.
Flew backwards thru the Mts Ararat, on way to Oct Fest 71
I was at Takhli right after it reopened till July or August 1973. I was the Deputy Fire Chief till mid term then Assistant Fire Chief. I have been fighting with the VA over the Agent orange issue and other illness associated with Agent Orange since 2017 when I first became aware of the exposure. There are some exceptions that they now allow. If your work area, was in the outer perimeter you may get approved. The Fire Station number one Crash station was in outer perimeter. I also fought a fire in the Outer perimeter, on Spray unit spraying Agent Orange that caught fire, plus two other grass and vegetation fire in the outer perimeter. When the spray unit caught on fire there were 6 Thai people burn real bad. They all died within 2 weeks. The GI that was in charge also got burned real bad and was sent to Clark AFB don’t know if he ever lived or not!! If any one can recall these incidents and would be so kind as to confirm them with a letter I would really appreciate it. (Thank You) in advance!! Also the fact that the Crash Fire Station my work location was classified in the outer perimeter. This lack of concern and out right lies by the Gov. is not right!!!! Melvin A. Bosch Msgt Retired. Note: As many of you probably know many of the guys that were there with us are no longer with us. I check on many of them and what I could find all led back to Agent Orange issues. This is a very sad state of affairs!!!!
Was stationed at Takhli from 7/67-7/68. Worked at 355FMS-AGE. Stated there might shift flight line and remember spraying different areas. We all were exposed due to winds, aircraft movements so the VA’s claim of perimeter exposure is their way to throw us under the bus. Spent 9/68 to 9/69 at U-Tapao and was assigned to MMS fixing jammers and trailers on far side of base. I have had cancer currently in remission, neuropathy in my feet and asthma. After reading all the preceding comments I decided I won’t waste my time fighting a government agency that has little honesty or integrity.
Was at Takhli from 7/67-7/69 and U-Tapao from 9/68-9/69. Was assigned to 355 FMS/AGE at Takhli and to MMS/AGE at U-Tapao. Since then I’ve had cancer , neuropathy in my feet and have had Asthma a number of years. I feel fortunate medically compared to many listing problems our government seems content to deny any responsibility for. It seems absurd they expect us to find someone we served with 50 years ago and their insistence only those who worked on base perimeters are considered.
Stumbled onto these comments. Breaks my heart for all of you vets who served time for our country, and are having to fight for medical benefits! My late husband, served with the Air Force at Korat AFB in 1972-73 and U-Tapao RTAFB in 1974-75. He was a Security Policeman, often on the flight lines and perimeters, stations, etc. He passed away from Pancreatic Cancer on July 4th, 2016, three and a half months after being diagnosed with diabetes and the cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is not on the designated list of diseases caused by AO, and that’s what his death certificate says he died of. But, Diabetes is on the list. His doc stated that he had diabetes before the cancer. After many denials and appeals, and taking it as far as I could with my Vet Rep, I contacted the Veterans Consortium online who works with attorneys who work pro bono for veterans or their survivors. It took two more years, but praise be to God, my claim was approved this year. DO NOT GIVE UP! KEEP THE CLAIM GOING SO IT WILL BE RETROACTIVE BACK TO THE POINT OF YOUR FILING. In my case, it went back to my late husband’s date of death. The Veterans Adm. agreed from the beginning that my husband was in the right places, at the right times, doing the right jobs to be exposed to AO. Finally, they listened to the evidence that we had that led them to agree to give me a survivor’s benefit based upon a presumed service related cause of death. Evidence of exposure to AO to Diabetes then to Pancreatic Cancer. Do not give up on your claim. You served our country over there in a foreign land, were exposed to that horrible AO while doing so, and the VA should be paying benefits to any veteran with any cancer that can be linked to any exposure to AO while serving. Thank you for your service! My husband was so very proud to be a veteran and of his service.
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from 10/67 to 10/68. I was assigned to the 355th Security Police. My primary posts were: The MARS hill (it was devoid of any high grass for about 30 to 50 yards down from the fence line. I was there when the Thai workers and an airman arrived in a pickup truck and pulled what was a converted Water Buffalo tanker. They sprayed AO around the entire fence area. My second post was the Bomb and munitions dump. This place was sprayed also. My next to last post was the Fuel Depot on the far side of the base. I remember the smell of insecticide or some chemical. I recall Thai security guard showing me a dead cobra. Not killed by the guard. The snake reeked of the insecticide. My last post was at the CIA ramp guarding barrel and a C-123. I pulled that duty several times.
Not until last year did I find out that Takhli was also sprayed with AO and the Rainbow Herbicides. Over the years i have developed. Heart and Arterial disease, A-fib to the point where i now have a Watchman device implanted in my heart. I have type two diabetes. Neuropathy sever. I have developed a form of MD it was identified as Inclusion Body Myositsis. The form IBM. Research has classified my type as being caused by other than being passed on by genes.
Why did the Air Force deny for 50 plus years that we were sprayed. The VA has classified me under the Blue Water Navy Act of Vietnam (2019) as being exposed and I have be advised I’ll receive 30% disability. I have contacted an attorney. I all my research I have found that the US Air Force and the DOD kept this classified secret all this time to allow age to keep secret. In other words letting us die and saving money for the Government.
I have info those where Takli AFB,
I was there sept72 till march 73.
Don’t know how to get it to those who want iit
Served on the LORAN station at Sattahip, Thailand. Have had prostrate cancer and have diabetes II and two autoimmune diseases. Was a cook during my time there and was told that Agent Orange was in the drinking water but they were trying to get it out. The whole camp was defoliated to build the camp. Starting the process of compensation and was told it will be denied and then would need to go directly to the VA.
Regarding post #170- I served with Marvin Parker 1970-71. I wish there was a way for you to contact me but it looks like the rules don’t allow for emails to be exchanged. We were assigned to Det. 5, 3 ARRGp with a total of 23 airmen. I have a list of the names and ranks of those assigned to Det 5 and my name is listed just above Parker, Marvin M. rank of Sgt. and listed as a medical tech.
Served in Thailand one year west of Sakon Nakon at the Phi Kio (Signal site) 1st st Bde, Vietnam,29 Sig Grp, Feb 68 – 69. Served 809th Eng Bn, 16th Domp Truck comp, NAkon Phanom (NKP) 1969 -1970). Unit transfered to Rum-Chit-Thai just south ou Sakon Nakon. 3 years in Thailand, A-O was used, no exposure? Yeah -Right! Just glad I can still get vertical every day. Also Served in Vietnam 1971-1972.
My father Joseph Kauten was stationed at PeaseAFB in NH then went to U-Tapao as a Weapons Maitenance Technician in Jan 72-Feb 73, (on leave for a few weeks in August to get married) he was then in Mountain Home, Idaho. He was diagnosed with neuropothy in early 2000’s. Then in 2015 Lewy Body Dementia, with Parkisonism showing up as the primary symptom. He recently passed and we are trying to get help from the VA. Did anyone work with him and possibly have any pictures of him being near the perimeter? What other tasks did he do that could have brought him to the perimeter? I see that he had to drive the perimeter with the flatbead trucks full of bombs from the MSA that often got covered in the dust from the roads. He did live off base with my mother when he returned in August of 72. So he traveled through the gate daily. Any help would be welcomed. Thank you for your time.
I was assigned to Ubon RTAFB (7/71 – 6/72) and, Don Muang RTAFB (8/73 – 8/74 & 8/74 – 8/75) with the U.S. Air Force Postal & Courier Service (UAFPCS) on all three assignments. I operated a USAFPCS Truck from the APO to the Aerial Port Terminal, driving along the base perimeter road that ran parallel to the base perimeter fencing, where almost daily Thai’s were busy spraying the foliage with a sweet smelling item (later found out to be herbicides (aka Agent Orange), so our Security Forces could have a clear killing zone in case of any impending Sapper Attacks occured. (NOTE: Prior to my assignment at Ubon, there were two Sapper Attacks and during my assignment, there was one such incident.) While at the Sacramento VA in December 2013, having receiving my laboratory test results, I was informed to drop by my VFW Veteran Service Officer (located on the first floor of the Sacramento VA) to file a VA Claim. I was asked to fill out a couple of forms and thank goodness for me, my VFW VSO was highly knowledgable as to what to look for in my Air Force Personnel Records, realizing that I had been exposed to Agent Orange and, filed my VA Claim with the Oakland VA Regional Office. I received a confirmation from the VA in December 2015 and was awarded two large checks, as compensation, being diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type II and Erectile Dysfunction; In June 2016, I was directed by the Assistant Director of the Manila VA Claims Department to file a VA Claim for Peripheral Neuropathy (NOTE: I was experiencing loss of feeling in my thighs and legs) and, after having a C&P Exam at Manila Doctors’ Hospital (being used as a “Human Pin Cushion”) never feeling anything being inserted into my thighs or legs, the test results indicated to the VA, that I did indeed have Peripheral Neuropathy, which was approved in August 2016; In November 2018, while having laboratory work performed at a local Philippine Tricare Certified Hospital, the results came back as showing High Creatinine in my urine and, I was instructed to see a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist), whom I saw in January 2019 and, did some tests of her own, which came back conclusive as “Stage-3 Chronic Kidney Disease (Secondary to DM Type II) and, I was instructed to file a VA Claim, which came back approved in March 2019, at which time I became 100% Disabled; later in that same year, I started experiencing “loss of feeling in my lower extremities (feet and toes of both feet) and, my Manila VA Primary Care Physician order an Arterial Scan and Venous Scan of both feet (performed at a local Philippine Tricare Certified Hospital in Ozamiz City) and, the results came back positive. I filed a VA Claim for PAD in early October 2019 and it came back approved in late October 2019. (NOTE: I thought that this would have to be my last VA Claim to have to file.) However, in May 2020, my Philippine-American Wife (a Retired Registered Nurse) noticed my right hand shaking (which it had been shaking for quite some time, thinking that it was due to the many years that I have typed on a manual and electric typewriter; word processing equipment and computers and, just getting old) and, she suggested that I cut back on writing numerous articles that I present on a Veteran’s WordPress.com Website that I have and, when I did, the shaking continued to worsen. I then came across a Stars & Stripes Article in December 2020, that mentioned that Veterans that had been exposed to Agent Orange, were also coming down with side-effects which were causing Parkinson’s Disease. So, I saw my primary Philippine Care Physician (taking in a bottle of water with an empty glass to perform a show n tell) and she knew right away what I had. She referred me to see a Neurologist (Nerve Specialist) the following day and, she too knew what I had, even going so far to order laboratory tests and a CT Scan…all coming back positive as being Parkinson’s Disease. I then informed the Manila VA Claims Department that I was going to file a new VA Claim and submitted that on March 8, 2021, which came back approved on March 22, 2021.) So, my thoughts are that anyone that is reading this long comment, please don’t give up when filing a VA Claim and make sure that whomever is doing the research (such as a VFW VSO, AmVets, DAV, etc) are qualified to look deep into your Military Personnel and Medical Records and, don’t just let them assume that it’s not an issue worth pursuing, as if I never did, I wouldn’t be receving the exemplary care from the Manila VA in the way of prescribed medication and the physicians that I saw that made the correct diagnosis. Please note that there are various VA Websites that discuss the numerous side effects of being exposed to Agent Orang, one of which is: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp
Reply to Kimberly Smith. Research “Air America in Laos: Pepper grinder and AB-1 Missions” – The University of Texas at Dallas. This documents U2 operation out of Utapao.
Does anyone have absulute proof that agent orange was sprayed from aircraft at NKP in 1971, I need this info to prove that I was sprayed. I have a claim in for several conditions that the VA doctors say could have been caused by exposure to agent orange while stationed at NKP.
Hello,
I am trying to help my dad. He was at Udon 1969 to 1971. He has been asked to get buddy letters from people who may have served there with hi to get VA Benefits. My mother has been working this mostly but I am working to help. If anyone could reach out to me that would be great. My dad’s name is Raymond Talley.
I was stationed at NKP as a Security Policeman from May’70-May’71. Mostly performimng perimeter security in towers and bunkers. In 2016 I was denied service connection for hypothyroidism, but it is now presumptive and being re-adjudicated. Regardless if your disorder is on the presumptive AO list you should file a claim. In resonse to Dwight L Perkins Sr., who was with Red Horse Army constuction battalion at NKP, I can definitely confirm that your hooches were directly behind one of the towers where I was posted. Red Horse hooches were no more than 10-15 yards from the perimeter road at NKP. If you need a buddy statement in support of a claim I’d be glad to provide one.
Was on TDY Mar through Aug 1973 (from Nellis AFB) Worked out of POL as a Flightline Monitor. Lived in the NCO quarters not far from the perimeter. I just filed a claim for hypothyroidism due to agent orange. Will I get it, who knows? The maps that I have shows the flightline, NCO housing, Mars Station (used a lot wife pregnant) and my jogging pretty much covered being within that 500 meter no safe zone. I had to get my APR’s for proof I was TDY at Tahkli. I wish all my fellow veterans who served in Thailand to get the recognitions we deserve.
Im working on an intense website that connects military to locations and diseases/illnesses, This has been a long process due to military locations. Would anyone have a complete list of army or marine camps? or have a source where I could find one. Thank You-
Im working on an intense website that connects military to locations and diseases/illnesses, This has been a long process due to military locations. Would anyone have a complete list of army or marine camps? (for Thailand) or have a source where I could find one. Thank You-
Hello Clinton,
To your question, my blog mentions the difficulty of finding such in information packaged in one place. One of the maps, however, has a list of bases. I cannot confirm that the list is exhaustive, but it is significant. The USAF units were the majority of American forces deployed in Thailand. Other branches of the U.S. military also made their way to Thailand, which the map indicates. List of U.S. bases in Thailand
I note that there was a USMC deployment during the Kennedy presidency, which likely predates the use of Agent Orange, but I cannot be absolutely certain. U.S.M.C. in Thailand under JFK
An article about U.S. operations in Thailand. Not so Silent Partner: Thailand’s Role in Covert Operations . . . and the Wars in Indochina
To discover whether there were deployments beyond those listed, consulting the National Archives would be the place to start.National Archives and the Vietnam War
Best,
Ryan Moore, MA, MLS
Geography and Map Division
Library of Congress
I was stationed in Bangkok, Thailand with Deputy Chief JUSMAG from March 1969 to August 1970. Air America supported us with aircraft and civilian pilots on our classified mission. Flew into Udorn and Vientiane, Laos. My medical history includes platelets count over a million per microliter of blood, had my right kidney removed due to cancer, had heart surgery and currently dealing with skin cancer. I have not approached the VA about Agent Orange (A O ) and it’s relationship to my medical history. Based on reading other comments on this blog, the VA may say “ why have you waited so long to disclose this to our attention”!!!
I was station at Korat AB Thailand, with the F-105 aircraft.
I was TDY with a squadron of F-105s to Korat Thailand from McConnell AFB which the 355TFW was stationed in Wichita Kansas, around the FY64-65 time frame. I left Korat in 1965 and went eventually back to the home base. I later returned the latter part of 1965-66 to Takhli, Thailand. The 355 Tactical Fighter Wing which was station at McConnell AFB was transferred to Taklhi, Thailand PCS. Anyway. I would love to hear from anyone who was there at either place during those years. Oh yes, I was an F105 crew chief but I worked all three shifts but not at one time.
