Mike Rowe and the BURN PIT Whistleblower: War Veteran Dan Clare | The Way I Heard It

On this episode of "The Way I Heard It," Mike Rowe talks with Dan Clare, the Iraq War veteran and Chief Communications and Outreach Officer for Disabled American Veterans. Dan explains the circumstances that led him to blow the whistle on the Iraq burn pits.
#mikerowe #thewayiheardit #Whistleblower #burnpits #danclare
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[@yzenynot]

I've stopped saying thank you for your service. I now say thank you for your sacrifice.

[@snidely_whiplash]

Sweet virtue signal. Do you say it to Coasties too!?

[@yzenynot]

@@snidely_whiplash anyone who has or is serving. It wasn't until after I got out, got married, and had a family that I really understood.

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodin1559]

@@snidely_whiplash How do you get to hell? Very simple: claim that you're innocent. How do you get to heaven? Very simple: Admit that you're not Innocent, you're guilty and ask for mercy. How to know if you're guilty or not? Simply: Compare your life to the Ten Commandments God gave you in the Bible. Everyone agrees that if people followed the ten commandments there would be no need for governments or police. Do not lie. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. Do not insult God by using his name as a cuss word. There are six more but let's just leave it at that. How many lies have you told in your life? Have you ever taken anything that didn't belong to you? Jesus said, if you look at a women lustfully you've already committed adultery in your heart with that woman. How many times a day do you do that? Do you use God's name as a cuss word? Would you do that with your own mother's name? If you answer these questions honestly you know that you're guilty. God can justly punish you and send you to hell. Ask him for mercy. His name is Jesus. It's as simple as this, The Ten Commandments are called the moral law. You and I broke God's laws. Jesus paid the fine. The fine is death. Ezekiel 18:20 - "The soul who sins shall die." That's why Jesus had to die on the cross for our sins. This is why God is able to give us Mercy. Option A. You die for your own sins. Option B. Ask for mercy and accept that Jesus died on the cross for you. ❤ *Honest questions are welcome.* []

[@user-io5bs4sl9g]

Mike I appreciate you talking about the burn pits with the DAV rep. I am one of the service members that was affected by the burn pits. Due to my time I Iraq I was diagnosed with particulates in my lungs from the burn pits and was medically discharged. The unfortunate situation was the VA didn’t recognize this until the PACT act in 2019. I’m still one of the lucky ones. I have a friend that I served with that recently passed away from lung cancer due to the toxins inhaled from the burn pits. We are in the registry, I’m hoping it helps all of us.

[@michaelmarks8954]

My time in Vietnam was in the Delta where agent orange was extensively used, during an exam by a VA doctor he refused my claim of being “in country”. This is when I went to the DAV for my disability claim and finally after 15 years I was awarded 100%. Thanks Miss Johnson.🇺🇸🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@user-fn2vp1sw1h]

TELL EVERYONE DONT JOIN EVER !!!

[@helicopterdriver]

I talked to a guy that served in Vietnam and his job was to retrieve body/parts after a battle. His choices were do burning barrel duty and burn body parts or go retrieve corpses. He was assigned an Armored personnel carrier ordered to go out and hunt down dead soldiers and put everything in a body bag. Every day. The things he endured are unbelievable. Having to spend the rest of your life remembering the horror is unimaginable for me. What a terrible dilemma.

[@donaldpereira2652]

My late Dad, a Pacific Theater World War II army Veteran manned a .030 machine gun. Came home nearly deaf. He worked his entire life, but missed most of it, because he couldn't hear what people were saying.

[@russh6414]

Thanks Mike for amplifying this issue! I am pretty sure burn pits did in my step sister. She used to talk about them when she was in the Army. She came down and fought lymphatic cancer while in the military and never put one and one together. She was in her late 50's when she passed she fought the cancer to the end with the love and support of her family and extended family support group.

[@Wawalsh1234]

My dad was a member of the DAV. His ship USS LST 496 was sunk in WWII off Normandy beach and he suffered 2 major nervous breakdowns after his service. He was honorably discharged. Thank you for your organization.

