FREDERICK — More than 50 years after his return from the Vietnam War, Marine Corps veteran Clark Beall shares that the impact of Agent Orange continues to affect his life significantly.
Vietnam Veteran Speaks on Lasting Effects of Agent Orange
Vietnam Veteran Speaks on Lasting Effects of Agent Orange
With Monday designated as Agent Orange Awareness Day, it serves as an important opportunity to honor veterans and their families who continue to grapple with the enduring health repercussions of exposure to this toxic herbicide.
Beall, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968, spent over a year in Vietnam. His military responsibilities involved transporting supplies, engaging in combat operations, and participating in medevac missions using specialized amphibious vehicles.
Among the various supplies he recalls handling was Agent Orange itself.
“We used to haul it, bringing it off the ships and other locations,” Beall stated.
He vividly remembers the herbicide being sprayed in regions where troops were stationed and navigated.
“You’d walk through it constantly,” Beall recounted, describing his experiences moving through rice paddies and areas adjacent to airports where the chemical was applied.
For many years following his discharge from the military, Beall lived his life without considering the possible repercussions of his exposure in Vietnam.
However, his health began to deteriorate over time.
In 2005, Beall was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and by 2008, he started experiencing a host of additional serious health issues, including kidney failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and thyroid problems.
“It took 40 years for me to really start feeling the effects of it; sometimes that’s how long it takes for it to catch up with you,” Beall explained.
In 2011, he faced a hospital stay that lasted nearly six months.
Today, these ongoing health battles have significantly impacted his independence.
“It’s really tough because I need assistance to get dressed,” Beall shared. “I’m not mobile anymore.”
Currently, he relies on a scooter for mobility and finds that he can no longer engage in many activities that previously kept him active.
One of the most difficult adjustments has been stepping away from his long-standing role as a volunteer firefighter.
Beall has dedicated over 50 years to the fire company and continues to attend meetings. However, due to his physical limitations, he is unable to climb onto trucks and serve in the capacity he once did.
“That really hurts me,” Beall expressed. “I can’t jump on fire trucks anymore, which is painful because I have always loved helping people.”
Michael Olds, who works with the Department of Veterans Affairs conducting Military Environmental Exposure Assessments, emphasizes the importance of documenting a veteran’s service, potential exposures to toxins, and resulting health issues.
According to Olds, one major challenge with Agent Orange is that many related medical problems do not surface immediately following exposure.
“The half-life in the human body can range from 7 to 20 years. As a result, certain health conditions may not manifest right away,” Olds noted.
He added that veterans may be unaware that health issues arising today could be linked to exposures they faced long ago during their service.
This is why Olds encourages veterans who suspect they might have been exposed to Agent Orange or other harmful substances to undergo a Military Environmental Exposure Assessment, even if they participated in similar evaluations years ago.
The assessment gathers information about a veteran’s service history, military duties, and potential environmental exposures, which is then recorded in their VA medical file.
“Even if you’ve participated in assessments 10, 15, or 20 years ago, now is the time to do it,” Olds urged.
Olds also highlighted that the PACT Act has broadened efforts to gather information regarding veterans and their exposure to toxic substances.
“The PACT Act was established by Congress to facilitate the collection of this critical data, ensuring that veterans receive the care they need concerning these hazardous materials,” he explained.
For Beall, Agent Orange Awareness Day serves as a reminder to ensure that fellow veterans do not overlook health changes simply because many years have passed since their military service.
He encourages veterans to seek assistance through the Veterans Affairs or veterans’ organizations if they notice anything unusual with their health.
“If you’re experiencing any issues, if you have aches or pains, please reach out for help,” Beall advised. “Don’t hesitate to advocate for your health.”
Veterans interested in completing a Military Environmental Exposure Assessment can reach out to the VA’s Veterans Exposure Team-Health Outcomes Military Exposures (VET-HOME) at 833-633-8846 or visit https://vethome.va.gov/.
For those who prefer an in-person evaluation, they can contact their local VA facility to connect with an environmental health coordinator.
