COMMUNITY
7.30.23

Semper Fi

• Semper Fidelis: Latin for “always faithful.”

” Semper Fidelis symbolizes the lifelong commitment held by every Marine for the Corps and America, a promise reciprocated by the Corps to all Marines.” 

• Ooh-rah: A battle cry among Marines, ‘Ooh-rah’ can be used as a greeting, a term of affirmation, or as a way of expressing enthusiasm.

• Ductus Exemplo: A Latin term that means “lead by example,” Ductus Exemplo is the official motto of Officer Candidates School (OCS). It means that being a Marine isn’t about giving or receiving orders; it’s about behaving in a manner that inspires others.

“Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries us through the challenges of combat and aids in overcoming fear. It is the inner strength that enables us to do what is right, to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct, and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.”

“Marines live by a set of enduring core values that form the bedrock of our character. These values guide our actions and bolster our resolve. Honor, courage, and commitment lead us to victory over the physical, mental, and moral battles faced during combat, or while serving in our communities on behalf of our Nation. These are the values that ensure every fight in current and future battles supports our common moral cause.”

HONOR:

“Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior. Never lie, cheat, or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and others. Honor compels Marines to act responsibly, to fulfill our obligations, and to hold ourselves and others accountable for every action.”

COURAGE:

“Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries us through the challenges of combat and aids in overcoming fear. It is the inner strength that enables us to do what is right, to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct, and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.”

COMMITMENT:

“Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables constant dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve victory in every endeavor.”

All of the above was copied directly from the United States Marine Corps. page, Marines.com

I would like you to re-read the meaning of Semper Fidelis. A Latin word for “always faithful” and symbolizes a lifelong commitment held by every Marine for the Corps and America, A PROMISE RECIPROCATED BY THE CORPS TO ALL MARINES.

That is quite the statement to speak and uphold. Is there truth behind these profound words? Let me tell you-

I come from what one would call a “military Family”.  My family The Dunn and Dominick sides had almost every branch covered, that’s right every branch.  I’ll start with my dad, he enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War age 18- 1968. Two of my dad’s three brothers were in the military. Danny in the Army (during the Korean War) & Bobby in the Marines (also a deceased Vietnam Veteran).  Actually, when my dad was deployed and arrived in Vietnam, his brother Bobby was sent home. My dad’s mother, Nana Dunn was in the Army during WW2…..the jokester my dad was, he always said “My momma wore combat boots” to which he always followed up with “No seriously, she did.” Carrying on. My mom’s dad, Grampa Pappy was in the Navy during WW2 on a destroyer in hostile Russian waters- 1943.  Mom’s two brothers Johnny & Teddy were (are) both Marines. Yes, once a Marine always a Marine. Other great uncles were in the Navy as well as cousins in the Navy & Air Force. My stepdad Jack was in the Army. I think we are just missing The Coast Guard and the new addition, Space Force. Of all the branches our family covered, the Marines were definitely a different breed. I can confidently say that having been raised by a Marine and the niece to 3 Marine uncles. Remind me to tell the story about Uncle Teddy lining us kids up on the curb at attention shortly after he returned from the base. I certainly am not saying other branches are any less than the Marines. That would be an ignorant statement. However, there is definitely an almost brainwashing, ok there is a brainwashing that happens to each and every Marine. Why is that you might ask? Well, did you know that United States Marines are…..

“The first in and the last out.” And “No greater friend, No worse enemy than a Marine”. It’s safe to say they earn their cockiness. Their boasting and swagger are worn visibly every day of their lives. They have made such an impact throughout the world, proving peace, safety, and security. The expression ” Once a Marine, always a Marine ” is not just a saying. It in fact is lived up to throughout generations of Marines.  In my experience with my dad, he fulfilled this honor until his last breath. My dad was also ready, willing, but so unfortunately unable to fulfill his oath in his later years due to his declining and deteriorating health. But, you would never be able to convince him otherwise. In the months leading up to my dad’s passing, Mike once asked my dad if he wanted him to take his firearm from him (that was always kept at his bedside). My dad’s response was quick, sharp, and stern “NO, they’ll have to pry it out of my dead hands”.  Note taken Mike, note taken.