[@Rusty-Brown_]

I SPENT 5.5 YEARS ON NAVY WARSHIPS AND HAD SAME PROBLEM

[@mamadotscreations]

People are STILL afraid to be "a disorder". We all need some kind of help, but asking for it is still scary

[@Misty-md9ke]

Asking for help is a sign of weaknsss. Or, theres always rules for getting help. We will give you therapy but you have to quit smoking and no antidepressants, which I dont take anyway bc I think its just a way for big oharma to cash in on pdople who might just need someone to actully listen to their problems for a change. Or somebody who atleast acts like they give a fuck. A hug or a smile would be nice. But fuck na. Trash us what I get. Electronic harrassmentbis no joke. And its from an organization whobgets funding from thw governmennt. Thats why i cant get online. Because km the only person who has thw fucking balls to tell it like it is. Hell, i havw nothing. You cant threaten somebody who has absolutely NOTHING to loose.

[@annescholten9313]

You HAVE an disorder, you are NOT the disorder! Asking for support is healthy and courages.

[@420WEED69]

No its not Get a CARDBOARD SIGN and go STAND out on a corner 😂 *🇺🇸FUCKING WORKS FOR ME🇺🇸*

[@WvlfDarkfire]

The DAV was fantastic to me when i got out. They really helped me get the care i needed while walking me through all the steps i never knew id have to take. They still offer fantastic assistance to veterans in general

[@loudmcleod7127]

I love the idea of a reverse boot camp. I came out of the Air Force with skills that didn't translate to the civilian world so well. Not a lot of call for maintaining and loading aircraft weapons systems outside of the military. My earliest resumes had to be VERY creative. Lol

[@loudmcleod7127]

@@rboland2173 my class was the last of the 462s and first of the 2w1s ( F-15s). They changed it between our upstairs classroom basics and hitting the hangar floor

[@Psalm2710_]

My husband said they had the same burn pits too when he was in Iraq, but he doesn't fall into the dates. They wait till the majority of the service men die off before finally acknowledging the problem.

[@electrochaser8154]

It’s a shame what a combat veteran goes through while serving. But to make them be ashamed of their medical issues from their service should be shame put on the elected representatives who sent them.

[@MrCommentmaster]

I deployed several times to several countries but it was my 2nd deployment to Iraq in 2008 that I realized just how Bad burn pits were. It was mid July in Baghdad and 120 degrees outside. All of a sudden the sky went dark like one of the many hurricanes I’d grown accustomed to. It started to Snow in July and everyone simply stared at the sky. Once it actually hit my truck I realized it wasn’t Snowing, it was raining Ash. This one particular time it was more than an inch thick. I started asking questions and they burned Everything!

[@bobthecannibal1]

The "Transition assistance program" was one 4 hour class for me while I was outprocessing when I ETSed. Consider that (in my case) my basic training was 16 weeks on a 4 year contract. Some guys were "two year" contracts. "Needs of the Army" means they train you, and then you're practically on your own when you get out, because the "needs of the Army" aren't generally served by people separating from the Army.

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

Thank you for helping our veterans! As an Army mom of an overseas young soldier, I can tell you that telling a soldier "thank you for your sacrifice " means much more than service. They have sacrificed their family time, relationships, careers and so much more to become part of the military that defends our freedoms. And you are so on target with the basic training...they need support and civilian training as they transition back to "normal" civilian life. I can't imagine how difficult switching roles will be for our son when the time comes. Thank you for you support ❤

[@Desecrator6]

Rip to all the service men and women that we've lost. My family has seen the horrors of these burn pits and the impact it had on their health. Thank you for all you've done for our country. You are braver than I.

[@user-io6pj8bz8h]

Women, hahahahahaha, you poor gaslighted drone!!!

[@cherylstaples1790]

I wasn't gonna listen in to yall men talk about dry man stuff, but I'm nosey so plugged in and realized the topic is anything but dry. One, I love our service people. Two, I'm a retired public health nurse, so it matters a whole lot to me that things like this happen to our people who have to take orders from people who should know better than put their health and lives at risk. Thank you! For everything you've done and are doing.