My husband was at Udorn. He worked on the flightline with the bombs. He never talked about it much but I know he was there when the base was attacked. He always told me to keep all of his military papers. It was like he knew something was going to happen to him. He went back to school when he got out in 1970 and he wrote a paper on agent orange. I said what is that. He died of a heart attack at 48. I have been turned down more than once for benefits. I have given up. I can’t provide a lot of information.
I am looking for the location of the Battalion Operations Center in Korat January 1969. I think I have identified the building on a map of the base but the building is only labelled “1665”. If anyone has any information regarding this it would be greatly appreciated. For my claim I have to locate where my barracks were on that base, which I don’t remember. However I am pretty sure building 1665 was where I worked but have not found a map labelling it as the Battalion Operations Center. Thank you.
Was at Takhili RTAFB from Jan 69- Jan 70 and at Nakhon Phanom (NKP) RTAFB from Jul 70 – Jul 71. Served as Fuel Specialist. To all my brothers,WELCOME HOME!!
I was stationed at udon Royal Thai airbase from September 1975 to February 1976.
I was a canine dog handler along the flightline and base parameters and one of my most common memories was the smell of the chemical agents to kill vegetation and the mosquito foggers. I’ve had two heart attacks before the age of 50. heart surgery and placement of a stent at the age of 55, My hearing was damaged at the time and has growing worse over time, My shoulders and joints have progressively deteriorated, I had left shoulder surgery at the age of 58 and still need surgery on my right. I have had a lung condition for many years that’s progressively growing worse and has most recent diagnosis is emphysema. Never a smoker!
I have Been denied three different times on my claim two times denied for no boots on ground in Vietnam and then as truth came out and claims were being acknowledged my recent denial was for the timeframe after the fall of Saigon May 1975 was established as being the claim deadline no claims would be excepted for time served after May 1975.
Does anyone have information in regards to the usage date of agent orange and why would claims not be considered after May 1975 there’s no doubt in my mind chemical agents were continually applied Until our end date in Thailand 1976.
Hi all I know this is a long shot but I’ve tried many and every means to help me to form my family puzzle in terms of my moms side in which I can say currently. I know it’s another long shot but you never know till u find out. Does anyone know or did kno a person by the name of Dan or dannie f harrolle that was in the air force when he was in thialand
Hi all I know this is a long shot but I’ve tried many and every means to help me to form my family puzzle in terms of my moms side in which I can say currently. I know it’s another long shot but you never know till u find out. Does anyone know or did kno a person by the name of Dan or dannie f harrolle that was in the air force when he was in thialand
I was stationed at NKP from Jan 71 to Jan 72. It seems to me that if MKP was sprayed with agent orange An aircrew member that has info on this should speakup. I’m not trymg to blaim anyone because it was their job. I have a claim in for agent orange exposure. This would help NKP vets.
I was stationed at Don Maung RTAFB Dec 24,1966. I was Security Police. We had to work with the thai police who carried weapons and we could not. we could only have a nite stick. I said no way . I ask to get out and the only MOS was vehicle maint. I left the police quick. we lived in the contonment area which is where i got bladder cancer from AO. They removed my bladder and prostate. I now have a Neo Bladder . 10 years and going.
did anyone ever go to Green Hill Site in Thailand. It was a old Golf Course up in the mountains. we could see some action over VN. it was a raidar site.
7th rrfs udorn 1969. 05h20. a hog. All nugs pfc pullef perimeter guard in ops area due to having clearances. Lasted 4 n 5 months till pronoted to e4. Only e4 n above were exempt or guys transfer in. Nuhs pulled guard on ground with. rats n tower with bug. definkyely exposed to herbicidee
I was stationed at NKP from Jan 71 to Jan 72. Has anyone had a claim approved for agent orange exposure during that time? I’ve had a claim in for quit a while….nothing yet.
For those veterans that served at U-Tapao RTNB, I WOULD love to know that there was a klong (creek) running sort of parallel to the main gate entrance road? I remember entering the gate and to my left was that klong and frequently smell the odor of chemucals. Never paid too much attention to it. I was assigned to 307th AMS as bomb nav sys technician on the B52D bomber for a total of three years from july 1979-july 1972. Then again Nov 1972-Nov 1973. I’ve been suffering for many years from diabetes, Crohn’s, and inflammations of my fingers. Now have been told that I have liver cancer recently detected. I’d like inputs from others history with the VA and how you have managed your claims. Hopefully I’ll have better understanding on how to manage my application through the VA. I’ll research those websites mentioned to inform us on the 500 meter zone coverage.
I contacted the VA over a year ago about a ID card and possible benefits. At that time I was told anyone that served in Thailand during the Vietnam time frame was now considered to have come in contact with AO. Only proof required was any document putting you their. For me a copy of my DD214 showing VSM was all they needed.
For information only! I was stationed with a USAF Communications Detachment at the Chang Mai Airport in 1967 thru 1968. We lived on the economy and rode motorcycles to work. There was a small detachment of Army Trac 97 electronic technicians next door to the Quenset Hut where my electronics was located. There were 2 JUSMAG USAF pilots stationed at Chang Mai flying with the Thai Air Force. There was also a USAF Security Squadron stationed near the airport. Air America was flying out of the Airport into Laos.
I was TDY to U-Tapoa AB Thailand in 1969. I was there when B52 slid off runway and helicopter went down and we were all augmented to assist in clean up. We were all exposed to agent orange but there is no way to substantially it because military records do not support us there or what we were doing. I have multiple medical issues associated with agent orange yet I have been repeatedly denied – my last denial was in 2019 because the US Army and Joint Records cannot concede my exposure to tactical or commercial herbicides even though I have repeatedly claim and provided personal statements to the contrary. Does any one have any advice on how to proceed with yet another appeal.
Stationed with USAF 73/74 at Ramasun Station. Has anyone stationed there filed a claim? If so, any luck?
Served with the 432nd MMS in Udorn from September 1966-67. Worked in the ammo dump…..any buddies out there? Just applied for AO complications….. I have maps and I explained every detail that I could think of… wish me luck!
I was stationed 7 Radio Research Field Station outside of udon. Spent 7 months in country. I am looking for anyone that was stationed there in 1971.I was in the hospital Nong Song Thailand for 5 days and have record of it in my medical record. I want to file for agent orange exposure. would like to get in contact with anyone that was stationed at 7 RRFS
My husband Master sergeant Michael G. McKenzie was at Udorn Thailand in 71-72 and was with the13 th TFS was staff Sergeant then I need to find all I can about how far was he from the flight line( Barricks) his place of work etc. I have a picture of him in front of Jet with four other men, i I have there names and would like to find them also! Mike passed away on August 5th of this yr. from Metastatic cancer which is on the Agent Orange list.hope everyone will get the help you need, we need better congressmen and women who will fight for us!
NKP Feb 70, Feb 71. Worked 23 Tass Flight Line and Battle Damage Hangar where C123 AO aircraft were sometimes repaired. Currently: Diabetes, Neuropathy, Legs and Feet, COPD, An a recent Heart Attack. I have been compensated for the COPD, but the VA has denied my AO claim stating I must prove Boots on the ground in Vietnam as no AO claims for Thailand. My boots on the Ground on a recovery in country has no documentation as it was done under the cover of night to recover a aircraft that had an engine failure. The O2A was cut up and loaded on a C130 back to NKP.
I was deployed to NKP Thailand August 1962 with USN MCB3 to construct the battalion base camp and later to defoliage the jungle and underbrush to construct the airbase 8 miles inland from the Mekong River, out of mortar range. Have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Anyone serving then and undergoing similar, please contact me. Thanks.
I was stationed at Kanchanaburi Army Installation (Signal Detachment), from March 1968 to July 1969. Then at Camp Vayama and Camp Samae San, Sattahip, until I left Thailand in April, 1970. I believe I was in the 379th Signal Battalion while in Sattahip. Could be mixed up on Battalion designation, not sure. Anyone else reading this pleaseet me know on here. Thanks.
I’m looking for anyone who might have worked with my dad Chuck Forbes in Udorn. He was stationed there from Oct 67-Oct 68 as part of 432nd & 7/13AF HQ. He passed away several years ago from heart disease and kidney failure associated with diabetes but now I’m trying to help my mom obtain VA benefits for assisted living. I have to prove that he was exposed to Agent Orange and I’m not sure how to go about doing that.
I’d also like to find out what my dad did while he was there. He never talked much about his time there but my mom remembers him telling her he was never more scared in his life than when he was stationed at Udorn. My dad was a strong person so I’m wondering what happened then/there that would have scared him so much. Thanks to all of you veterans for everything you’ve done and I hope you get the help from the VA that you deserve.
Was stationed at U-Tapao RTNB from 1974-75 with the 307 MMS. Our former Commander, Maj Gerald Stuyvesant,
passed away at the age of 82 on March 1, 2021 in Albuquerque NM. His death was attributed to Agent Orange exposure when he was stationed in South Vietnam. What a shame! He as a fine officer and friend.
gerald
Oh Mr Farmer who said he was at ubon 72-73 time frame. That he personally killed four. I was there in the security forces. During that mortar attack. You are telling a fib sir. I never heard that on be. Ha. Shame on you.
US ARMY Signal Corp 72E/F
1971~1975 assigned in Bangkok worked on the JUSMAG compound in the Telecomunications center COMSEC/CRYPTO transmission and receipt of messages across all Military Commands we were located next to the switch board
I was in the USAF; and served 1,135 consecutive days at Korat, Ubon, & Udorn Thailand and then in Laos. I prepared a 72 page sworn affidavit with 72 pages of proof of HERBICIDE exposure at all the four bases I was assigned. I was first denied by the VA, but quickly GRANTED a VA Disability when the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation required a higher level review. I help veterans that served at Udorn RTAFB by providing them highly detailed official U.S. Government maps at the time, and high resolution aerial photos of the base, both of which I annotate with their specific DUTY Stations. I am active on several closed FaceBook pages; Udorn RTAFB Veterans; Thailand Veterans Herbicide Exposure; Det 1 56 SOW & PreservingOurHistory.
How do I post an official U.S. government map of Udorn RTAFB on this page?
I am currently waiting to have a medical exam in November, having recently submitted an “ intent to file” through my Service Officer.
I was stationed in Korat, Thailand at Camp Friendship from 22 Mar 67 to 7 Mar 68. I was with the 331st Supply Company. I believe I was exposed to AO, and on one occasion went to “sick call” with small blisters on both arms. I was told it was due to working in the dusty supply building. I lost the hair on most of my arms, especially on my wrists for several years.
We lived in hootchs and had wooden sidewalks when I first arrived, but eventually they were replaced with concrete. We had a large latrine/shower room, as well as a company office where the officers and first sergeant had their offices.
I went TDY to Sattihip and other places. I used a 3 day pass to go to Pattyah Beach also during my time in Korat. I also spent much of my free time in the city of Korat.
I believe I have bladder cancer as a result of exposure to AO. I’ve been through treatments and surgeries since July, 2016 and will continue treatments possibly for the rest of my life.
I would like to hear from any veteran who served in Korat and is living with bladder cancer, and from any of the guys that were in the 331st Bluestreak the same time I was.
I loved Thailand and the people, and have no regrets having been stationed there for a year.
To Dan Furches. I was in the 56FMS in 71-72 and 73-74.I was in the Hydraulic shop at that time. Depending in what shop your Father was in I’m sure that I had to run across him in that hangar we worked out of. If there is anything that I can do to help you with. I would be glad to.
To mr. Frank peticca I was in Nkp Thailand 56FMS in the MA SHOP 71-72 NEXT TO YOUR SHOP I KNEW YOU IN TECH.SCHOOL TO.
I was in Takhli in1973 for the grand Nixon deployment to win the war and Udorn in 1973 and 1974. I spent four to six hours a day in Da Nang or Bien Hoa. The VA report turned me down because According to the report, “…just because you stopped by to get gas, it doesn’t mean “boots on the ground.” I think some of the reviewers like to insult and degrade people even though they are seen as ignorant by people who were there and actually served.
Does anyone know how to contact others on this forum ? Just wondering on how to let others contact me. This is a great place to connect with others regarding such topics of locations and illnesses.
I served in Thailand as an ASA Cambodian mission specialist with the 7 Radio Research Field Station Airborne Radio Direction Finding.(ARDF). I was originall stationed at Ramasun Station when arriving in country 1974. ARDF transferred from the Special Ops tarmac at Udorn to Utapao where we then flew Cambodia locating Khmer and Pol Pots transmitters in the invasion of Phnom Penh. During this time I planned flights to transmitter locations in Cambodia until no longer safe to do so. Our aircraft U21 LE and LJ were returned to the States. I remained, returning to Ramasun Station to monitor the radio communications of Pol Pot and the Cambodian Genocide. I did this until returning CONUS on October 1975. I am compensated at 100% Service-Connected for PTSD. Returned on a 30-year non-disclosure for witness to Genocide. The bug in my head. When am I considered in a support to a Hostile Theater. Only recently am I wanting to find if I qualify for in-theater service. I’ve studied the recognized dates. At Utapao the ground support were recognised as combatants. Why shouldn’t I. I was there at the same time. But as I know, Army Security Agency didnt leave Continental United States. I’d like to know if I qualify to be a voting member of the VFW… Salute
Great blog and great info. The 1969 map you found, a great source, lists the UTM coordinates for the facilities, but not in a format I’ve ever seen, two letters and four digits (e.g. TE 5560). Do you know where I can find a conversion algorithm to get the old style into something new digital maps recognize?
Thanks again
looking for anyone that was in 388 transpotation squadron at korat air force base. from oct, 1967 to jan.
1968.if so lets communicate.I need help to substanuate
my working other odd jobs(such as spraying weeds around culverts.Sprayed weeds in off base storage yard and etc. Any type of work other than my assigned AFAC.
Hello,
I was sstationeed at Karot TDY from CCK Taiwan may 74-July 74, I worked flight line for 2 months 24/7 on 130’s, would like to talk with anyone who served at this time.
Thanks
Joel Hoffman, (Nookie)
I was in Takhli 68-69, Hanoi Hanna said the Cong was coming over Dec. 3, 1968 and so myself and others were training along part of the jungle and perimeter of the base and I was set along the flight line during that time. I remember watching them clear the perimeter so my question does the VA recognize Takhli around that time for agent orange area to worry about. I had a heart attack at 31 and then a major one at 49 and my heart doctor claims my problems were because of agent orange. Anyone else remember this time?
How can I contact people who have left a comment?
Hi George,
Unfortunately the rules dictating the contents of comments on Library of Congress blog posts does not allow personal information to be published. You could perhaps try other websites such as veteran groups or chat rooms that allow for two way communication.