My dad would take on any threat, any number of men, in any situation if need be. My Uncle Johnny (mom’s brother) often reminds me of some of the early fights my dad got into ….or should I say the fights my dad finished- upon returning home from Vietnam. These were never 1 on 1. These were more like my dad cleaning house. Like, you better run and run fast because Mike Dunn -badass Marine (who slept in a foxhole in the jungle in Vietnam. A survivor of combat gorilla warfare isn’t going to just shake hands and walk away. Think Rambo, first blood.

You can find a man who is in his 80s and he will still look you in the eyes and give you a oo-rah or Semper Fi.  I met a very old Marine in Sandwich, Ma. at a Vietnam Veteran’s memorial service years back. He looked ever-ready and still in the fight. Even in their elder years, if you were to pick a fight with a Marine, you best be ready for a good fight.  They almost lose all sense of fear because they feel the entire Marine Corps behind them. Where they go 1 they go all.  Any Marine will stand side by side with another Marine despite their age gap or service years. A Marine is a Marine, a brother in the fight for a lifetime. It’s not a casual statement, it happens to be an undeniable truth. Semper Fi.

It was only by the Grace of God, my dad survived and returned home from Vietnam. Waiting for him to return was my mom, the love of each other’s lives. When my dad was away, my mom wrote to him every single day. My dad soon found his way back home to Canton-Stoughton, Massachusetts. He didn’t just come home, he came home with the heaviest heart. Because 58,220 American soldiers lost their lives in The Vietnam War . The Marine Corps had the highest death rate of its own men in Vietnam. Needless to say, my dad suffered tremendous survivor’s guilt.  When the weight was too heavy and the pain too deep, and no one around could understand, he would drive to “The Wall”.  The Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. No, he did not know each name inscribed – but he knew them.  He knew their story, their pain, their fight. He was them. They were Marines, they were brothers in life and death.  Calling one “lucky” who has survived what most did not, was not easily received. It was a heavier weight in his soul. I learned after reading about my dad’s personal story in Vietnam in the book ‘WE REMEMBER”- on the ship home leaving Vietnam, he thought about jumping off.  Imagine surviving the unimaginable and being succumbed to guilt, tremendous guilt. That never left him. He grieved them, all of them.  58,220 fellow American heroes, thousands were his fellow brothers, his fellow Marines.  This is no exaggeration. Any child that grew up with a combat Vietnam Veteran who suffered from Complex PTSD would no doubt attest to this. As an adult, it still brings me to tears. I grieve my dad more on Memorial Day than any other day. Memorial Day was always a brick on his chest. When I imagine my dad surrounded by his brothers, Bobby, and his fellow Marines, the emotions are heavy.

My dad was without a doubt the proudest Marine I ever knew.  My two uncles Johnny & Teddy are probably 2nd and 3d. From the earliest memory I can dig up, I remember my dad always saying “Semper Fi’.….well, he would add a few choice words to his closest buddies (and us). I’ll leave those out, and leave it at that. There was always a genuine camaraderie that never dissolved. It was unceasing. My dad enlisted in the Maries in 1968 at 18 years old to go fight in Vietnam. Immediately he was sent to Camp Lejune.

“There is no better symbol for the purpose we serve than the emblem every Marine earns”. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, which has represented the title every Marine has earned since 1868. The eagle represents the proud Nation we defend. It stands at the ready with our coastlines in sight and the entire world within reach of its outstretched wings. The globe represents our worldwide presence, impact, and reputation as a fighting force that wins on behalf of our Nation’s people and progress. The anchor points both to the Marine Corps naval heritage and its ability to access any battleground across any coastline in the world. Together, the eagle, globe, and anchor symbolize our commitment to defend our Nation and advance its ideals”.