[@RealRickCox]

Grateful for each and every service member and first responder who have protected Americans both here and abroad. Hoping one day, the thirst for war will end.

[@Spetznatz01]

An excellent show Mr Rowe. I can certainly relate. I served 27 years in the Army with 2/3 of my time as a Reservist. I served in the Gulf War then later I went to Iraq again in 2005 to 2006. A few years after that I went to Afghanistan in the far East region near Pakistan in 2011 to 2012. Early last year, 2022, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had genetic tests done because I was concerned for my two young sons. Later last year in June I had 90% of my colon removed and went through several rounds of chemotherapy. It has debated my health and weakened me beyond what I thought was possible. Since then I have pushed myself to eat better and work out consistently to regain my strength. I’m much better than before but still suffer from some nerve damage mostly in my feet/toes and some in my hands. This is a result of the chemotherapy. I’m glad the VA finally set up the Burn-pit registry and has helped me to recover. Now I’m trying get back to some sort of work and take care of my family! Thanks for helping to bring these problems to light!!!

[@therealspooks]

I was in Balad as well, from 2004 to 2005, I was a contractor as a Paramedic

[@skyhawk21]

Hey brother or sister, me too!!!

[@therealspooks]

@@skyhawk21 brother, Anaconda

[@jeremysturza10]

Contractor here too 07-10 3 different sites. Warrior, Bernstein and speicher

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

Love you, Mike! You, and Les Stroud are the best dudes to ever have their own shows. I'd love to see the two of you go out, and do a collaboration. You doing a dirty jobs take, on Les doing his Survivorman job.

[@saintb6969]

I am a combat VET,the sad thing is now PTSD is used by everyone, oh I stubbed my toe now I have PTSD………but yet everyday a real VET that has endure combat has to fight the VA just to receive or keep their benefits while those lazy people that have refused to work and instead live off the tit of the Government (welfare/Stimulus) continue to get theirs with no fight. I have fought your battles and survived, why do I have to continue to fight?

[@theemporersnewclothes]

A nation that forgets it's veterans, is itself soon forgotten...

[@jimipickle8355]

Mike, this is an endeavor that needs to be explored. Not to point fingers, blame or find justification but to meet the needs of those who served. As a survivor, 100% disabled vet with several unexplained medical conditions upon return from Iraq, there is an understanding that we need to put an effort to this. We, survivors, who lost our health and much more, we need to address, create a trusting agent and do whatever is necessary to care for those who are STILL trying to survive. How many more will we allow to perish? Dan, thanks for standing. There is also another unspoken, not on my watch atrocity that needs attention. No one wants to touch it, no one wants to address it and it has nothing to do with fighting a war but it was present. This one needs accountability. Dan knows.

[@samuelwyatt191]

Mike Rowe for president

[@alexanderren1097]

This is absolutely CRIMINAL! I don’t care if it was inadvertent or unintentional. At the very least, the leadership is responsible for gross negligence

[@srroberge]

The Army killed my son. He died from stage 4 pancreatic cancer at the age of 37. He served in Iraq in 2006 1-11 ACR Golf Troop. The VA oncologist in West Haven CT wrote a letter stating as much. We have just filed with the Pact Act not for money but to make sure the US government knows they killed a patriot who enlisted because of 9/11. What a waste!!!

[@mattbaker337]

Both my grandfathers went to WW11, when I looked into their eyes it was like part of their soul was missing.........they knew they had taken human lives and they questioned why, was it worth it ? One came home and threw his medals in the sea stating 'never mention the war again'. the other hardly spoke, he had been discharged with Shell Shock. My grandmother said he was never the same man again

[@msudawgma]

I am so sorry for their loss as well as yours. Pain like that is all in the family. The average person doesn't realize this. God Bless America!

[@snidely_whiplash]

WW11, huh?

[@mattbaker337]

@@msudawgma Thank you and God Bless

[@donaldkwasnicki9554]

Thanks for this video.

[@skyhawk21]

Hey mike, not only burn pits when convoying into Iraq, burning oil and gas and breathing it in while driving into a hazardous combat zone. Oil pouring down from the black sky… also sand in the air constantly like glass going through respiratory system… I was at balad air base as well… now I have major health and breathing and skin problems not to mention other va caused health injuries….