I was stationed at RTAFB Nam Phong from June or July, 1972-April 1973. VMFA232 comm/nav/ident. I remember how close the jungle was to the perimeter wire when I first arrived. We slept in canvas roofed hootches with screen windows,before the Sea Bees built the tin roofed hootches, further away from the wire. Several weeks later,we were told by the squadron commander that he had tracked down a few barrels of agent orange at the Air Force base at Udorn. The next day or so, a helo made multiple passes over the vegetation as well as our hootches. I remember how fast everything turned brown and the strong smell that lasted a few days. Within a week, at most, The chain of the dog-tags I’d been wearing constantly since boot, started causing my skin to blister and weep. Since then, I’ve had problems with sun exposure and blistering skin reaction to most metals.
I was in camp friendship may 1966-1967 went with the 20th Ordnance company. From fort Lewis. Washington, The 20th was deactivated in July 66and I was transferr to the 558th Heavy Equipment company.
Stationed in 31st Field Hospital Korat 65-66. Am I eligible for VA benefits?
I was sent TAD to NAM Phong Thailand in 1973. From an air base we were taken by helicopter to a smaller base close to the Mekong. From there we went on missions taking supplies, to where we were told, Cambodia. There we delivered them to Oriental’s that I assumed were Cambodians. I once heard a name for this operation but as a 17-18 yo old kid forgot it.
I was in NKP Dec 69 – Dec 70. Det 25 10th Weather Squadron. I have Bladder cancer, ischemic heart disease plus.
I was stationed at U-Tapao AFB in 1971-1972, spending one month also at UBON AFB in January 1972. I was stationed at the hospital at both bases. I recall 1-2 days where there was a thick chemical fog over the base in U-Tapao; not sure whether this was AO. In 2012, I developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, then prostate cancer and coronary disease requiring a stent in 2020. I applied for AO service connection, but was denied because I was not stationed on the perimeter of the bases. It is hard for me to believe that AO does not potentially blow over the whole base due to wind currents. I contacted my Congresswoman, who unfortunately did not change the outcome of my claim.
8th TFW / Telecommunications / UBON June 1972 – June 1973. I turned 19 over there. Hootch was on the perimeter, as I recall. Some of us rented bungalow downtown as well. I often played trumpet with the band “The Jugglers” at the Sampan Club downtown when I wasn’t working the night shift. I met a lot of you folks as we took requests that ranged from the music of Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, etc. all that time. This site brings back a lot of memories.
I was stationed at korat rtafb 1969-1970 Fire dept do remembered sawnee club my hooch was across the street I got my 100% rating in 2015 it took me 4 yrs I worked with my primary dr and dav to help me I sent pic of agent orange 55 gal drums on base and stated how every day we had to patrol perimeter as part of my duty I have lost all balance,and heart problems, all my nerves are shot hands ,feet, are numb my advice get all info on your bases where you were stationed and then tie your duty to exposed AG and be nice to all drs and secretary who help you it will pay off big
I was stationed at Udorn from 1973-74. L’m now 70 and am getting medical care for the disorders and cancers resulting from all the spraying of chemicals while I was stationed there. Was assigned to 432 AMS. I’m looking for information (maps, what was sprayed, etc.) and seeking contact from my work buddies, James Haley (WI); James Hall, (TX); Ron Oleson (WI); Steve Miller (Boston) and Ivan Huff (ID). We all lived in the NCO barracks across from the mess hall.
I was 1st Cook, 738 Eng, camp friendship. 1964-1965.
Came back with No Health problems. LUCKY!
I was stationed on Hill 272 July 1968 to July 1969. I have high blood pressure and stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and high cholesterol. I have not tried to file with the VA.
Find this document! The Title: Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Base Defense in Thailand.
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA586193.pdf
It gives a base-by-base study as to how defenses were established at every base in Thailand. To qualify for exposure you needed to be within 500 yards of the perimeter. For myself, working on the AC-130’s, it specifically states they were in revetments 300 yards from the perimeter.
Station NKP Thailand 74-75, trying to find out if anyone knows how to get the Security Police daily logs on manning towers and flight line, was augmented to that duty but of course no record of such action.
I’m a granddaughter who’s grandfather served in a recon unit in Udorn, Thailand in 1961. I’m looking for any info about the men he served with, they may have been engineers I’m not sure but they did alot of nuclear testing. I’m from Michigan as well as my grandfather, if anyone has any bit of info for me that would be great, appreciate you for your time.
Stationed at Korat Thailand 1974-1975. Worked F-4D’S WCS looking for anyone on flight line during this time. I was put in hootches when I first arrived. Later moved to barracks next to gunship barracks. Looking for Dave Easley Smitty from Texas and the list goes on. Walt C passed away 2020 from intestinal cancer. I had just gotten back in touch with him. Anyone who can send maps of Korat or have gotten disability from Agent Orange that was stationed there during Siagon evac or Mayaquez please send any info or pictures. I got spayed twice while working nights while working fighter between embankments. Nickname Burned out Bob
Edwardo Perez, Jr asked about the Klong running through Utapao. I was there 1969-1970 as hydraulic mechanic. Coming on base from the main gate, traveling past hooches and Thai O-club on the right, eventually crossing a bridge over the klong (near the chapel). Continuing on, you reach the Airmen’s Club on the left and the NCO club on the right. The cement barracks and the hospital were also in that area. When I first arrived at Utapao in late 1969 the klong had lots of vegetation growing along the banks. By the time I left in 1970 the vegetation was gone. I’m not sure if that klong ran parallel to front gate. I am sure Agent Orange was used at Utapao. Another tour of duty in 1973-76. Since the 1970,s I have had Chronic liver disease, not rated by the VA as due to Agent Orange.
Looking for anyone from 83 84. “Clean up crew” 51st
Looking for anyone who may have served with Jackie Cash USAF, Mechanic Crew Chief 1965-1966 loading and unloading barrels of agent orange and flying spraying missions over nam. Not sure of base, archives claims records are lost. His claims of exposure have repeatedly been denied since 1993. He passed away in 1997. I am working on behalf of his estate as last denial came in 12/2021 claiming no proof of actual Vietnam service even though awarded the Vietnam Service and Campaign ribbons. This also caused his wife not to receive survivor benefits as well. Any help with info on units flying these missions or anyone recognizing his name, or serving during this time flying similar missions please reach out to me. all statements are helpful.
Hello Donald, My name is Pablo Quinones.
I was also at Udorn ,Thailand in 1974 to 75 as a RF-4C crew chief. Found out I have N. I lived and showered on base and had no idea where water came from. Not sure if agent orange services in water. I also have tried to get claim but getting denied. Please confirm if you got answers or got your claim since 2020.
The only way your going to get any claim is thru a n attorney I got hill and pontoon from Florida.
I was at Takhi from July 66 to July 67. I can remember standing at the runway side of our barracks watching F105 take off. One day the foliage at the end of the runways was green the next brown. Those barracks were the last one before you left the base.
Agree with Jack Hart. My husband was at Udorn and died at 48 from massive heart attack. I have been turned down twice for benefits. I know he saw agent Orange there because when he got out he wrote a paper for school about agent orange. I didn’t know what it was back then. Of course it spread around the base.
I was stationed at Ramasun Station from January 1968 to January 1969. I would like to get contact with anyone who was stationed there. I am looking to document the guard duties we had to perform to protect the base when we were under suspected attack. I was an E-4 Air Force (then Sgt) and was responsible for a squad of airman during that period. I have heart disease and have had it for decades. Looks like I was exposed to Agent Orange while there.
I worked in POL @ Utapao from May 1973 to May ’74. First fueling B-52’s on the East side, which meant driving the perimeter road, eating at the East side chow hall, than the West side, filling up our R-5 refueling trucks at the POL Tank Farm, that was next to the perimeter.
I remember the Klong with it’s sickening smell. Not sure where it entered the base but remember it running (or crawling) near the NCO club. Remember the “Klong monster”? 6′ long. I saw it once just before I left. A 3′ body with a 3′ tail. Also for those of you there around that time frame, how about “Pete”?
I filed a claim for diabetes but was denied, because I have no proof that I was at or worked the perimeter. Accept for a couple of pictures taken on the second floor of barracks 2155, I have no proof that I was even stationed there, no orders, no performance reports, no VSM(ended in Jan ’73, even though I refueled B-52’s that were still bombing Laos and Cambodia).
My husband Bob Schoonover (VP-1, served U-Tapao) died of bladder cancer Dec 2020. He recovered from bladder cancer 15 yrs ago, but it recurred in Nov & he died in Dec. He was a star athlete & coached high school track until 4 yrs ago. He never smoked.
I suspect his bladder cancer was caused by exposure to Agent Orange when in Thailand. I will pursue compensation; however, the posts above are not encouraging for a successful outcome. Best of luck to those in pursuit of a fair settlement. Lois
Stationed at Takhli RTAFB 1970-1971. Spent a lot of time at the Military Affliate Radio Station (MARS) which was located in the jungle near the base perimeter. I have heart disease and Parkinson’s. I could sure use a map showing the location of the MARS shack.
I was at Udorn from 1970 – 1971 Civil Engineers
Over the years have suffered and getting worse I would like to hear from others on how they are doing. VA has given me my hearing aids. Glasses but rejects me about AO I know we got sprayed
To Lidia Seitz #300. I was at Udorn in 67. I was a cable splicer and worked the parameter and between runways in the dirt and in trenches/pits. VA acknowledged in my claim I was exposed but denied my issue. I was confirmed 5 or 6 years ago and am confused as to why others are denied exposure who were at Udorn. Parkinson’s has come up in discussion in the last year.
I was stationed at NKP and Udorn back in 70-71. I was a Security Police K9 handler. We walked the perimeter with our dogs every night. They sprayed some kind of Herbicide around the perimeter at NKP and 2 weeks later everything was dead. We walked in it, ate our C rats in it, and at times we slept in it. 20 years later I developed Diabetes and have since gotten Neuropathy of both feet and legs and mild in my fingers, lost all my toes on right foot and some partial loss on left foot. I am considered 90% disabled with UI, so I get all benefits of 100%.
Good luck to those attempting to get benefits. I went through the DAV and they were exceptionally good at helping me get what I deserve.
{Response to: Post No# 8 – D lashay
September 24, 2019 at 10:58 pm
Any one in UDORN around 1971? I am trying to find out what they sprayed the antenna field with to keep the weeds down. Does anyone know or remember how clean the camp was from weeds.}
—- I was stationed at Ramason-7thRRFS-ASA base monitoring & intercepting VC, NVA & CHI-COM units during 70 – 72 (05H MOS) following a stint in Phu Bai, Vietnam. The FLR-9
Antenna (Referred to as ‘The Elephant Cage’ due to its enormous size and thousands of yards around it were emmaculately kept free of any & all vegetation by I suspect was Agent Orange liberal applications from rotar and fixed wing aircraft since sabotage was a constant threat. Not much help I realize, but wanted to add my .02 cents along with offering my greetings to all you comrade Thai Vets. God Bless all of you.
Doug
I’m surprised there is absolutely no discussion on the impact of Agent Orange on the Thai public. The US deployment came home in ’75, but the Thais around the areas of the bases were exposed to it continuously then and since.
It’s time to come clean on this.
Greetings. Thank you for covering this. I was an Army Security Agency Intelligence analyst at both Ramasun and Utapao 1974/75. Our unit was the 7th Radio Research field Station Airborne Radio Direction Finding (ARDF). We flew over Cambodia locating transmitters of the Khmer Rouge during their invasion of Phnom Penh. As a Cambodian mission Specialist, Signals Intelligence Analyst my time in Thailand isn’t considered as a hostile environment even though our mission was in support to the SouthEast Asian theater of War. Through 1975 and Stationed at Ramasun Station I continued to monitor the Khmer Rouge and the Slaughter of innocence.The Genocide.From Ramasun we continued to monitor the events that happened, the Fall of Saigon and the Mayaguez incident. I returned to the States on a 30-year nondisclosure. Couldn’t talk of it. Didn’t happen. I am a complete and totally disabled veteran for this experience. PTSD but Is a Moral Wound. I also survived Brain Surgeries 20-years later. This surgery left me mobility impaired. Since 2000 I have found a great passion. Hiding behind my Video camera I have interviewed over 100 war veterans for the Veterans History Project, Library of Congress.There have been hundreds of project for Veterans and our community. I do this all from my disability income. Spent many years guilty for Genocide. Several weeks in VA Hospitals for Suicidal behavior. Couldn’t talk about the kid I left on a Thai flight line. So with all said ASA was in Thailand. I have been asked to present my Video Play at the Library of Congress this summer. Is a great honor. Salute
I served in the 8th SPS at Ubon Rtafb June 72-73. I know of no four sappers ever being killed by a augmentee. We never used them. I researched found nothing about that so called event. Did not happen.
I was stationed at Korat AFB july67 – july68, I want to know how many people stationed there had thyroid problems later in life.
Thank you
I was stationed in Ubon, Thailand. June ,1965 for 6 months. I was a crew chief on the F-4 Phantom. We deployed to Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam to serve the rest of my tour. I left to go state side in June, 1966. I placed a claim through the VA for hearing loss and type 2 diabetes..The VA denied my claim and said they had no record of my unit ever being in Vietnam…How can that be…My whole squadron , including all our aircraft were there for 6 months…They say I NEVER HAD BOOTS ON THE GROUND in Vietnam…..which is not true at all….I WAS THERE….any helpful hints out there….I need to contact a local VSO here in Florida…
Hi there. I’m looking for anyone who remember working with my dad. His name is Robert Knerler. He was the in Thailand in 1970. I am trying to file claims for benefits for him or get them finished up rather. They are trying to determine where exactly he was and if he went off base. I remember him talking about tents beside the runway. If anyone could help I would appreciate it.
Was stationed Udorn ’74-’75 432 corrosion control painted shit load of F4s n equip all over f/l pulled 30days police augmented, got heart disease, pre diabetic, can’t hear. VA states I gotta prove it, thats its agent orange connected.VA government. Finally got I hope good VA rep. GOOD LUCK TO ALL VETS THAT SERVED VIETNAM n THAILAND.
I served with the 1st signal brigade us army 442nd signal battalion company c . warin thailand east of the ubon air base. we supported lima site 11 in paske laos and were the main relay tropo communications station between vietnam and thailand. the lima site was attacked by rockets in 1971 while i was there. our base was clear of all vegatation, but surrounded by thick forested jungle. this was due to previous agent orange spraying. we also maintained our own perimeter maintenance checking our perimeter and our claymores and trip flares. we had no military police to do this. we were often on red alert and the ubon base had been attacked by sappers who were all killed during the attack. trying to get compensation for agent orange exposure due to having 2 presumptive conditions now.our unit received the republic of vietnam gallantry cross during operations in 1970 1971.
I served @ HHD 9th Logistical Command, in Korat, Thailand Jul 1964-1965. We were not a combat unit, but was exposed to Agent Orange! I only was approved for Agent Orange exposure due to my being able to PROVE to the VA that, on my way to Thailand, our military transport plane landed at Saigon and when I left we were routed on the military plane and landed on Saigon on the way home! Coincidentally on those two landings, we were able to disembark because of plane malfunction and we were allowed to go inside terminal while aircraft was serviced. Your military records show which contracted airlines took you there and return. I do believe being on the ground in Saigon was key to my disabilities being approved at 100%, please don’t give up, sometimes the VA is VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH, remember the squeaky wheel gets grease, DON’T GIVE UP!!!!