If you were not aware, I hope now, you are regarding the relationship a Marine carries in his/her heart to the Corps. Those serving are willing to give their all -Some gave all, some gave a lot and some are still in the battle. Did the ones they served give it back? Specifically, combat Marines had to trust their fellow Marines, their lives depended upon it. That trust goes all the way up the chain of command. If someone told you the very same Corps that these warriors pledged their lives to would betray these Marines, would you believe it? Could they? Would they? Did they? Did the Marine Corps betray my dad? Did the Marine Corps betray my dad, my uncle Bobby, my dad’s best friend Buddy, my uncle Johnny and millions of other Marines, family members, and working civilians who were at Camp Lejune?

You would have to be living under a rock truly if you have not heard about The Camp Lejune Water Contamination lawsuit all over mainstream media. Why is every lawyer in the country spending millions of dollars advertising their services to potential clients? It looks like when you feed the ducks or fish, they come from all around to get a piece. Why? Well, it’s an easy piece to get.  This will not be like other lawsuits. This is “no issue of fault”.  So whether or not you know about this case, are you aware of what actually happened? What happened at Camp Lejeune?

My dad was what the VA (Veterans Affairs) considered to be a “100 percenter”. Actually, he was well over that. That means at one point, he had to fight the VA to receive benefits for his declining health 100% related to his service to our country. The VA if approved rates your disability by percentage. My dad was considered a disabled combat veteran. He sustained injuries and or illnesses directly related to his time in the service-specifically his tour in Vietnam. Some wounds are not visible. Some scars are only seen in the worst moments of someone’s darkest nights.  Some illnesses develop over the years and continue to progress. Other sicknesses are chronic and debilitating. Most often there are multiple health issues that develop and progress and eventually take the life of the hero who served.  The saddest part besides the loss of life, is the battle. These American heroes, combat veterans fought the battle overseas, and little did they know they would continue a battle upon returning home. In my heart, it is an even worse battle of betrayal.

Dealing with the “VA” is not a simple task.  Would it concern you to know that thousands of Vietnam veterans who are diagnosed with cancers, diabetes, chronic health issues, neuropathy, etc., etc. file claims, and their claims are denied? Denied over and over again.  Thousands have their disability claims denied and unfortunately do die knowing they served their country in combat, and their country denied their health benefits. Or, they may only be rated at 20% or 30% or 50%, achieving 100% is no simple task. Is there anything more horrible? Unless your illness meets specific criteria, you are out of luck.  The list of “presumptive” conditions approved by the VA is very small.  It’s actually larger for female veterans in Vietnam. Look up the number of women who served in Vietnam. It’s not many.  So, to deny these men and deny their continued suffering is a disgrace. There is no other word other than disgraceful.

There are two battles to be fought for these forgotten American heroes. Specifically, Marine Combat Vietnam Veterans. Otherwise referred to as “boots on the ground.”                                                                                                                                          Battle 1: Agent Orange in Vietnam. 

Agent Orange: a blend of tactical herbicides the US Military sprayed from 1962-1971 during “Operation Ranch Hand” in the Vietnam War. There were more than 19 MILLION gallons of various “rainbow herbicide combinations” sprayed.  Agent Orange was the most used combination. So, the name AO came from the orange identifying stripe used on the 55 gallon drums where the chemicals were stored.  The US Dept. of Defense developed these tactical herbicides specifically to be used in combat operations in Vietnam. They were however NOT commercial-grade herbicides.  Agent Orange was a plant-killing herbicide, used to clear trees, plants, and vegetation and to remove foliage and crops used by the North Vietnamese for cover and food.   20 million acres were heavily sprayed.

