WESTCHESTER, NY — All Vietnam veterans and their families are invited to a town hall forum to discuss possible health problems related to exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Gateway Building of Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla. The event, which runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., is sponsored by the VVA Chapter 49 and the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency.
“We must do whatever we can to serve and protect our veterans,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “I encourage all Vietnam veterans and their families to attend this important town hall.”
Town hall speakers will include John Rowan, VVA National Commander; Ned Foote, VVA New York State Commander; Jack McManus, Agent Orange Commission; Herb Worthington, New Jersey Agent Orange Commission; and a family affected by exposure to Agent Orange.
For more information, contact the county’s Veterans Service Agency, at (914) 995-2145.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as likely being associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.
Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits for these diseases, ranging from Hodgkin’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease to prostate cancer, respiratory cancers and more. The VA has also recognized certain birth defects, including spina bifida, among children of Vietnam and Korean veterans. To learn more about veteran’s diseases related to Agent Orange, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/.