I served in Thailand September 1964 to September 1965 as a member of 207th Signal Company achieving the rank of Sp4. I installed /operated Tropo Scatter TRC-90s near Udorn and at Royal Thai Airbase in Udorn. I Visited sites at Khon Kaen, Korat and Bangkok. I was billeted at a small camp near Udorn belonging to a pole linemen company. There DDT and herbicides were deployed in and at the perimeter of this small camp. I incurred Dengue Fever in the first two weeks of being in country. Additionally I had multiple attacks of Dysentery due to poor food storage and preparation. My file disappeared just prior to my departure to the States. To prove my existence I drove from Udorn to Korat headquarters approximately 200 miles in a water truck scheduled for repairs. The team I arrived with had now departed for the States. My departure was further delayed after my personnel file was found due to my civilian flight air restrictions. This was my Thailand deployment.
I was stationed in Korat in 1967 with the 561st. I came to Korat as a PFC from Phu Bie Vietnam and left as a Specialist E-5. I was the Operations Sargent. Anybody remember the building that we built to USASUBTHIA.
Greetings to all. My husband was stationed at Udorn AFB from 1972-1973. He was an Internal Medicine doctor and took care of all Airmen. Does anyone know where the Doctor’s living quarters were or have a map of the base showing the living quarters? He says they were near the perimeter where AO was sprayed. He has always had bronchitis with cough, hypertension, neuropathy and heart disease.
Iwas stationed in Udorn 67-68,diagnosed with blood cancer, July 2021, doctor says could be caused by exposure to Agent Orange, looking for best way to file a claim, any suggestions?
Thailand 1966-68 55th signal korat,379 th camp vayama, hill 272 and hill 50x 29th signal detached as of this date still alive, many others of hill 272 have left us.
October 1973 to October 1974
Air Force Special Service Division Recreation. Made many trips to Bangkok for the Officer and NCO Clubs.
Served at Tahkli Air Base 1965/66. I have had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. I had heart surgery in 2017. I filed a claim with the VA. First they said that AO was not used at Tahkli since 1964, then they said that They never received my medical records( which I sent). In effect they gave me the run- a- round.
I have a question directed to anyone who can offer an answer even if it is of a general nature.
My brother, David Chavira Jr, was a US Air Force communications specialist who served at Udorn AFB from 1969 to 1970. He passed away in 1994.
I asked my brother many times about his experiences while at Udorn. His reply was always that he was required to not discuss his duties.
The only thing he disclosed was that the lives of men depended on how well he performed the duties and responsibilities assigned to him. I know that he was transferred to Clark AFB Medical Center for wounds he sustained purportedly in a bar fight. My brother was the very best brawler I have known so I still find it hard to believe that he would have been badly injured in any kind of brawl.
Several years ago I met a CIA analyst who during our chat told me served at Udorn as an Air Force enlisted man. He smiled and remarked that my brother worked for the CIA, just as he had. When I told him that my brother would not disclose anything this fellow said my brother displayed excellent loyalty and discipline.
My question:
What are the duties my brother most likely carried out?
Would they have been combat or at the base. I know that Udorn was classified as a front line facility.
I want this information for a family history that I am writng.
My family and I would greatly appreciate any information you would be willing to share.
I was stationed at NKP in 1970-71, 1987th Comm. Sq., Ground Radio Equipment Repair.
I have recently been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma.
During my tour, we would get called out to check the sensors located around the perimeter if there was a problem with one of the units.
I’m looking for someone familiar with the sensors, either SPS or Ground Radio, who would be willing to drop me an email with any knowledge of the above.
I understand the rules on this site prohibiting direct contact between vets posting here, however, I belong to several Facebook groups dedicated to vets who served in Thailand, including one specifically for personnel who were based at NKP.
If you belong to any FB groups like the ones I mentioned, please check for my name and contact me.
Thanks.
Stationed at Ubon RTAFB all of 1973 with 8th SPS-K9. As a K9 I was on the perimeter and at the off-base bomb dump and Kennels throughout my assignment there. I have been diagnosed with ischemic heart issues and a number of issues concerning bodily inflammation. I always noticed that the ground between the interior and exterior fence line virtually had little if any vegetation. Clearly. A.O. was in use.
Response to Bob Morgan:
Hi Bob, I also was part of that deployment and was a 462 (bomb loader) at the time. We loaded munitions on F4Ds and pulled 12hr shifts which included arming and recovering the birds at EOR. I remember helping setting up those tents right after we got there including a close call with a king cobra. We eventually got moved into the hooches. What was your AFSC? I was in the 417TFS. I injured my back loading and had to eventually crosstrain into the medics after returning to Holloman. We’re you on the Flying Tiger Airline that set the brakes on fire when we landed hot in Yakota Japan? We had 197 people on board with gear and just cleared the fence at the end of runway leaving Holloman. I’ve taken the AO physical in Houston to get documented, but have not put in any claims yet.
I served in the U.S. Air Force Security Police K-9 at Korat RTAFB from October 1969 to October 1970. About March 1970 a major defoliation of the perimeters of all Thai Air Bases began following the January 13, 1970 sapper attack on Ubon RTAFB. In 2004-2005 conducted research and summited a report on the use of Agent Orange in Thailand to the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee. That report is available at: https://www.thailanddoghandlers.com/_files/ugd/de04ba_2abbdaf9189942e69b25b9c069e9f54a.pdf?index=true.
Also, a report on the defoliation of base perimeters was declassified and is available at CHECO Report.
Anyone searching for fellow Air Force Security Police K-9 veterans that served in Thailand please visit https://www.thailanddoghandlers.com/
The link to the CHECO Report is:
https://www.disabledveterans.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Project-CHECO-Report.pdf
I Michael E Schellerer was a B-52 D crew chief on 0100 and others witch later on ended up in Guam on a pedestal at the entrance to GUAM AFB. also in Thai Land for LINEBACKER II.during that time frame for the Year.
I too am fighting the VA Because of the exposure to Agent Orange. not only did we load it on to the Air Craft down by the Beach end of the runway but our BKS where located not more than 50ft. from the Perimeter fence line. Contrary to the belief of the VA a chain link fence DOSE NOT STOP THE drift of the spray in to the tin BKS with all windows open all the time Needless to say I got Bladder CANCER! long live the memories of the forgoten. God Bless All.
I was stationed at Takhli 3/68 3/69. I was a crew chief on EB 66 ECM aircraft. Does anyone stationed at Takhli remember the bone yard. This is where recovered crashed or DBR aircraft were stored. I on occasion had to cannibalize parts to repair my aircraft. As we all well know how hot it was and on that day the bone yard was stinking to high heaven. The fire fighting foam was made out of animal blood so it was pretty bad and I asked if I wouldn’t be assigned that duty anymore. I remember that the bone yard was next to a fence and possibly dead jungle foliage.Its been a long time since that time and age has made the memory a little foggy. Any recalls would greatly appreciated.
I have had prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and now I believe the latter is a disease from AO. I’ve filed once and was told I need witnesses to back my elavs and work assignment.
God bless to all my USAF brothers that served in Southeast Asia.
Like MIKE I.no.324 I was stationed at Takhli Thailand from Dec.65-66. Like mike the VA said they could not find my records but if they showed up they take another look at my claims, which are many. Looking at an agent orange map I See the drift area cover most of the living area. I think the same thing goes for Korat and the other bases in TAILAND. If you were stationed at Takhli or Korat, you were exposed to agent orange. Go to your congressman or woman and have them go US Bases in Thailand During the v. war and you can and show him where you were living.I am going to my congressman tomorrow. If all our congress persons go to the VA as a group maybe we can get everyone approved!
I was at NKP in 68,69 as a Carpenter we work setting concrete forms for building bridges, everyday we travel through the perimeter road to get to work the dust was unbearable. I have type 2 diabetes, neuropathy, in both legs,tinnitus spinal stenosis. I was with co b 809th engineer bn
I was stationed at Korat RTAB 68/69. Assigned as an
aircrew member on an EC121 ‘Rivet Top’ aircraft. In order to get on mission flying status, I was sent to
Okinawa AB, Japan to go through the altitude chamber and take an EKG. That was my last normal EKG (Bradicardia, Neg T-waves, etc). With the help of a legal team, I was granted 60% disability for Ischemic Heart Disease in July 2008, after numerous denials. Also, have been hit with Inclsion Body Myositis-IBM (diagnosed following two muscle biopsies). Leg and arm muscles are wasting away. VA does not recognize IBM
as an Agent Orange servive connected disability. The
NIH says that on of the possible causes for IBM is contact with a Toxic Substance… I believe the seed for IBM for me was planted 68/69 while stationed at Korat and flying cobat mission in Vietnam. Systoms for
IBM don’t normally show up until after age 50. The VA
has recognized ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease) as Service
Connected, and have noted the similarities with IBM,
but continue to deny IBM as Service Connected. Even
though the VA has not granted SErvice Connection for
IBM, they do assist me in getting the disability essentials needed to help my wife and Primary Caregiver take care of me.
Was stationed on hill 272 1970 1971, I was the mess Sergeant for the 379th ist battalion. Went to U-Tapao airbase weekley for supplies. Are there any maps of Hill 272? And looking for anyone that was stationed during that time.
Does anyone remember the Autovon Switching Compound outside of Korat RTAFB during 70-71? The VA thinks I am making it up on my AO Exposure Claim. Herbicide was sprayed on the perimeter’s fence and we went through the security gate twice a day.
Also us E-4s were housed in open-air hootches
I was in the Marine Corps stationed on MCAS Rose Garden in Nam Phong, Thailand with Task Force Delta from May 28, 1972 to April 14, 1973.
I was stationed in NKP from 1970-1971. If anyone has information pertaining to AO being sprayed within or near Nakhon Phenom (NKP) i would love to hear from you.
AT Phitsonulok dec 68 to dec 69. I was a supply tech 64550 i made bi weekly runs to Takhli to pick up supplies usually a 3 day trip. Picked up all supplies for our site this included drums of chemicals usually leaking. Counted 20 drums on one trip. need any pictures of Phitsonulok perimeter showing the burnt vegitation just dia with prostrate cancer. would like to hear from Robert Fisher or BD Cleeton. Remember playing softball in the field attached to the base.
RE: Entry 212 from Kimberly Smith
I was an ECM Techy in the Deuce SFERICS (ECM Shop), TDY from Davis Monthan AFB (100th SRW) the operators of the 99th SRS birds at U-Tapao, during the Fall of 1973. Our birds flew continuous missions 24/7. We always traveled with lots of classified equipment and personnel (many in civilian clothes) so we always traveled on our own military transport. I don’t think we ever cleared customs etc. like you would if you flew in on World Airways or one of the other civilian transit providers. Our shop truck would pull up to the plane and we downloaded our stuff and proceeded to the well-guarded shop. Someone with more rank and better pay than me always seemed to say the paper work was filed. My DD214 shows SEA duty time and other overseas time but when (after 3 years waiting) I finally got my full records set I could not find orders for several such trips, and I don’t recall if I ever got any officially. Luckily I actually had a hard copy of my travel pay ticket showing the transit route and signed by some ops Officer so I could collect my transit pay. The first time I was denied AO for my various conditions because the records office could not find anything to prove my several such trips on two different assignments. I sent them a copy of the transit pay doc as evidence and they accepted it on appeal. The second time I got the run-around you’ve read in so many other accounts: No evidence of AO use in my area or base during my time there, I was the ‘wrong’ AFSC wasn’t a cop, couldn’t prove perimeter duty, etc. etc. I’m now on the docket for a hearing on that appeal with some fairly compelling photo evidence which I hope I’ll never need. The house bill ‘PACT’ has come back from the Senate and was about to be approved last week (June 16, 2022) but got hung up with some typical funding snafu. They say it will all be cleared up by mid-July and the House is expected to pass it with by-partisan support by Mid-July after the Holiday Recess and send it to the President who has said he’ll sign it straight away. It covers all the toxic burn pit issues for the Gulf Wars and also amends the most recent SEA OA requirements to include all service members during that period in all the associated countries by eliminating those proof of use, perimeter, or date requirements. You can read the legislation by searching “H.R.3967 – Honoring our PACT Act of 2022“ Section 403 covers the AO expansion for SEA VETS. Subsection (b)(2) reads: “ performed in Thailand at any United States or Royal Thai base during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on June 30, 1976, without regard to where on the base the veteran was located or what military job specialty the veteran performed”; If you’ve got any of the many ‘presumptive’ AO conditions it should be an automatic approval if you file a claim.
Hopefully this will cover all of us who are still left ‘standing’, including you Ms. Smith. Wishing you and all of us in this long fought battle, the best.
My brother David Chavira Jr was an Air Force communications specialist who was posted at Udorn from 1969 to 1970. He was a seargent. After his discharge, David was adamant about not disclosing the nature of his duties, citing a written and signed document that prevented him from doing so.
He only disclosed that his duties caused him great stress as how well he did his job could determine whether men lived or died.
From what I have been able to piece together, he either served at one or more listening posts or was in combat. I lean toward the latter because during his posting he had to be medivaced to Clark AFB hospital. Also, he gave me a blowgun that he said “tribesmen” gave him. I now take that to mean Hmong tribesmen.
I request anyone with knowledge of what my brother did please share it with me.
Hello, I am trying to find people who may have known my father, Wayne Harper. He was a check out/run up man for the F-105’s at Tahkli and other places somewhere between 1964-66. He has terminal prostate cancer, mets to the bones, multiple myeloma and Polycythemia Vera (blood disorder). Waiting to hear outcome of his claim.
With H.R. 3967 the Veteran must prove he/she was stationed at a base in Thailand, have a least one AO presumptive condition, and have current medical records filed with the claim to back it up.
I actually never thought we see this overdue justice.
Its sad that we are finally eligible for disability benefits after most of us are gone, and for my condition (Multiple Myeloma) not long to go.
I served in Tahkli Thailand, I have peripheral neuropathy, I have had it for 11 years now, it continues to get worse in my feet and hands. I was turned down by the VA since I was not security in the perimeter. I was told if I was in Vietnam regardless where I would receive full benefits. I was approved for agent orange benefits by the VA Dr who evaluated for my condition. Told I qualified d not to worry, they still refused and said his opinion was just that an opinion and the VA doesn’t have to follow his recommendations
I was at Takhli from Feb 1973 until Mar 1974 as a Jet Engine mechanic and worked at the trim pad. During my annual physical exam with lab work my doctor found I had diabetes and high BP. I started taking my medications and the A1c was not coming down. She asked me if I was in the military during the Vietnam war. I said yes and that’s when we found information about AO at Takhli. She wrote a letter for me that I submitted to the VA and after two years, I started receiving benefits. If it wasn’t for that letter I think I would still be waiting for the VA to approve my claim.
Was TDY with SAC to Utapoa in 1968. Filed a VA claim for A/O exposure with prostate cancer. I was a B52 crew chief. Took 81 months, an appeal, a hearing before a travel judge, 2 buddy letters, a copy of the declassified CHECO report, and a lot of research to get presumed exposure. Don’t give up. EVER!! Thanks for all of the help brothers.
