Veterans Say PACT Act Leaves Stateside Toxic Exposure Victims Behind

Veterans who served at domestic military bases tainted by hazardous chemicals feel they have been neglected by the significant PACT Act — and they are calling on Congress to address this issue.

Included in this group is Dave Crete, a veteran of the Air Force who was stationed at the Nevada Test and Training Range during the late 1980s. His dorm was located merely two miles away from a nuclear testing site. Currently, he is dealing with 20 tumors, brain cysts, and brain atrophy. “That’s not too bad — I consider myself one of the healthy ones,” Crete remarked. “Our unit's average age at death is 65.”

On Tuesday, Crete participated in a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill, aligning with advocates working to address the deficiencies in the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. The 2022 law broadened benefits for veterans affected by burn pits and Agent Orange; however, it leaves out numerous individuals who served at hazardous domestic locations.

“They were aware that the air, soil, and water were polluted,” Crete stated. “We desire to receive the same benefits as other veterans.”

Proponents argue that locations such as the Nevada range, California’s George Air Force Base, and Hawaii’s Red Hill fuel spill have led to cancers, miscarriages, and various long-term health issues. However, they continue to go unrecognized under the PACT Act.

Rosie Torres from Burn Pits 360 emphasized that the event highlighted the necessity for action from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress. “This is a chance to broaden the law and safeguard future generations from harm,” she stated.

Danny Sebeck, an officer in the Space Force and a champion for veterans of the missile community, emphasized that toxic exposure extends beyond just war zones. “We are experiencing losses, not on the battlefield, but within our work environment,” he stated.

Crete, whose toxic exposure is not recognized as a service-connected disability, made a heartfelt appeal: “Please allow us to receive the benefits that every other veteran has earned.”

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