Our men, our young and healthy fit soldiers (sons, fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands, grandfathers) were in these very jungles and were being directly impacted by this “Operation Ranch Hand.”  Imagine 19 million gallons of dioxins being saturated into the soil. The fish that were being consumed had been contaminated.  The food crops that the enemy used were spayed.  All of this was going on without any protective measures for the soldiers on the ground, and the soldiers handling these agents. Complications from Agent Orange exposure were life-threatening. Over 300,000 US Veterans and over 400,000 Vietnamese people died from the exposure.  These are estimates. These ultimately need to be updated daily because every day another Vietnam Veteran will pass away due to complications from his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.  But Agent Orange wasn’t the only agent sprayed. There were 6 agents Agent: Green, Pink, Purple, Blue, White and Orange.

Shocking right?  Are you upset reading this information? Were you even aware this took place? It gets worse. Specifically for United States Marines, and not just Vietnam Veterans. Any Marine sent to Camp Lejeune during 1950-1985. Prior to boots on the ground in Vietnam, millions of Marines were sent to Camp Lejeune. An essential base for training since September of 1941. Located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. With 14 miles of beaches, Camp Lejeune was used for amphibious assault training. It is located between two deepwater ports, which allowed for fast deployments. Its mission: “to maintain combat-ready units for expeditionary deployment” Camp Lejeune is 156, 000 acres, 50 tactical landing zones, 3 state of the art training facilities for Military Operations. The base and the surrounding community is home to active duty, dependents, retiree, and civilian employees-with a population of approximately 170,000. My dad was sent to Camp Lejeune in 1968. Before my dad, his brother Bobby and many of his best friends from Canton, Ma, such as Buddy Fallon.  Later my Uncle Johnny was sent to Camp Lejeune.

As you can imagine, while stationed at a military base, daily training along with recreational activities are being conducted. Daily showers, eating food prepared with water from the base simple consumption of water. What has come to light and now is a national discussion is that from 1950 through 1985 the drinking water on base at Camp Lejeune was contaminated.  Toxic chemicals at levels 240-3400 times higher than what is permitted by safety standards.  These are known as “volatile organic compounds”. The EPA defines these VOC’s as “high vapor pressure and low water solubility” These are chemicals such as chemicals used in paints, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, industrial solvents, fuel oxygenates, by-products of chlorination in water treatment, components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners and dry cleaning agents. Battle 2: Water contamination.                                                                                                                                                                     Let the facts be known, prior to being sprayed with a rainbow of agents while fighting for their life IN Vietnam…. these young, healthy, vibrant Marines were actually poisoned at the very base they were stationed at, prior to deployment.  For men like my dad, my uncle Bobby and their buddies- that’s a double whammy of magnificent proportions. These men (and women) who were at the absolute prime of their lives, most late teens, and early 20’s – physically fit, robust, and healthy enough to pass the stringent medical exams to enter the Marines, were poisoned in more than 1 location. They were poisoned at their training base prior to deployment and yet again poisoned in the jungles of  Vietnam. It’s so unimaginable, it is actually hard to even comprehend. It is disgraceful.It however doesn’t stop there.  An undetermined number of residents, including infants, children, and civilian workers and personnel were all exposed to the solvents at Camp Lejeune. These included TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE (tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and other contaminants all found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.  Camp Lejeune has been characterized as the worst water contamination case in US history. This happened at the United States of America military base where our finest soldiers turn into warriors preparing them to defend our constitution against enemies foreign and domestic. The first site of their poisoning.

All the questions. Did the Marines know? When did they know? What is the timeline?

My dad always used the term “being squared away”. It defines a code of personal cleanliness. An etiquette that demanded pressed and starched uniforms for Marines. There is nothing more eye catching than a Marine in his Dress Blues. When a Marine puts on the uniform, it embodies two and a half centuries of ‘fight and feat”. This uniform connects every Marine to the battles of those before- and the ongoing victories still continuing today. The Marines have different uniforms. Their utility combat uniforms- known as “cammies”. They are also privileged to wear “Dress Blues”. The significance of these striking uniforms is the common threads woven in the flag of our Nation and the Dress Blue uniform. This distinctive uniform has such significant meaning. This uniform is the only uniform in the U.S. Military designated to include the RED, WHITE, and BLUE colors of the American flag.  This distinct uniform represents the values every Marine lives by, the values they uphold, and their commitment to the Corps and their country.  Every Marine wears this distinct uniform with absolute pride and honor.