NKP 1966. I have had bladder cancer. 2 Operations. Diabetic. 5 ft 10 170 lbs. Va has denied my diabetes. Commit by VA, there was no agent orange used in NKP. They also refuse to acknowledge i was a mechanic on C123K spray aircraft returning form Vietnam.
I served two Tours of Duty in Thailand as an aircraft weapons specialist. Korat AFB in 1973 and Utapao AFB in 1974.
I volunteered both times believing it was my duty and honor to my country. That, I was defending freedom and those who were
vulnerable and weak. I was diligent, forthright and honest with my
job and believed that, my country and the military would would be
with me.
History: 3 years at Ubon and 6 months at Korat (71-75). Sensor system specialist on AC-130’s Lots of time under the plane on my back and hands. I left the service 12/76. At that time I was seen and diagnosed with Vitiligo. The VA says it’s not possible for Dioxin to cause this skin ailment. For those in the same situation, I will provide three words. Follow the trail:
AGENT ORANGE (TCDD Dioxin)->OXIDATIVE STRESS->VITILIGO
The chemical dioxin causes your own chemical makeup to get scrambled when exposed to it. This is called Oxidative Stress. In turn, Oxidative Stress is shown as the primary cause for VITILIGO to occur.
Find the document CHECO. It’s a declassified document on how every base in Thailand was established from a security perspective. Every base was sprayed. Every one of them. They paid the locals to keep their fields low. On the bases themselves because of trip flares, barbed wire and such, they sprayed because they couldn’t mow. Look up stuff like Ubon RTAFB. You’ll blatantly see NO grass growing anywhere. It was all dead.
Was stationed at Takhli and Korat from Feb, 1970 to April 1972. I have bladder cancer from AO. I worked the avionics ECM shop and flight line on B66, F105, F4,& EC121 Any help would be appreciated.
I was stationed at Tyndall AFB from ’75-’78 as an F-4 mechanic–guaranteed exposure to PFAS on the US base. Pulled secret overseas supporting to CIA air operations out of Korat then Ubon AFB, Thailand doing bombing runs into Laos–numerous episodic exposures to jet fuel, persistent exposure to jet exhaust in the barracks, and regular exposure to Agent Orange. Now diagnosed and being treated for diabetes and multiple myeloma. Nothing on my DD-214 to confirm black ops trips to Korat/Ubon AFB, Thailand or bombing raids over Vietnam/Laos. No idea where to start gathering evidence to help support my claim.
I was with 207th signal company detachment F on Hill 272 near Sattahip Thailand June 1968 to June 1969.I have high blood pressure and stage 3 kidney disease. I have not filed a clame yet, but I saw the new bill passed by the legislature included high blood pressure as a result of being exposed to agent orange.
Hello fellow Veterans @! My name is Reggie. I was stationed at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base from September 69 to September 70. I went TDY to Phitsanoluk Thailand for 2weeks 50 caliber machine gun training. I was stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Base from June 1972 to June 74.I was assigned to NKP 01 Oct 75. Reassigned to Korat 02 Oct 1975 till the U.S
Air Force units closed operations 26 February 76. I was assigned as a Security Policeman at all bases in Thailand . In 2005 or 2010 I received a letter from the VA stating in reference to Agent Orange, At Takhli. Agent Orange was used May 1970. At U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Base, Agent Orange was used July 1973.I hope this helps anyone. God bless
I was stationed at Cam Rahn Bay,Vietnam air base 1969-1970 and Utapao,Thailand 1971. I am now having a lot of digestive issues,I believe that are AO related,but current VA Dr.does not think so.
My late husband William M. Beach was stationed at Korat I think in 1973. He filed for claims in 2016 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He died of multiple cancers in 2020. Today in August 2022 the VA wants evidence in order to acknowledge that he was exposed to AO.
Can I use this blog as apiece of evidence to support his claim?
I am 70 years old now
TO: Michael Smith
My husband was stationed at Ubon RTAF
from 1968 to 1969. He passed 20 years ago and I am still trying to get compensation.
He was NCOIC of Jag claims office.
His name was Tsgt. Robert Plascove.
Did you by any chance know him?
Served at Korat RTAFB from late January 68 til 17 November 68 . Jet engine mechanic on J75 for Thuds F105. Kidney cancer discovered in 2001 Right kidney removed. No additional treatment. Prostate monitor. No VA claim to date.
I was stationed at Phu Mu, Thailand, 207th Signal Company from May 1966-March 1967. I was at Mukdahon Air Force Base a couple of times trying to find parts. That was a small air Base. Their Search Radar was in a tent very near the Mekong River, that is where I spent most of my time while visiting Mukdahon. I have several photos of Phu Mu but none to my knowledge of Mukdahon, a friend of mine may have some photos of Mukdahon. I will check with him.
I will gladly help any veteran or dependent with any information or photos that I have, including any and all my knowledge of my personal experiences with the Herbicides used at Phu Mu freely. Sincerely David
My father SMSGT Gene Rocheleau was stationed at Korat AFB from June 1967 to April 1968. He was the avionics supervisor for the 388th wing for the F-104s. He stayed at the hooches where he spent 10 hours a day. The location of the dwellings were 30 to 60 feet from the perimeter where all brush and greenery had been spayed with agent orange. Dad is still with us but suffers having his prostate removed, neuropathy in the legs, heart problems and other things. He’s applied 3 times for VA disability and 3 times denied. The doctor who removed his prostate had died years back so he could not be interviewed or questioned concerning this matter. My father did 30 years service for his country without a blemish on his record. I’m asking for help in this matter. Why is this happening?
Hello…looking for Mike Duncan (6908 security squadron in ‘74-‘75) who made a post on 11.02.20 regarding AO. I’m the widow of Ernest Whitfield who was stationed at NKP in ‘74…he was a communications specialist eho passed on 11.05.14 at age 62. I would like to discuss AO at NKP if knew/worked with Ernest. Thank you
any one from bang pla thailand 1969 to 1971 have medical issues
I was in the storage section ,635th MMS,CSG, PACAF, at the MSA. I lived in the hootches behind the USO. The use was directly across from the ,’RED HORSE’, heavy equipment AO.
I was there from ,DEC.72 thru SEPT. 73 . I moved from the storage section over to the motor pool in the bomb dump. While in the storage section , myself and others would be in or around the inventory shack on the holding row .
Living in the hootches was really diff. Had some great guys in our hootch . A few of the first names I remember are, TEX, stephen, and burt , and denis . If you were there and remember AIC Bennett , send me an e-mail
I was stationed at Ubon RTAFB ’71-’72, and was a flight facilities officer in the GCA. I know we were exposed to Agent Orange several times. I have filed with the VAMC, had an interview, and was told my squamous cell carcinoma was “not on the list”. I hear all of you who have served and are not getting satisfaction for compensation/treatment for related Agent Orange conditions.
Was in ubon 1968 497th tac f4 crew chief tail #823
Any body from 325th signal bat. bang pla thailand
I was looking for anyone assigned to Udorn 432nd, 14th TRS between 1/1971-1/1972. I applied to AO for metastatic cancer, which is a presumptive illness. My request has been at the Board of Veterans Appeals since 9/17/2019 with 48,444 appeals ahead of me as of 11/06/2022.
I did not find anyone I knew on this listing, but I came across Jackie McKenzie who wanted to get certain info about her husband’s locations on base. First, I want to express my sympathy for your loss. I had orders to report to the 13th TFS but ended up at the 14th TRS, across the road. If he was assigned to a PPIF, he was at the end of the flight line which was very close to the perimeter at the very end of the base (runway 12 across from the Weapons Arm & Dis-Arm dump. I also was a staff sergeant and we lived in the airmen barracks at the front of the base. By the way, there was a lot of complaints about the barracks area. There was no vegetation, a lot of red clay that indicated all the trees and bushes had been removed.
I was stationed at Takhli in 1970and was there when they closed the base only to be reopened later…not sure of that date. During my time there I was an aircraft electrician on the F-105 and EB-66. We had 2 men from the elect. shop that we’re run down off base by a dump truck. One of the men survived but was severely injured and the other man was killed. I’m pretty sure his name was Dick Rose but they can’t seem to find record of the incident. I, with 2 other guys from the shop had to identify the body so can’t understand why they can’t find anything in the records.
I have had much trouble with skin cancer that I believe is a result of exposure to AO. I was also stationed at Korat in 1972-73. I believe they have concluded all of us had exposure to AO no matter where we were stationed but they are in denial the AO is responsible for all three types of skin cancer I have. Anyone else have any info or can help me with the death of Mr. Rose? Thanks for your help and of course, thanks for your service!
I was stationed at NKP in Northeast Thailand on the boarder with Laos. And then in Korat,Thailand at Camp Friendship, with the 12 M.P.(CID). I have developed Myasthenia Gravis,( 6 years now).My Nuerologist and a MG specialist feel that it is caused by AO.They have contacted the VA numerous times,regarding the high rates of MG cases among people who served in Thailand and Vietnam.The VA has denied me regarding AO. I also have diabetes now. AO is killing us slowly from the inside.
Message for Karen Whitfield who posted on September 12, 2022 at 6:04 pm
I was at 6908 Security Squadron NKP July 1974 to June 1975 and made a successful disability claim for Agent Orange (Parkinsons and Type 2 Diabetes) and PTSD. I don’t remember your husband but I still might be helpful. I was a North Vietnamese interpreter with USAF/NSA. —David Sorensen
Message for Mike Duncan –
I have successfully filed for service related disability due to agent orange exposure while I was with the 6908 security squadron at NKP Thailand July 74 to June 75. I have some information that should open the door wide for you. Please contact me.
— David Sorensen
I have a question for any officer veteran stationed near Sattahip in the late 1960s.
The restaurant I run today was formerly part of a joint officers accommodation facility. Location is on the beach at Bangsaray Sare (also spelled Bang Saray). The club house building is still intact and pretty much original, although the barracks block is long gone.
I cannot find any reference to this place on the maps published here. Bang Sare is roughly half way between Sattahip Port and Pattaya Beach.
The building now used for my restaurant was built in 1966. I know some history of it from locals and a few US VFW visitors, but I would be interested in anyone who remembers visiting this place back in the day.
I am writing for my father, Ken Hamlin. He was stationed in Thailand RTAFB but not sure where. 1996-67, I think. Just curious if anyone remembers him. I was born after he came home to Tallahassee, FL so never knew him before his deployment obviously but apparently he came back with some issues that he didn’t have before. Not sure what happened over there but it has effected him for a lifetime, apparently. Anyone remember Kenneth Hamlin?
MCAS RoseGarden Vets: Gary Mcevilla, Eldon Toncrey, Paul S Smith, Chandler Nelm, JC Smith, and Paul D Kaisar
If you haven’t found the RoseGarden website, I encourage you to. Simply google “namphong.com” and take a stroll down memory lane. You’ll find pictures, history and a roster of many who served. With credentials, you’ll be invited to join.
I was at the RoseGarden appx May 72 to Jan 73: aka The C Rations Era and would love to connect with any of you. I finally caught up with our Rosegarden group about a year ago and attended my first reunion in May of 2022. Nobody else in attendance had been at Nam Phong before there were hutches and hot meals. But they were a great group and I’m grateful for the few days I got to spend with them and hear their stories. I believe there’s another reunion in the works for 2024.
My only AO disability is diabetes. It wasn’t diagnosed till 2009, tho while I was still active duty different doctors mentioned they were sure I had it.
We are attempting to research the flight routes taken by Air Force personnel who were stationed at Udorn AFB in the Vietnam War (1968-1972). Some eyewitness accounts have suggested the AF soldiers were flown by commercial jet from Travis AFB to a base in Saigon.
The soldiers got off the plane (deplaned), and walked on the tarmac. Then, the soldiers were checked in with the command headquarters in Saigon, and they were subsequently flown by separate transport to the Udorn AFB.
The eyewitness accounts also claim this was the “standard route” to the air bases in Thailand.
If this statement were true, then AF soldiers who were on those planes would meet the “boots on the ground” test, which is the defining test for the Nehmer class members.
And the discussion of whether the soldiers were exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand would be unnecessary, since the VA already has agreed that if a soldier met the “boots on the ground” test (i.e., by standing on soil in Vietnam), then they were automatically exposed to Agent Orange.
Any records on the flight routes would be helpful.
Response to Charles Ernest Hill 12/20/22. I was stationed at Udorn (USAF)in 1967-68. We flew out of Travis AFB in June 1967 and eventually landed in Bangkok, Thaailand for transport to Udorn. I don’t remember landing in Vietnam. I’m sure that the flight plans weren’t all the same though.
Message for David Sorensen regarding NKP posting 9.12.22… on 12.08.22, you requested me to contact you…how can I reach you? Thank you
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB in 72/73 and after 11 years of battling the VA I have been granted 100% disabled due to diabetes and severe poly neuropathy.
The PACT passed late last year by Congress should make it much easier to get claims adjudicated faster with less bullshit from the VA. Best of luck to all Vets who are suffering the ravages of AO.
I was stationed at Ramasun Station in the 6924 Scty Sq from Dec 74 to Mar 76. I am receiving 40% disability for prostate cancer and diabetes type II from Agent Orange exposure. I am currently appealing the denial of a claim for hypertension and have a claim for stage 3 kidney disease as secondary to the diabetes type II pending.
I was stationed at Korat RTAFB from 6/2/67 to 6/2/68. It took me a number of years and appeals, but I finally received a rating of 100% for Prostate, bladder Cancer, & Tinnitus. Do ever give up, keep fighting, Good Luck
i was tdy between jan to mar from cck to takhli 374th supply sq trying to find a way to prove my presence because tdy records arent kept i was told
I entered service In 1966 and was stationed at 3 PACAF USAF locations as an Airman. Was stationed with the 355 Field Maintenance Sq at Takhli Thailand from 24 Nov 1966 to 23 Nov 1966 as an Aircraft Fuel System Repairman. Takhli Thailand is the only location the Va has been able to find in the records as I was stationed there and have been denied service connection. Was sent TDY from both other assigned locations flying as a aircrew member to locations in Thailand as well as Rep of S Vietnam. (TDY Supporting the Airlift mission in SVN while I was stationed at Okinawa). Sent another request for reconsideration in 2022, it takes months awaiting that response.Problem is I do not have copies of TDY orders from 50 years ago. If anyone out there recognizes my name please reply maybe you can help with buddy statement or have photograph of me in Thailand or Tan SonNhut ( I supported the UC-123 repairs of returned aircraft). Am 6 foot 3 inch Af American. I am not well and my partner is the one working my concerns and posting this for-me. Does anyone know when the AO spraying of perimeter started in Thailand? was it in 1965 or 1966?And how can I get a copy of that documentation. In case i need to do a subsequent reconsideration. Thanks for starting this blog!
I was at Camp Samae San, Sattahip. 379th signal battalion in Nov 1970 to Nov 1971. It was changed over to USSTRATCOM I think late 1971.
I was a t-28 crew chief at udorn 1967-1968.I spent several months in civilian dress & ID at Vientiane Laos supporting missions over Ho Chi Minh trail.If anyone that was there is still around,I would like to speak with them. I,m 90% disabled & will help any way I can.
