For Hometown News
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY - Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1038 will hold a town hall meeting to address the birth defects, diseases and learning disabilities affecting the children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans.
The forum will be held Sept.19 at 7 p.m. at the Indian River County administration building A, 1800 27th St, Vero Beach.
"We cannot be silent about the effects of our battlefield exposures on our children in the face of overwhelming evidence connecting many diseases and birth defects to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam," said Tom Hall, Agent Orange committee chairman and coordinator.
"We encourage all Vietnam veterans with children and/or grandchildren suffering from illnesses, learning disabilities or physical disabilities to come share their stories. We will explore issues surrounding Agent Orange exposure, including scientific information, health effects and methods for educating the public and elected representatives about the issues of Vietnam veterans, their children and their families," said Mr. Hall.
The goal of the town hall meeting is to bring attention to the hidden cost of the service and to encourage the government to create and maintain a registry of these birth defects as well as assist doctors in finding ways to diagnose and treat these birth defects. Veterans of all wars are subjected to many contaminates and most were not aware of what was being used or what effects most would have on their health.
Vietnam Veterans of America is the nation's only congressionally chartered veteran's service organization dedicated to the needs of Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
Reservations are not required.
For more information, call (772) 569-9533.