As you can imagine these uniforms must be maintained and laundered to the nines.  A Marine in uniform must be “squared away” at all times. The building across the street from the base was a dry cleaner company that the military frequented to service their uniforms.  This company was called ABC Cleaners.  As you can imagine the company produced tons of waste from the cleaning solvents used to launder the continuous flow of uniforms. In a court deposition, it was found that ABC Cleaners used two to three 55-gallon drums of solvent a month-100% pure PERCHLOROETHYLENE.  After the cleaning process was done, the waste by-product was produced known by the owner as “muck.” This “muck” was used by the owner of the company to fill potholes in the parking lot and the rest, well….the rest was thrown into the drains and a collection ditch, into sewerage system across the road. The collection ditch was a central collection point for 3 other stores along the road. PCE was filtered through the soil into the underground. ABC Cleaners is the primary source of the TCE and PCE contamination in the well water provided to Tarawa Terrace, which was a military housing development at Camp Lejeune.  At the start of WW2, the base was constructed with temporary structures, the Navy constructed a fuel farm to support operations, this was located in close proximity to a fuel farm-Hadnot Point. It consisted of 14 underground tanks that were placed at grade and covered with soil. The shocking truth is the fuel farm was 1200 feet from a supply well.  Hadnot Point was susceptible to being permeated with chemicals leaking, this began back in 1952. It’s been said that it was leaking 1,400 gallons of fuel a month into the ground. A true estimate is over 1.1 Million gallons had leaked. That figure does not even account for transfer spills or unreported spills. To say significant contamination occurred in this area would be an understatement. The United States Coast Guard categorizes a major oil spill as more than 100,000 gallons. 1.1 MILLION gallons are estimated.

Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant was also not in an ideal location.  The Navy constructed the Tarawa Terrace subdivision and water treatment plant in 1952. These were down from a gas station, automobile repair shop, and dry cleaners.  One year later, ABC Cleaners opened directly across the street from Tarawa Terrace. This site was designated as a “Superfund Site” due to the toxins leaked or discharged into the surrounding areas.

In 1972 yet another questionable area was used to drill water wells. This was adjacent to the “Defense Reutilization Management Office”- aka a junkyard. In 1985 tests at this site discovered extremely high amounts of  TCE, dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. Base personnel seemed to make yet another dangerous decision by opening the Holcomb Boulevard Water Treatment Plant (HBWTP). This plant was able to take over the function of supplying some of the areas served previously by Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.  The two systems remained interconnected. Leading to a major problem, because at “peak demand” in the area served by the HBWTP, the system would draw water from the contaminated Hadnot Point plant. The valves could be opened between the 2 plants at any time by base personnel. Ultimately this allowed for the contaminated water to reach further on the base than it had before.  It is noted that in 1985 a large gasoline leak contaminated the water at HBWTP.

There were more than 600 polluted sites that were scattered around the 170 square mile base.  The housing at Camp Lejeune had three primary supply and water distribution systems. These water systems had an assortment of wells, a treatment plant for the water, and a water distribution system.  Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, and Hadnot Point. The water systems were supplied by the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment plants. They served enlisted family housing, barracks, base admin offices, schools, and recreational areas.  The base hospital was served by Hadnot Point.  A major presence of Benzene was found to be in the water. Benzene is a known carcinogen and it possibly leaked into the water wells due to the large amount of chemicals buried in the ground.

Waste was generated on base, it was discarded into empty lots, forests, roads, and waterways along with makeshift dumps.  As mother nature would have it, the Carolina rains carried the toxic waste into water wells, into the barracks, houses, trailers, offices, and schools. That wasn’t the last stop.  The cancer-causing chemicals made their way into the bodies of millions of Marines, their family members, and civilians living on base. A major problem was found with the base orders in regard to the disposal of toxic chemicals. Base order 5100.13B required certain hazardous chemicals to be disposed of at the base chemical dump. This was a requirement despite the knowledge of the proximity to the Hadnot Point Treatment Plant. It is known that base personnel were burying countless drums of said hazardous chemicals at the dump up until 1974. In 1974 an updated order recognized some potential hazards this posed to the drinking water.