[@loudmcleod7127]

I was blessed to not have to deal with that but even stateside hangars are super toxic. So many things we handled with bare hands and had all over us are known cancer causing agents. I'm amazed I'm not one big cancerous tumor. 🤷‍♂️

[@ensporium8857]

Facts 💯💯💯

[@skyhawk21]

Amen

[@jasonwilliamson8416]

I did multiple tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. The VA denied my PACT Act claim.

[@loudmcleod7127]

@@jasonwilliamson8416 my dad was agent orange exposed and we had to fight them to get his disability rating and get help, then they killed him through neglect in Bay Pines hospital

[@2901nc]

Thank you for the education.

[@chrisyoung4654]

Thank you for bringing up the issues at K2! I was there twice! The pond was a VERY REAL THING!! My supervisor from my first time there has already had brain surgery due to cancer.

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

My father was dishonorably discharged for desertion. When McCarthor abandoned the Philippines. He unfortunately was left behind by the Army. Fought bravely to facilitate McCarthor's return. Only to be kick out by the very country that he was more than proud to serve. Our VA and military administration/ Leadership suck big time. And there is no way to get actual justice. They just wait you out until you die. Then your no longer their problem.

[@t-s3222]

Burn pits weren’t just a thing in Iraq. I was deployed to Afghanistan and we had burn pits there also. Anyone remember stirring the poop stew?

[@ensporium8857]

After every guard/tower shift in Iraq 💯💯💯

[@JerryTolley420]

Love hearing Mike talk and enjoy everything I have saw him in.

[@erikanthes954]

I have pictures of the Burn Pits from Camp Ramadi, Anbar Province, Iraq from 2007/2008 if anyone needs them. They say everything being shared here and more. We burned everything and every morning we woke up to the smoke filling the Camp between the berms. I'm very concerned about my health moving forward.

[@ralphcrosby4051]

thank you for sharing this information and important topic giving our arm forces better help they did the job alot of us are afraid to do blessings and prayers too all our military stay safe I thank you for what you do for me and my family

[@Herowebcomics]

Man! Our armed forces personnel need people like this to help them! That stuff is no joke!

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

You rock!

[@Adroit1911]

Thank you for your sacrifice....

[@garyhumphrey8936]

I lived about a mile away from the pit at Balad airbase. I was also route clearance and was blown up 28 times which also resulted in exposure to a lot of different toxins from the blast itself. I also was a resident of the tent hospital for a short period of time.

[@jobellecollie7139]

Try walking as a woman, who IMHO, are still hoping to get recognized. When I was separated from active duty, I was told to bring my documents to my VA and within a few months, 100% sc & pt would begin. That was a huge lie! My VA wrangled my paperwork for SEVENTEEN years! Since I had children to rear, I worked. It was very difficult to suffer a TBI and MST x2. I was finally able to stop working at age 40. Early retirement? Ha! I feel like I'm 80 years old and the night terrors are horrible. I'm now in a powerchair, which my VA argued for 7 years. I think the thing that hurts the most, you have many charities. Too many. But as I say I served after Vietnam and before 9/11, so I did not qualify! I'll tell you a small secret, lots of terrible things happened in my era!

[@skyhawk21]

So sorry to hear this, your story sounds kinda like mine, I’m just a generation ahead of you!!! I’m in. 40s and feel 80!!!! Two broken body parts due to military forcing me to take medication way past the normal amount of time instead of fixing the issue and then issues.. waited years to replace broken bones, walking like a crippled surviving daily in massive pain and anger….. finally va fixes me, gives me compensation, wonders why I have chronic pain, won’t give me my meds for that, tell them my body is broke and I need a wheel mobile device because I get tired out and winded quickly.. I have kids, a 6 year old and can’t even keep up… the va destroys soldiers medically then won’t help or fix them just play by the rules and look good in numbers to govt… I have no friends, no support and feel alone in this world… OIF II vet… thanks for your service!!!!!

