Some veterans overlooked by Pact Act

I read where President Biden had expanded The Pact Act so millions of veterans have a chance to get health care through the VA who might not have previously qualified for benefits. Now this expansion includes all veterans who served in Vietnam, The Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan and The Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11

Toxins or hazards can range anywhere from burn pits to asbestos, nuclear weapons handling and more.

I noticed once again Cold War Veterans who served in Korea in 1978 and 1979 at Camp Carroll, where 250 barrels of herbicides, pesticides, and solvents were confirmed in a report that toxic dioxin was found in the soil.

Nor, did it say what became of the containers after they were dug up in 1979 and 1980.

Also, one other base, Camp Page, had soil samples that were collected containing Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) that were five to six times higher than permissible levels. Camp Page had been permanently closed in 2005 as part of South Korea-U. S. Alliance agreements to return old American base sites to the host country.

The South Korean Defense Ministry later found that 60,000 square meters within the site were contaminated.

By the way, we only have an armistice in Korea, and this land is still considered a combat zone, per the VFW.

I feel we veterans who served in Korea in the late ‘70s should also be included on this expansion of the Pact Act.

David Kumpula

Hoffman Estates