Soon concern started and conversations were had about the safety of the water and some haphazard attempts to conduct tests began.  In 1979 recommendations came to decommission Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point due to age. However, they remained operational and continued to supply water to the base. So how was all of this discovered?

1980-The State of North Carolina assumed responsibility for the enforcement of the safe drinking water Act for all public water systems. While the EPA published new standards containing limits on certain hazardous chemicals in drinking water. Shortly thereafter in 1980, an Army laboratory chief working on behalf of the EPA noticed high chemical levels in the Camp Lejeune water tests, and took notes. His specific warning was “HEAVY ORGANIC INTERFERENCE AT CHCL2BR.  YOU NEED TO ANALYZE FOR CHLORINATED ORGANICS BY GS/MS”. This lab chief wrote “WATER IS HIGHLY CONTAMINATED WITH LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS.”                            Initial warnings fell on deaf ears, and the Navy still dragged its feet with further testing.

1982 -Another contractor was hired to conduct more testing on the water. This contractor issued repeated warnings to base officials about the contamination in the water. He was unable to get the readings he wanted due to the hydrocarbons noted 2 years prior interfering with the test. Despite his warnings, base officials still paid little attention, yet again.

1983- The Marines informed the EPA there were no sites on base that posed a risk to human health, despite several years of warnings.  It took four years from the time of the first warning until the base officials ultimately shut down the wells.

1984- The wells were shut down only after finding benzene in the water. Despite the shocking findings, base officials STILL would temporarily turn the contaminated wells on during supply shortages.

1988 -February base officials at this point were in full cover-up mode. They made claims that they had no idea prior to 1983 that the water may have been contaminated, despite the warnings back in 1980.  One General told residents the wells were shut down in an abundance of caution based on “minute chemical readings.” All in all 8 years of back and forth about the potential of water contamination- between environmental officials, contractors, base personnel, and the military.  It’s a true travesty that base officials continued to mislead the EPA stating there was no contamination at the Hadnot Point WTP. Just 2 weeks following a key meeting when base officials reassured the EPA-no problem, the water at HPWTP was again found to contain extremely high benzene levels. Remember Benzene- a known carcinogen.

1991-At this point the government began to gauge the adverse health effects that exposure to contaminated water over the past 35 years could have on those who consumed it.  However, the Marine Corps officials were not providing full and detailed information to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Known as ATSDR. This ultimately kept the government from notifying people who were affected by the contaminated water.  The Defense Department failed to provide the full information, and the ATSDR study did not always receive full funding.

2008- We are now 3 decades after the very 1st report of warning of water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The National Defense Authorization Act directed the Marine Corps to notify people who were impacted by the contaminated water. It’s shocking to learn that many people who were at Camp Lejeune during these specific years never received notification….despite Congress passing the law. They never received this vital information.

2009- The public becomes aware.  Congressional hearings began, and documents were uncovered. One document from 2009, found over 1.1 MILLION GALLONS of fuel leaked from underground storage tanks at Camp Lejeune.  During these congressional hearings, it was detailed how the Marine Corps failed to take responsibility for the harm that they did to their service members.

Jerry Ensminger- Served in the USMC for more than 24 faithful years.  His daughter Janey suffered tremendously for 3 years with leukemia resulting from in utero and early childhood exposure to TCE and benzene. She passed away at the age of 9.  Her dad led to the creation of the H.R.1742, known as the Janey Ensminger Act. Signed into law in 2012. It established a presumption of service connection for illnesses associated with w/contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune 1957-1987, it provides health care to family members of veterans who lived at the base. Jerry has compiled  “The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten” site, to help provide information about the toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune. This information is there to register for free, you can scan through numerous documents and court papers, and timelines.