My name is Chris Gaines,I was in the Seabees MCB-5 1971-75.I helped build Nam Phong base for the Marines “The Rose Garden”. I’ve been sick ever since, skin issues, Parkinson, 29 orthopedic surgeries almost every joint, gut issues etc… It’s been a good run, proud to have served with you Marines.
Stationed at Ubon RTAFB 69/70 …ECM repairman …was there during the Jan 1970 sapper attack…I have developed Ischemic Heart trouble, High Blood Pressure and CLL Leukemia ..have been denied AO claim …filled a supplemental claim after the PACT Act Passed into law….just waiting now…
Stationed at Ubon 3/71 – 3/72. 8th Security Police Squadron. First in perimeter towers, then bunkers , mobile and control desk. Suffered from horrible neuropathy in legs since 1990’s but civilian doctors not I ever considered AO. CLL cancer diagnosed 2017. Was lucky. Made 100% disabled in 36 days. Been on chemotherapy ever since. Even cancelled my C & P appt. Since had constant health issues including quadruple bypass and skin issues.
I served at Korat Thailand from November 1965-November 1966 as a Weapons Technician on the F-105’s. Been fighting the VA over illnesses they claim were not service related for over 15 years even though there is documented evidence proving otherwise. The VA should be ashamed for the poor service they provide the veterans and also for working so hard to deny us these disability entitlements.
And yet no mention of any submarines in the War Zone despite sailors having been awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze star.
Hmm – still classified?
Unfortunately, VA will not accept award of the Medal as proof of service within the coordinates outlined for Medal Criteria.
hope this goes to Jerry Kinard. I also was at utapao on tdy’s in 66′ 67′ 68′ as ground crew aboard k.c. 135. have filed for AO exposure. Have photos of hutches we stayed in but va claims they could be from any base. as stated AF does not retain any tdy records. have fingers crossed but at 75 believe my time running out.
My late husband was in Udorn Thailand in1968-1969. He passed away in 2020 of lung cancer. VA denied my DIC claim (no boot on the Vietnam land and no evidence of herbicides during duties). In January 2023 I received a letter from VA that encourage me to submit a supplement claim because in August 2022 was signed PACT ACT and now a lot of people may be eligible for benefits and need to do it to reevaluate cases. I hope it will help.
To David Sorensen and Karen Whitfield,
I would like to get in touch with you both. How can we do that?
I served at Udorn in 68-69 on flightline as an instrument technician . I have no idea if I was exposed to Agent Orange during that time. They were always spraying something.
I was stationed at the 7th RRFS, 05H, June 71 to Jun 73 did two tours there. I just received a VA letter dated Feb 6, 2023 that states “If you were previously denied for disability compensation benefits, you may now be eligible and are encouraged to apply if you performed covered service in the following locations during the specified timeframes: Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base during the period beginning Jan 9, 1962 and ending June 30, 1976, regardless of where on the base you were located or what specialty you performed. Laos during the period beginning Dec1, 1965 and ending Sept 30, 1969. Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province, during the period beginning April 16, 1969, ending April 30, 1969. Hope everybody else received this letter. We finally have the government say we were exposed to Agent Orange.
Need some advice from vets who were stationed at Korat in 1973. Under the PACT Act I qualify for some benefits since I have medical issues listed with the PACT, Agent Orange. I’m having difficulty proving I was at Korat at that time. I was based at Dyess AFB, Tx, then deployed to CCK Taiwan. A few of us were again further deployed to Korat to fly classified “Trumph” missions piloting C130s along the Ho Chi Minh trail. Our official orders ended at CCK and while I have official flying time records (Form 5) of those missions it does not show location. I simply can’t produce a record of my being there due to the classified mission at that time. I am able to get a “Buddy Letter” from a fellow crewmember, but I’m told that may not hold too much weight with the VA. Anybody else have this problem? Any successful resolution? Thanks.
I recently read, perhaps in an American Legion magazine that USAF vets now may qualify for exposure to AO, leading to Parkinson’s disease in later life, I was denied in 2020, but should I file again?
To John Wild. As I read the new PACT act, Parkinson’s is on the list of presumed conditions. Most bases in Thailand are now included in the Agent Orange exposure if you were there anytime thru June 1976. In my case I have a medical condition that was previously denied but is now been added to the presumed conditions, and I have been encouraged by my local VA office to refile. In my opinion you should refile. All the best to you. Terry
US Army, Camp Samae San; 1969-1970. Located about mid point between U-Tapao AFB and the Sattahip deep water port. I would appreciate camp maps and info of this camp, if any is available.
I served at Udorn RTAFB October 14, 1973 thru August 25, 1974
I served as a Marine in Nam Phong Thailand on a RTAFB in 1973-1974 but got a letter saying that there is no record of me serving there in Thailand, my question where can I get records to see where they have me stationed at.
My Dad, Jim Diebolt, was stationed in Thailand from March 27, 1970 to March 15, 1971. He died of nonsmall cell lung cancer at the age of 51. I was hoping to find someone who might have been stationed with him. The only information I have from his personnel files is the Detachment #, his “Current Duty: Special Electronics”, and his commander was James W. Clutter. Any information you might have would be AMAZINGLY helpful!
My Dad, Jim Diebolt, was stationed in Thailand from March 27, 1970 to March 15, 1971. He retired from the Air Force and died less then a decade later of lung cancer at the age of 51. I was hoping someone might recognize my Dad’s name and can tell me where he was stationed exactly. My Dad saved all of his personnel files. But, all I have is his detachment number and his commanding officers name. His “current duty” was listed at “Special Electronics”. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
I served in the 7th Radio Research Field Station – Udorn, Thailand (ASA) 1974
Served at Camp Charn Sinthope, Thailand from September 1964 to September 1965 with 809th Engineers, in construction of Bangkok Bypass Road. Was Battalion photographer and worked four months with Survey Crew in clouds of dust ten hours a day. I often wondered why there was no vegetation in or near the camp or road right of way. Research reveals that the US Army and Royal Thai Army conducted a test AO program from April, 1963 thru June 1966 for defoliation of jungle vegetation. I suffer from an undiagnosed skin condition with hundreds of lesions, but have always suspected exposure to AO. Hope someone from the 809th chimes in. Thanks.
My dad Jack Livingston was in ordinance and logistics with the CIA. We lived in Bangkok but he was assigned to either Udorn or Takli for two of three years we were there 1973-1976. He lived on the base during the week and traveled home to Bangkok for the weekends to be with us. We went to visit him on base a couple times. My dad developed Parkinsons, skin cancer, type 2 diabetes. He passed away in 2016. Don’t know if anything applies for CIA personnel?
I served at Udorn 69-70.. the use of herbicides around the base perimeter and also on every significant place on the base.. I pulled augmentee duty on 75Ft towers, runways security and gate entrances all were heavily sprayed.. I encourage all veterans who served in Thailand to get screened and apply for benefits, under the PACT act as soon as possible.
Since most bases in Thailand were closed around June 1976, that means almost ALL US military personnel in Thailand may have been exposed to Agent Orange. I personally feel that since Agent Orange was used extensively during the Vietnam War, anyone serving in Thailand up until June 1976, should also be recognized as Vietnam War veterans and be awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Service in Southeast Asia should have no time limits, especially if service personnel were exposed to Agent Orange in the performance of their military service!!!!
Thank You
Larry J Haynie
I served in Thailand in 1973 for 2 months at Karat, I was a aircraft hydrolic repairman from 1970-1974 repairing aircraft returning from Asia every day I worked.
I have had health issues most of my life and have applied benefits with the VA but been mostly denied.
Help
Joel Hoffman
i went tdy to takhli ab in 73 from cck ab taiwan anyone that did the same please reply also remember Ben Pandes from culver city ca
Currently, I am considered fully disabled due to back injuries suffered while I was stationed at Ubon (3yrs) and Korat (6mo) from 71-75. I was responsible for the AC-130 FLIR system (Spectre). A considerable amount of my time was spent under the aircraft installing and removing the large cowling that surrounded the FLIR ‘ball’. My vitiligo started as a small teardrop spot in the corner of my eye in 1977. Today, my hands, forearms, neck, face and scalp have little pigmentation left. These along with other areas of my body were affected, but primarily those areas that are always in direct sunlight and in direct contact with the elements (ground, rain, wind, dust from aircraft propellers). I filed an appeal that was denied. I contested that appeal and as of August ’23, I will be awarded 10% disability. Finally! An admission of fault! For those of you in the same position as me, documentation to contest or to file can be easily found on the web. There are two parts to the equation. I’ll explain. Part 1: Dioxin (TCDD) causes “Oxidative Stress” to the body. Part 2: In more than 70% of cases related to vitiligo the primary cause was…Oxidative Stress. TCDD>Oxidative Stress. Oxidative Stress>Vitiligo. A equals B, B equals C. Therefore A equals C. Hope this helps someone else.
I am almost 81 years old and was at NKP Thailand in 74-75. I paid to bring my wife to be with me as this was an unaccompied tour. I’m not sure why I got to researching AO (may have been to do with a podcast I watched. Ihave all sorts of aliments that very well may be linked to AO. Just tonight I found that my wifes AFIB and Thyroid problems are also due likely to her being with me at NKP. Today I am getting a VA rep to help me file an AO disability lawsuit against the U.S. government.
Veterans that served at Korat RAFB, Thailand in 1967 ti 1968, suffering from agent orange exposure.
I served as a B-52, KC-135 Pneudraulic Tech at U-Tapau Thailand and Guam 1972-1773. I read where the VA just added those countries to the Agent Orange issue. I was scheduled for and had an appointment about my symptoms but the Nurses Assistant indicated to me she thought I didn’t have a case. My feet/toes burn or fell like they are on ice and I have been and continue to be treated for Neuropathy down my left leg for the past 20 years. I guess before that I just never paid attention to any symptoms I may have had since I got out. Kind of sucks as I am over 70 years old now and I believe the VA will wait until I am dead to give me any response.
I was stationed at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai air Force base from June 1971 to June 1972 and just found out about agent orange having been used while I was there. I have tremors and they get steadily worse. VA has done tests including and say it’s old age. No one in my family ever has had them but me.
Stationed at Korat 74′-75′. Survival Equipment (388th FMS). Thanks to a XO I spent several months as a Augmentee with our S.P’s off and on during my time there. Thirty days a pop. Spent many a night on the outskirts of our base. Back in the World late Oct. 75′
I can’t find my TDY orders from CCK, Taiwan to Royal Air Force Korat in Spring to Summer of 1974
I was in Camp Friendship in Oct 1965. My second or third day I was sprayed by Agent Orange going to the latrine. I only had on my towel carrying my ditty kit. I was soaked. I went to the shower and washed. I could not get it all off. I was sprayed many days again in the same area!!
I served from April to late September in 1973 at Tahkli RAFB.. I’m the only survivor from my maintenance and transportation squadron. Most passed early from heart pro cancer. I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet, ankles and back. My ankles swell beyond recognition. VA dr approved me for 100% disability only to be overturned by VA…
i was stationed at ubon 1970. ran the jammer shop. bomb loaders. have diabetes from expose from agent orange .lost two friends that worked for me there already from that
Does anyone know or remember an ASA guy by the nick name of “Sweed”, tall guy he was in my unit. Trying to fill out paperwork for Agent Orange and cant seem to remember the name of the base we were at. There were a total of 14 ASA service members, 12 were with the ASA and my budy and I served as the radio oprators along the Thailand border. Thanks for any help that you can provide.
Stationed at Ko Kha, South of Lampang in 73,74. Perimeter was sprayed to keep a clear view. Never thought much of it and I am the type of person not to go to the doctor. In 2017, I was told I had diabetes, high blood pressure and AFIB. Not sure how long had these issues.Been medicated for it ever since.
I was with the 538th engineers company C located 81 km south west of KORAT on route 304. We had agent orange barrels in our company area. I have a photo of them. I NOW have been declared agent orange status by the VA. My Health is not good. I would like to find more information. I want to know exactly where our company was. What are the GPS coordinates? I can’t find them anywhere I have tried for years.
Worked with Seabees outside perimeter at the Nam Phong Marine base for Task Force Delta, Aug-Sept ‘72. Now with a rare thyroid cancer, apparently incurable.☮️
Hey everyone! My grandaddy served and was stationed in Thailand I believe. I found some old pictures of him and a few others, as well as other pictures of small villages, kids at school, the land, etc. He was honorably discharged in 71, sadly my beloved granddaddy passed less than two weeks ago. He suffered from many health issues due to agent orange, severely. He had copd, prostate cancer that had gotten so bad it spread to his bones, severe diabetes, heart problems, constant/chronic pain and more. VA was no help in any compensation for him period. Mainly due to the fact of a fire that wiped out the building that held military records (possibly in Missouri many many years ago…I have info on it somewhere, I may be incorrect on that location…I’d have to check and look thru the info I’ve accumulated or ran across to be sure). Without certain things/documents to “prove” he was in fact there and exposed at the level he was, there was nothing they could do. I would love to find someone who served with/stationed with my grandaddy! I have a picture of two guys looking over a 150 ft drop off/slide …on the back of the picture he had wrote ” this is Big Daddy and ____ ( I can’t make out the name…S_ _ _ son…that’s all I can make out) looking down over the 150 ft drop from……..” I would love to figure out who these two are, for him to keep pictures of them all these years, I know they had to mean right much to him. These two guys are the only ones he actually named on the back of the pictures. His buddies I guess. Plus I’d just love to hear and learn more about his time there, here some stories etc. If anyone has any info regarding who these two guys are, please please contact me.
I was stationed in Takhli Thailand 1966-67 and worked RPC repairable processing center on the flight line, picking up aircraft RB 66 and F105 electronic equipment and moving them to the applicable repair shops for repair or red tag.
I’ve had a stint heart impacement procedure done 20 years ago my age at that time was 51.
Am I eligible for this V.A assistance? Edward Norton
I was stationed at KORAT Royal Thai Air Force Base 74-75. I was not aware that I was exposed to agent orange for almost 40 years later. I worked on the perimeter And flightline to include the vegetated area between the float line, and the fencing as a security policeman. I read that this Base is part of the agent orange compensation, but the person helping me file – wanted to know if there was a C123 aircraft station at my base. Can anybody help me determine that because that was the aircraft they used to deploy agent orange.
MP. Camp Samae San 1975
I was an Army MP in Bangkok in 1972 patrolled all of bases and still trying to get help for my illness as they keep saying.. I was NOT in a war zone!
My husband Jerome (Jerry) Shiverdecker served in the US Air Force in Udorn 1970-1971. He was assigned to 432 TAC RECON WG. He was diagnosed with MDS – blood cancer, which is pre leukemia, on December 5, 2021 and died January 25, 2022. It wasn’t until after I received his biopsy report that I started questioning how why he got MDS. Started my research and linked it to agent Orange exposure. I contacted service officer who filed the paperwork for me. I had everything, death certificate, dd 214’s, and research papers. They’ve admitted he was exposed but I have to prove agent orange caused MDS. I’ve pulled articles sent doctors letter and included biopsy report. I’m now waiting to hear back. What I don’t understand is how leukemia is presumed and MDS isn’t. They are both blood cancers with no cure!