Mike Partain- Born at Camp Lejeune in 1968 and diagnosed with male breast cancer. Instrumental in the fight along with Jerry advocating for victims.

In 2014 Newsweek cover story.

https://www.tftptf.com

I have just touched upon the information regarding this.  It is truly shocking to read through court documents and to learn the denial, cover-up and betrayal.  Shocking and sickening.

Marines, Sailors, family members, and civilian employees have all been affected by the water contamination. TCE, DCE, Vinyl Chloride, and BTEX are known or suspected to be human carcinogens. Liver cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, nonhodgkins lymphoma, liver disease, miscarriages, birth defects, heart defects, neural tube defects, low birth weight…..the list goes on.

One would think you wouldn’t have to battle for anything if you were lucky enough to survive and return home from Vietnam. You would assume your country knows exactly what you were exposed to and where the exposure took place. But, it is easier to just ignore the issue and hope it goes away. Do they forget who they are dealing with?                                                            MARINES. THE UNITED STATES MARINES.

And behind those Marines are the family members who are ready to fight like hell.  For thousands and thousands that have already passed away, like my dad- Michael Patrick Dunn, LCP USMC Vietnam 1969-1970/Camp Lejeune 1968 passed away on 8/26/2020. After years and years of suffering.  I can still hear his moans and cries of constant excruciating pain at times.  He no longer has a voice, but he raised a daughter who does.  As my dad’s brother Uncle Johnny told me the other tonight…..

“You are a pitbull, in a good way.” Yes, you are correct Uncle Johnny. I will stand for anything that is near and dear to my heart. Anything that is significant to the ones I love. I will always fight for justice, I just never thought I would have to fight for justice from the very Corps that my father gave his entire life to.  To hear Marines talk about the betrayal they now feel, knowing their leaders up the chain of command at Camp Lejeune not only ignored repeated warnings about the levels of solvents found in the water at the base- but once it all came to light-they denied it for 30 years- simply brings me to tears.

This doesn’t just end with my dad’s suffering. As I type this, my brother age 51 is in the hospital with severe complications from Diabetes. Michael has had both legs amputated. He has suffered tremendously.  All 3 of us (Michael, Myself, and Chris) suffer from neuropathy.  The list of my medical conditions is extensive.  Many rare and debilitating conditions.  Every Dr. I see and they go through my medical history they are shocked….yet…yet….when I say “My dad was in Vietnam and heavily sprayed with Agent Orange and drank contaminated water at Camp Lejeune”….they refuse to acknowledge the connection.  Look up Erythromelalgia – aka Man on Fire syndrome.  It’s a horrible disease to have.

My 4 children all suffer from medical conditions.  Between the kids and I, we are at over 20 surgeries for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  The list goes on.  I have read that some experts are more concerned with the grandchildren of these Marines due to late onset of diseases.  These things keep me up at night.  We were poisoned without even being there.  My dad was there, willingly.  My dad intentionally enlisted to serve his country. To become one of the FEW, the PROUD….the Marines.
My dad did not know those superiors he looked up to, who were responsible for his health and well being betrayed him. Betrayed his brothers, betrayed their country.
So now what? What is next? We go to court. We fight and we stay in the battle.  We don’t give up, I won’t give up.  I’ve already been fighting a secret battle just to be named the Estate Representative for my dad’s wrongful death claim.  I am not legally his “next of kin” as he was married at the time of his death. This person doesn’t deserve to represent my dad, ever. I am praising God that my efforts to eliminate her in this case and myself being the representative for my family were successful.
The fight has just begun.  In 1 year since passing the Justice act-allowing families to file claims, not 1 claim has been heard. Not 1 claim has been settled. Not 1 Marine has been shown justice.  But we fight on.  I have reached out to many congressmen to request they get involved and get legislation passed for these heroes.  Currently, there is no cap on attorney fees.  So Marines and their families will only receive a portion of a potential payout.  The honest truth is, there is NO FAULT. This isn’t like most cases. The lawyers should not be the ones benefiting at the expense of dying Marines and sick family members. There should be a fee cap. I am grateful that Congressman Mike Bost’s office from Illinois (who is on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and a Marine himself) received my message and asked me to call the office. We need Congress to get on the federal court to start acting. Time is essential. Every day another hero will lose his or her battle. For 33 years, the Marine Corp allowed millions of families to drink some of the most poisonous water in the world.  This will never go away.  This will not end until justice is served. This is the largest injustice I can even think of. They deserve better. My dad deserved better.  Uncle Bobby, Uncle Johnny, and Buddy deserved better. I deserved better. My 4 children deserve better. Every family affected deserves Justice.

I don’t care if my comment sounds political, if it is – so be it. While our country has open borders and criminals, terrorists and just awful, evil people in general mix their way into our country- immediately services are provided. Medical care, housing, education, financial assistance. We send billions to countries such as Ukraine and other foreign lands. We hear talk about “reparations” in California for slavery. Yet, not 1 person screaming for this was directly impacted. There’s not one person still alive who was associated to that time. But, still they fight for it. And they will receive it no doubt. I ask this of our country- When will we come together collectively as a country and fight for the forgotten ones? When will Vietnam Veterans receive justice? When will the ones who were willing to lay their lives down for you and I – when will their service and sacrifice be honored? Will we ever make them a priority in our country? They were spray & betrayed 50+ years ago. They were poisoned & for decades it was ignored. They were dishonored. They’ve suffered since their late teens and thousands-their entire adult life. It’s time the suffering is noticed by the country, our country. The country they defeated and fought for. The country they would have gave their lives for. They did give their lives. Thousands died overseas in Vietnam. While thousands returned home to die a slow, isolated and forgotten death.

SEMPER FI-
Ask yourself what Semper Fi meant to the Officials at Camp Lejeune who were Marines themselves and given the opportunity to stop this a long time ago.  What did Semper Fi mean to the immediate Officials who ignored the very 1st warning?  What did Semper Fi mean to the immediate officials who ignored the 2nd warning-2 years later? The Marine Corps leadership was not faithful to the Marines. There will be human accountability. This however is no reflection on the fine men and women who call themselves MARINES. This was a select few at the top. The rest, they were betrayed. Millions were betrayed. Their children and families were betrayed. Imagine the heaviness a father would feel, enlisted into the Marine Corp to protect his children & children around the world from evildoers. Unknowingly, the very place they were receiving their military training- is the very same place their own children become sick. That breaks my heart. Guilt is a heavy cross to carry. These heroes shouldn’t be responsible for something they were completely unaware of. But, a parents job is to keep your children safe. A parent who is a Marine’s job is to protect- to protect their children. They were helpless.
This is part 1 for me.  I will be sharing updates along the way. I do ask you to keep every Marine in your prayers. Many are fighting terminal illnesses and will pass before being awarded justice.  I just read a Marines story. He shared he is dying of cancer. He knows he will never receive a penny from the PACT ACT. He said he is not worried about himself, rather his fellow Marines he will leave behind. He shared his hope that they receive compensation from the government who poisoned them, to help their families afford their medical care. He spoke of “Marines don’t leave Marines on the field of battle & this is the battle for our lives”. The extent of suffering is inconceivable.

What can you do? Keep every family member in your prayers as they watch their loved one suffer. As they say their last goodbyes. Like my dad, pray for those who are already deceased and never saw justice, but a family member is now in the fight. We need your prayers and support. We need Americans to be aware of what our own government has done. Not 1 of us asked for any of this.  There is no amount of money that will ever bring my dad back. That is a very difficult thing for me to come to terms with. It is even worse knowing this never had to happen.

Semper Fi- a life long commitment held by every Marine for the Corp & America. A promise reciprocated by the Corps to every Marine. The saddest part of betrayal- it doesn’t come from your enemies, it comes from those you trust the most.