Crew chief ov10s NKP!
i was tdy to takhli from cck taiwan i was in supply i remember one friend ben pandes i have suffered from diabetes, glaucoma and a host of other unpleasant ailments the va denied my claim because they couldnt or didnt verify my deployment
I served at NKP, Thai. fm. 1969 into 1970. I only recently learned that I was exposed to Agent Orange at that time. I recently had an appt. at the local VA where I asked how should I apply. I was given a Pneumonia shot and told to persue the matter with my family doctor. I have completed my part of a VA Form 21-2560, and will ask my doctor to complete the “attending physican” portion and send it to the Intake Center” in WI. I’am 81 yr. old and wonder if I’ll hear b4 I kick the bucket!
In addition to my earlier comment, I have to use my US passport to prove I was in Thailand, due to the fact that my DD214 only shows time frames and not locations. This is due to the fire in St. Louis that destroyed parts of thousands of records.
I was stationed at U-Tapo from August 1971- July 1972. I worked 12 hour shifts six days a week in the post office. I worked in the registered mail cage and took the registered mail to the flight line daily to fly back to the states. My wife joined me for nine months while stationed at U-Tapo. We lived in Pattaya Beach in a compound called The Arbor. She did volunteer work at the dental clinic and taught GED courses on base. We rode to and from the base with a medic named Dick that worked at the hospital. When we couldn’t ride with Dick we rode the bus which was always an adventure. I was surprised to find out a couple of weeks ago that we were exposed to agent orange. This may explain some of the medical problems we’ve had over the years. We traveled all over Thailand and even went to Laos, Cambodia and Hong Kong while there. Would like to hear from anyone that worked in the post office during 1971-72.
If you have documents that have an APO San Francisco 96330 on them that should be proof that you were assigned to U-Tapo Air Field. Each southeast Asian base during the Viet Nam war had a different APO number assigned to it for mail purposes. Your assignment orders should include an APO number.
My father passed away in 2018 or 2019. His name was Paul Greer. He was stationed in Guam around 1971 and I was born on the island of Guam at the AF Base. My father was a mechanic on planes. He had died of cancer, it was all in his body. He had also heart disease, diabetes, he had many issues as well. I often wondered if his exposure affected my body because ‘ahem’ I was conceived on the island of Guam and have health issues as well as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, all diagnosed by medical professionals. Since I was born on the island of Guam, and my father was away in Thailand it has crossed my mind. I do not yet know the exact details of how long he was there, but I am working on finding that out. He was just over 70 when he died after his long illness. He also had many joint issues that later caused him multiple surgeries as well as disabled him. My mother and he divorced in 1978 or 1979 and I didn’t learn much about who he was or where he was when I was born. Since it is now 50+ years, I hope to be able to find more information about him.
Has anyone heard of Agent Orange Exposure affecting the ‘next generation’ or my generation (GenX?) Thanks for any information you may have.
To Kimberly Smith – I was at U-Tapao July 1971 – July 1972 and worked in the post office located near the flight line. One of the U-2 pilots told me when they were going to take off and land so I could watch them. I had access to the flight line since I delivered registered mail to a secured building daily. I watched U-2s take off and land several times. On take-off the U-2 would go down the runway a few hundred yards and turn straight up and go out of sight. The pilot said they climbed to 60,000 ft. before leveling off. The U-2 did not have a tripod landing gear so when landing an airman would run along beside each wing when it slowed down and snap a wheel to the wing and then walk the U-2 back to the hanger. For me that was fun to watch.
I was stationed @Utapao,Thailand 1971-1972….. Exposure to Agent Orange AND sequela of health problems. Denied by VA
I served with 3rd Marine Expeditionary in Udorn in 1962 VA still says I have to show proof that I was there.
I served in the 6924 Scty Sq, Ramasun Station, Thailand from Dec 75 to Mar 76 during the end of the Vietnam War. Our base was operated by the Army (Army Security Agency) with Air Force and Navy tenant units. We were exposed to Agent Orange used to defoliate the grounds around our antenna field and operations compound. I currently receive 60% V.A. disability from diseases caused by this exposure to AO with more pending and also 60% in Combat Related Special Compensation from the USAF based on those disabilities. I have 20% for diabetes type II, 20% for the after effects of successful prostate cancer surgery, 30% for stage 3 kidney disease secondary to diabetes type 2 and service connected 0% for hypertension. I have claims pending for left ventricular hypertrophy as secondary to hypertension and bilateral foot peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes type II.
I arrive at Ubon Dec 69 left Dec 70 25TFS I saw frist hand the agent orange barrals and also the C 123 aircraft with the orange band There we no growth around the fence line. The male K9 dogs had contacted cancer in their male parts. 2011 i had breast cancer and file a claim it was denied Not on the list. 2015 Stage 4 bladder and postate cancer stage 2 both removed. A lot of Chemo in remission. This month i filed a claim.
My husband had 6 different kinds of cancer one kidney removed, the othe partial kidney, rare eye cancer, prostate, esophageal, stomach etc. His death was horrible with feeding tubes, oxygen, catherer.
He also had full insulin dependent, RA probably related to his bursitis in the 20 year career. Said he never remembered his children growing up. Just a few days before he passed the VA told me he was one hell of a guy. He then went on he was CIA starting with the 1198th out of Norton 1965. He was 10 years back and forth 30 days, 60 day a year at a time. His career field was fronzen but critical so rarely got promoted. Loads of nice letters saying how he did an outstanding doing something outside of his career field. No date no location. Viet Cong offered him ears for sale $5 a pair I found adter he passed. He never one told me one thing took it all to his grave. VA never offered benefits, he had me call about going to their a few days before he passed but they never returned the call. He passed at home. God Bless all you guys and may God be with you.
Wife of Tsgt Ret George A Shearer
I SERVED APRIL 69 TO FEB 1970 WITH THE 8TH FIGHTER SQUADRON IN ADMIN ON THE FLIGHT CLOSE TO WHERE THE F-4S WERE PARKED AND CLOSE TO THE THAI AIRFORCE PROPELLER AIRPLANES
I served in takhli thailand in 1966 to 1967 as a crew chief on eb 66 I have diabetis are there new claims out there now
I was deployed from Yokota AB, Japan to Korat AB, Thailand in Aug 1964 with a squadron of F105 aircraft. In 1965 I was deployed again from Yokota AB to Takhli AB, Thailand with a squadron of F105s.
I served in 635 MMS as line delivery driver from January 1968 Until January 1969. I still remember seeing three three Caribou aircraft spraying up north of the bomb dump. Of course we didn’t know what they were spraying.
I was with the 809th Construction Engineering Battalion, stationed at Camp Charn Sinthope from March 1963 to January 1964. We were tasked with building the oddly named Bangkok Bypass highway, perpetually behind schedule and over budget. Many shortcuts were taken to overcome the monsoon washouts.
Anyone have any experience with xm 41gravel mines. They were stored and dispersed from, NKP Nakhon Phanon, Udorn, and Ubon this was in the late 60’s. Part of McNamar’s “line”. Thanks.
I served with the 538th Eng Bn Co D From 69 to 71. I was stationed at Camp Sami San right next to U-Tapao Air Force Base. I’d like to know what happened to them after we all left Thailand.
Ubon 70-71 Refiled VA claim under the PACT Act granted 30% disability for an acoustic neuroma, 10% disability for right ear deafness (bilateral hearing loss), refiled for skin cancers after 3 denials — waiting 4 months for a ruling under the PACT Act, 10% disability for tinnitus . I have a 50% disability rating —but under the VA”s math only get a 40% disability payment. Don’t give up the government owes us for lying about AO for 50 years
II was stationed at NKP Thailand and a member of the 56th security Police Sq. Sgt Ford was my room mate in t1974-1975 ! I worked in the armory and issued all weapons and ammo. Later word can of one
Helicopter had gone down and was surrounded by Vietnamese and was told stand by to go for recovery of the crash site ! That’s when I found out that sgt Ford was on that accident! And my life changed forever! He told me I join to help his sister in college! , when they came to pick up bis personal belongings my life is still a a hard
Remembers and pain Rest In peace
My friend and member of the 56th security Police Force
Have copies of your TDY orders? Sometimes VA pays your family after you die if they make claim. My mom filed after my dad’s death for mustard gas. They paid 14K in 1997, but not before that. Not sure if they would have paid anything prior. He didn’t file any out processing claims.
I WAS IN THAILAND APRIL 1967 T0 APRIL 1968 AS A SECURITY POLICE, I WORKED AT NIGHT AND WORKED POSTS ALL OVER THE BASE AT NAKED FANNY THAILAND. ONE NIGHT IN DECEMBER 1967, I WAS ON FOOT PATROL ON THE NORTH FLIGHT LINR AIRPLANE PARKING. WHEN I CAME A C-123 PLANE, WITH A CREW MEMBER MIXING UP SOME THING IN A BIG TANK INSIDE THE PLANE, I ASKED”a crew member what are you mixing up now, the crew said “another batch of agent orange for those gucks across the river along the ho chi minh trail. where on the trail are you going to spraying was giving crew would not tell , he said’IT WAS SECRET AND I HAD NO RIGHT TOO KNOW. THE BASE WOULD SPRAY ALONG THE FENCE LINE AT VARIES TIMES.
AO CAUSED DISABETES TYPE 02. AO WAS USED SO THE ENEMY COULD NOT HIDE BEHIND TO SHOOT AT THR GI’S IN THE JUNGLE TRYIN TO FIND THE LITTLE BASTERDS. HAVE CLAIMS WITH THE VA FOR BENEFITS FOR ME.
Deployed to Thailand August 1965 until September 1966. 207th Signal Company Tropo. Communication link established and operated Bangkok to Korat to Khon Kaen to Udorn to Ubon. Original Udorn radio site CIA ammunition dump West of Udorn relocated to Royal Thai Airbase Udorn Thani. MOS was microwave radio equipment repairman but Incountry duty was radiosite installation and operator. Visited sites at Bangkok, Korat, Khon Kaen while stationed at Udorn. Additional travel to remote “line of site” microwave sites East of Udorn to Thai/Laotian border. Billeted at small U S Army camp located West of Udorn. Possible Agent Orange exposure at all sites and camp with the exception of Bangkok. Radio site at Udorn air base located in small isolated area on the perimeter adjacent to runway.
I was stationed on Camp Friendship, Korat, Thailand, 172nd TC Det, in 1968.
We were called out to defend the perimeter of the base because of “possible threats”, this was outside of the fence. We would draw weapons from the arms room but were not issued ammunition.
I was told the whole base area was defoliated before being built
I served at Ubon from 12/71-12/72. I was a NAV/COM technician on the flight line. I worked 6-7 days a week on and around the flight line near the perimeter. I was a long distant runner. I stayed in shape by running the perimeter daily. I would waive at the guards in the towers. I was there during several sapper attacks and one mortar attack. Immediately after discharge I experienced 12 nearly fatal allergic reactions to commercial herbicides. I was denied any compensation for this condition. I did not have this condition before my enlistment. I used the GI bill to obtain my law degree, practiced in Chicago for 37 years and retired in 2016.
I am rated 30% for CAD caused by agent orange. I established exposure and my Ubon base medical records showed I reported to the emergency room with chest pain after inhaling something near the flight line. I have 3 stents.
I served 2 years (1971/1972) in 6994 Security Squadron in Udorn, Thailand. We were in the “jungle” 24 days per month receiving the VietNam Service Medal upon discharge.
I believe there was exposure to Agent Orange. How do do I receive full VA benefits and retroactive compensation?
Help please.
Re: post #450 Thomas Geen. Contact a veterans advocate and they will help you fill out the required forms. Good luck.
I was stationed at Utapao RTNB from mid 73-74. When I first got there I was a “volunteer” crash victim during a training exercise. I was laying on the ground exposed to a lot of smoke. I was an ER medic. I developed prostate cancer in 2010. My youngest daughter was born in 75 after I got back from Thailand and she has had a lot of problems with abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting for the past 9 years, along with sores on her arms and legs. I don’t know if that could be connected to my service or not.
I served in Ubon as a AC-130 Gunship CrewChief in the 70’s Secret at that time.
One day going to the flight line I passed out on runway and woke up in Udorn after med flight in hospital in Udorn!
Nothing was said to me why I passed out but spent 2 days in Udorn USAF Hospital not enjoying Thanksgiving
Was real glad to get back to Ubon and be with my 8th OMS and Spectre 16th SOS again
Just my personal experience there and so glad I made it Home and pray everyday for friends/comrades who died there while serving their country
I served at the nam phong Ammo Dump from Feb to Oct 1972 as an ammunition technician. God bless all who served.
i served in Thailand and vet Nam on TDY thus i have no proof of this. On many occasions i was exposed to Agent orange.
At one base my comm, Van was next to the runway ware the U-2 was deployed. The area was sprayed daily for elimination of any particulars that could affect the safety of the plane. I had to walk thru this daily getting pants wet up to my belt buckle.
I have skin problems on legs and feet ! I have no posting on dd214 of this. How can i claim for disability for this. With no written record all my fellow vets are now dead so no help there. I was in the First mobile communications group. From the Clark air base Philippines. Is their any way to get pension for this exposure. There is no mention on my dd 214.
any ideas will be appreciated,
I served at the AF dispensary in Takhli RTAF Base from August 1970 – November 1970. Then, I was part of the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Utapao RTAF Base from November 1970 – August 1970. PACT Act of 2022 expanded benefits for disabilities due to Agent Orange exposure to Royal Thai Air Bases. Filed claim for bladder cancer, hypertension and ischemic heart disease
(stroke in 2020). Still waiting for determination.
I served in the 229th trans co terminal and the 499th trans battalion terminal at the munitions port in Sattahip in 67 and 68 but I can find very little in researching the fact that these units were ever in Thailand or that they ever even existed as those designated units in that area. Were they just insignificant or is something else the issue?Are you going to e-mail me or how do I find your reply?
Looking for a friend, Frank Harper, who served with me in 1970 in Takhli Thailand.
Bangkok 1974/1975/1976. Spent time training at Samysan and various other places. This explains a lot to me. Share if you can. I am curious about my mental issues over the years.
AGENT ORANGE WAS SPRAYED ON NAKED FANNY THAILAND DURING MY TOUR OF DUTY APRIL 1967 TO APRIL 1968. WORKING FLIGHT LINE PARKING AREA ON DECEMBER 1967, I SAW C-123 WITH LARGE TANK INSIDE THE PLANE, UNDER WINGS AND TAIL SECTION WERE OUT LETS THE AO FORCED OUT WINGS AND TAIL SECTION. I ASKED ONE OF THE CREW WHERE THEY GOING TO SPRAY, ACCROSS THE MEKONG RIVER ON HO CHI MINH TRAIL IN LAOS, CREW NO COMMENT ON WHERE THEY WERE GOING TO SPRAY AT.
My husband Tsgt George A Shearer had cancer 6 times plus diabetic and had RA. He passed in 2020. He was experiencing bursitis in AF got out and had RA started out with gold shots. AF says I have to prove boots on the groundin Nam. He worked for The Company. He was part of the 1198th out of Norton. He was afraid if Hewlett-Packard Packard knew he had RA he would lose his job so he got the gold shots at 5am before work. He had ER at about 40. He was told he had cops but I had an endoscopy done which showed he had esophageal cancer so he died from that on feeding tubes and oxygen. .
Prior to that he had eye cancer. Getting treatment in OR and staying in a hotelfor30 days all on us. He only had part of a kidney thanks to cancer.VA told us it was cheaper to go outside VA.Don’t take their take their own Ins. Hospice told the same thing go outside the system.
After he passed I was told I made too much money so they kept 37% of Survivors benefits.
His career field was frozen for most of his career so we lived on starvation wages. When stateside he always worked 2 jobs.
I Company 3rd Battalion 9th Marines. Udorn Thailand. 1962. March to July. Renamed 3rd
Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Per Sgt Kyler. “ Keep you heads down and don’t look up. They’re going to spray some stuff to kill the bush “
On my first tour to Thailand (7/71 – 6/72), I served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) with the U.S. Air Force Postal & Courier Service (USAFPCS) (OL 16AA). I was a Mail Processing Specialist and during my first six months, I processed incoming Air Force Personnel, assigning them mail boxes, working in the Postal Service Center (PSC) and, working at times with JAG Officers, when an assigned aircraft never returned from their combat mission, turning over U.S. Mail destined to next of kin. During my second half of my tour, I was re-assigned from the PSC to Receipt and Dispatch (R&D), where I drove our 1-Ton U.S. Air Force assigned postal vehicle from the aerial post office (APO) to the base flightline (along the base perimeter roads that ran parallel to the base perimeter fencing in some places), dropping off and receipting for incoming U.S. Mail. I worked 6- to7- days-a-week at times and worked in excess of 12-hours or more daily. I also drove our 1-Ton USAF Postal Vehicle around the base, picking up U.S. Mail from assigned mail boxes, bringing the U.S. Mail back to the APO and, then using a self-stamp cancelling machine, placed outgoing U.S. Mail into their properly designated mail bags and, drove them out to flight operations (I believe that was term, as it has been so long that I can’t remember what it was referred to in those days), where I met loadmasters and USAFPCS Couriers that arrived on incoming C-130s / C-141s destined to be flown out of Ubon to Don Muang RTAFB.
On my second tour (8/73 – 8/74) and third tour (8/74 – 8/75) again assigned with the USAFPCS, assigned at Don Muang RTAFB, working in the Bangkok Aerial Mail Terminal (AMT), my first year (second tour to Thailand) consisted of loading departing military and civilian aircraft / off-loading incoming military and civilain aircraft (meaning Flying Tiger / Pan Am / TWA Commercial Aircraft…either arriving from the U.S. or departing to Europe). I was responsible (along with many of my USAFPCS assigned personnel), to re-designate incoming / departing mail bags and, every night loaded U.S. Mail on Non-military trucks with an assigned guard, destined for upcountry Thailand. During this assigned tour, all of us resided in downtown Bangkok (either in contract military hotels or rented apartments / houses – like I did). Thus, we traveled every morning via contract civilian buses that drove along the base perimeter road (both to and from the Bangkok AMT) on a daily basis.)
Likewise,it also occurred when on the second half of my assigned tour (third tour with the Bangkok AMT 8/74 – 8/75), where I was reassigned as the NCOIC of the Bangkok AMT and was involved with working with Security Police Personnel and their assigned Drug Sniffing Dogs, scanning U.S. Mail Bags using a scanning device to find out what the contents of the U.S. Mail Bags or Boxes might be IF we had a sufficient warrant when a Drug Sniffing Dog went ballistic with whatever the contents of the mail bag / box(s) might be. IF warranted, I then opened the U.S Mail Bag or Box to view the contents (sometimes laden with marijuana or other drugs) and, if so, then repacked the box and notified the FBI in San Francisco as to an incoming package that was headed their way to be delivered…where upon it being delivered, the recipient was promptly arrested and then the sender upcountry was also arrested. In the performance of my assigned duties, I also drove an assigned Military Postal Vehicle from the AMT to the Detachment Communications Site, along the base perimeter road AND, like I mentioned in my second tour, traveled back and forth from my quarters (rented home) in downtown Bangkok, rode on a contract civilian bus that drove along the base perimeter roads (to and from the Bangkok AMT) on a daily basis.
Thirty Eight (38) years after departing Thailand (late 2013), while having lab work performed at the Sacramento VA, lab technicians found that I had an issue, that required me to see my VFW Veteran Service Officer (VSO) where there was a VFW VSO on the first floor of the Sacramento VA. She confided in me that I had apparently been exposed to Agent Orange (AO). My first reaction, was to mention that I hadn’t been stationed in Vietnam…only on three tours to Thailand. She was quick to point out that AO was also used in Thailand as well. So, the VA Claim was submitted and later approved in December 2015 (after I retired to the Philippines with my Philippine-American Spouse (a Retired RN) at my side).
In the Spring of 2016, I started experiencing a weird sensation, as if I was losing feeling in my thighs and legs. I was instructed by the Manila VA Manager to file another VA Claim (where I was used as a “Human Pin Cushion” at a Philippine Hospital and after waiting about an hour, I asked the nurses, when the test was going to be performed and, they responded back that they had just finished the test…which I never felt a single pin-prick)! I was subsequently diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy. That VA Claim was approved in August 2016.
Then while being seen by a Neurologist at Misamis University Medical Center (MUMC), she noticed that something didn’t look quite right with some lab tests. I provided the results to my assigned Manila VA Physician, who then suggested that I find a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist), as he believed I had Kidney Disease. I eventually located and saw a Nephrologist at MUMC in January 2019 and provided her with the results that Dr Handumon had been given. The Nephrologist ran some tests of her own, which resulted in filing a new VA Claim for Stage-3 Chronic Kidney Disease (secondary to Diabetic Kidneys) which was approved in March 2019 and, at that time, became 100% Disabled.
Yet, a couple of months passed and, when going to bed, I noticed a strange sensation in my left toes, as I couldn’t feel them touching the underside of my bedsheet / blanket. I mentioned this to my Manila VA assigned physician, who said that upon my arriving in Manila for my annual VA Appointment, he would do some checking on his own. He later placed his stethoscope on my lower legs, ankles and feet, only to realize that I had a diminished flow to my feet and toes. He then ordered both an Arterial and Venous Scan (that were performed at Tobias Feliciano Faith General Hospital in Ozamiz City) and, the results were conclusive and, I was diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). A VA Claim was submitted in (I believe in September 2019) and later approved that same year. (NOTE: Thinking to myself, how worse can anything happen to me, something did and was quite scary.)
While typing an article to be presented on a WordPress Blog Site that I own, in May 2020 (meant for Retired Veterans moving to the Philippines) and, also serving as the eldest Administrator of a Facebook Veteran Site, my wife noticed my hands were trembling. I normally attributed this to the amount of typing that I had been doing and my age. She suggested that I slow down on the amount of typing that I had been doing…which I agreed to do. Yet, the trembling worsened and in December 2020, I came across an eVersion of the Stars and Stripes that mentioned that those Veterans that had been exposed to Agent Orange, were now being diagnosed with Parkinsons’ Disease. I then googled Parkinsons’ Disease on my personal computer, only to read that the symptoms were quite like what I had been having for the past 6-months. My Manila VA Physician suggested that I find a Neurologist (which I again found at MUMC) and, mentioned what my Manila VA Physician said. She ran some tests of her own (first an eye to nose test and then a similar test using my right and left index fingers to a yardstick that she held out in front of her). She then had me stand up and walk across her office on a tape (whereby I couldn’t walk the straight line (almost feeling like I was intoxicated although I don’t consume alcohol) and, failed the test). She then informed me that she believed that I had Parkinsons’ Disease but, ordered a CT Scan of my Brain and had some more tests run, which all came back as being conclusive and, was positively diagnosed with Parkinsons’ Disease. I filed my last VA Claim for this medical issue in January 2020 and it was approved in March 2020. (NOTE: Since my being diagnosed, the amount of amount of prescribed medications that I have been taking (hope this will be of some use to a Veteran that may read what I am writing), I was initially prescribed 1-tablet by mouth three times-a-day of Carbidopa / Levodopa, that was .025mg and that amount has tripled to what it is today, being 25mg to 250mg (three times-a-day…after breakfast, lunch and, dinner). Furthermore, I am prescribed with taking Pramilpexole 0.125mg tablet twice-a-day (after breakfast and dinner) and, Cilostazol (100mg Tablet) once-a-day after dinner. The trembling has virtually stopped or not as noticeable as it initially was when first noticing it occurring in May 2020.)
TDY from Myrtle Beach to Korat in 72 to 73 then stayed another 6 months in the 388th as an AGE dispatcher to multiple aircraft. Was denied benefits for Agent Orange. If anyone else was there and did the same type job I would like to get in contact with you.
Revised Submission:
On my first tour to Thailand (7/71 – 6/72), I served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) with the U.S. Air Force Postal & Courier Service (USAFPCS) (OL 16AA). I was a Mail Processing Specialist and during my second half of my tour I was re-assigned from the Postal Service Center to Receipt and Dispatch, where I drove a 1-Ton USAFPCS assigned postal vehicle from the aerial post office to the base flightline (along the base perimeter roads that ran parallel to the base perimeter fencing in some places), dropping off and receipting for incoming U.S. Mail. I worked 6- to7- days-a-week at times and worked in excess of 12-hours or more daily. Almost daily, I visualized Thai Personnel spraying along the base perimeter fencing, an unknown substance that was apparenting being used to kill the foliage.
On my second tour (8/73 – 8/74) and third tour (8/74 – 8/75), I was again assigned with the USAFPCS, assigned at Don Muang RTAFB, working within the Bangkok Aerial Mail Terminal (AMT), which required myself and other USAFPCS Personnel to travel every morning and evening via contract civilian buses that drove along the base perimeter road where almost daily, Thai Personnel were spraying an unknown substance daily to kill the foliage, only to find out later, when suggested by the Sacramento VA Lab Tecnician, that I had a medical issue that would be required to file a VA Claim. The VFW Veteran Service Officer confided in me that I had apparently been exposed to Agent Orange (AO). My first reaction, was to mention that I hadn’t been stationed in Vietnam…only on three tours to Thailand. She was quick to point out that AO was also used in Thailand as well. So, the VA Claim was submitted and later approved in December 2015.
In the Spring of 2016, I started experiencing a loss of feeling in my thighs and legs. I was instructed by the Manila VA (the only VA located on foreign soil outside the Continental U.S.) Out-Patient Clinic Manager to file a VA Claim (where I was used as a “Human Pin Cushion” at Manila Doctors Hospital). After waiting about an hour, I asked the nurses, when the test was going to be performed and, they responded back that they had just finished the test…which I never felt a single pin-prick)! I was subsequently diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy. That VA Claim was approved in August 2016.
Several years later, while being seen by a Neurologist at hospital in Ozamiz City, Philippines, she noticed that something didn’t look quite right with some lab tests. I provided the results to my assigned Manila VA Physician, who suggested that I find a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist), as he believed I had Kidney Disease. I eventually located and saw a Nephrologist at the same hospital that I had been seen at in Ozamiz City in January 2019 and provided her with the results from the physician who I saw earlier. The Nephrologist ran some tests of her own, which resulted in filing a new VA Claim for Stage-3 Chronic Kidney Disease (secondary to Diabetic Kidneys) which was approved in March 2019 – and, at which time I became 100% Disabled.
A couple of months passed and, when going to bed, I noticed a strange sensation in my left toes (as I couldn’t feel them touching the underside of my bedsheet / blanket). I mentioned this to my Manila VA assigned physician, who said that he would do some checking on his own, which later resulted in him placing his stethoscope on my ankles and feet, mentioning to me, that he noticed that I had a diminished flow to my feet and toes. He ordered both an Arterial and Venous Scan and later, the results were conclusive that I was diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease. A VA Claim was submitted in (I believe in September 2019) and later approved that same year.
While typing in May 2020 in my home on my PC, my wife noticed my hands were trembling. I attributed this to getting old. She (my wife and a Retired RN) suggested that I slow down on the amount of typing that I had been doing…which I agreed to do. Yet, the trembling worsened. In December 2020, I came across an e-version of a military newspaper that mentioned that those Veterans that had been exposed to AO, were now being diagnosed with Parkinsons’ Disease. I didn’t know what Parkinsons’ Diseas was until I did some research, only to learn, that what I had been read that the symptoms were quite like what I had been experiencing. My Manila VA Physician suggested that I find a Neurologist (which I found) and, mentioned what my Manila VA Physician said. She ran some tests of her own, which I failed. She then informed me that she believed that I had Parkinsons’ Disease, ordering a CT Scan of my Brain and had some more tests run, which all came back conclusive and, I was positively diagnosed with Parkinsons’ Disease. I filed my last VA Claim for this medical issue in January 2020 and it was approved in March 2020. Thus, all the issues I that just mentioned, were a direct result of being exposed to AO during my three tours in Thailand.
Why is the US Navy not talked about at Utapao, Thailand? We had a Fleet Air Support Unit there (where the sailors were there for a year) along with a detachment of 3 planes of P-3 Orions that rotated from outside of Thailand every three months. There appears to be no mention of the Navy being there at all. Why?
Served in Korat in 1975 until the withdrawal. I have a rare autoimmune blood clotting disease that has caused both thigh bones to collapse and numerous deep vein thrombosis. The VA does not recognize any autoimmune diseases as being caused by AO despite numerous filings by vets.
Served with the 824th Combat Support Group Security Police, Kadena, Okinawa and was sent to Takhli AFB, Thailand in March/April 1972. We had to reopen the base and set up security perimeter before additional personnel could be assigned. We were there for several weeks before personnel from New Mexico arrived to take our place. Abandoned drums of assorted chemicals were abandoned throughout and base and flight line area. I have developed cancer. I applied for benefits but was denied because my records do not show any TDY orders to Thailand. I was over there on augmentation assignment. Looking for suggestions?
Hello,
I am the daughter of Gary Ray Thompson, who served as a copra helicopter pilot as a Captain in Army for 3 tours in the Vietnam war. He came home with over a dozen of medals including 3 distinguish flying crosses and one purple heart. He was only 21 years old and I was born while he was serving our country.
My father passed away at the young age of 36 when I was only 14. Every now and then I try to feel close to my father, so I will search for him online. I came across this site. I was told Agent Orange is what gave my father his deadly brain tumor when he was only 28 years old. I am not sure why I am writing this, but anything that brings me closer to him. I was his only child and a daddy’s girl. Sometimes I just miss him so much. They say time heals wounds, but this one has been left open.
Thank you for listening,
Corrie Martin
I have the same problem as ALL the first mobile Communications group Airmen 1962 to 1964
Proving boots on ground in Thailand and viet Nam.
I have researched the Web for hours for weeks years tying to find a way to prove it .
My one last try is does anyone know of any medals awards story’s that prove first mob was in south Asia during time of WAR in vietnam ? I was TDY many times there but can find no orders Does any one have ANY ??????