[@genehasenbuhler2594]

I live in El Paso Tx! Home of Biggs Army Airfield , Ft Bliss and the McGregor Range! I live on the northeast side if the Franklin mountain range! When I was very young the army used to burn their dump on a regular basis! It consisted of two pits about 30ft deep dug by bulldozers in the ground approximately 100 ft long! Twice a month they would set the pits on fire! We would watch it burn and generate thick black clouds of smoke from our porch! In the 80 when the base was in a slump and was threatening to be closed they abandoned the old dump site and moved it to a new location a mile north! As teens and into my twenties we would raid the old dump site! I cannot tell you some of the things we found! But safe to say that anything and everything was there! From surplus rations to medic kits from ambulances to whole tents tarps, you name it! Even medications from the base hospital when they remodeled the dispensary! And to think all those chemicals floating in the air less than a mile from civilian homes off base! No matter the wind direction it was burned! They stopped burning the pits back in the early 80's! But the new pits have no liners and are just holes in the ground they fill up move over 50 ft then do it again! Right over our aquifer on the range lands! To this day they still operate this way! Right under our noses and there is nothing anybody can do about it!

[@jamesbrown6841]

I was diagnosed with COPD a couple years back from burn pits. Never smoked or anything. Vehicle chemicals, smoke and burn pits. Now at 47 I have breathing issues and blood pressure issues and so on.

[@RobinP556]

Just a simple thanks or a handshake or hug are all three fine with me. I’m a paraplegic due to a HALO jump gone wrong when I was with the 5th Special Forces Group. The part that sucked and still sucks for me is that I couldn’t stay in, I couldn’t be with the family that was my ODA (it’s a Team in SF). It’s something that I’ll never get over, even though I’m now too old to serve anyway. I was injured pre 9/11, so I don’t get those benefits, and I don’t feel that I should, the 9/11 vets deserve these special benefits, but more importantly to me, when 5th Group hit the ground right after the towers came down I couldn’t go. I completely shutdown for some time. It still bothers me a little to this day that I couldn’t go.

[@Jdubbsyes]

Love it

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

Hell yeah! Entire office complexes, that were shipped, received, and decided against.. Tons of MRE packaging. Broken vehicles, human waste... It only gets worse from there. Shit, I don't even burn pressure treated at home.

[@matthewhogue9727]

WOW!

[@JGM1800]

Keep it up Mike!

[@CallSign_Alucard]

I was on Anaconda for 14 months. If the wind was right, on your walk to and from barracks you would have ash streaks on your shoulder’s and headgear from the burn pit.

[@LTL_king]

Actions are louder than words. Be a neighbor to people around you. Stop and help someone out. Someone broke down on side of road. Stand up for your rights at council meetings. They work for you. Council members should be selfless, have accountability for their actions, honesty, integrity.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

Really wanted to hear about the topic. Alas, so far no mention of if or when that may happen

[@Moffit366]

My hero’s, got me rated many years later, but got me rated.

[@caseypowell9030]

Support all of are people who did this especially if it went against what they wanted or we wanted we have to take care of them the gov had fallen before let's not do it anymore grandad did 30 years died 2 months home love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EngageYourFrontalLobe]

The fact that “Leaders” in the military made (& still more than likely make) decisions that place our own Soldier’s lives & health at risk is unconscionable. The use of Agent Orange (Vietnam) & the burn pits (Iraq, Afghanistan, & more) are two of them. My heart hurts when I talk with my friends who served in Iraq & Afghanistan, and were exposed to burn pits, and now they are experiencing severe health issues (primarily lung & respiratory) as a result. They survived the war, only to fight for their lives (and even recognition that their health was negatively impacted by the burn pits) after returning home, due to horrible choices made by their “Superiors”. Where is the accountability? The people ‘in charge’ within the military (or gov., etc…) who made these decisions should be charged with crimes.

[@andrewhansen877]

I’m currently being denied compensation for burn pit exposure in Mosul. Chronic migraines are not on the list for presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure.

[@philabowl8073]

Even prisons have release centers....

[@colson3265]

...and we had to do PT in it when not on mission. Fun times

[@michaelodonnell6507]

The burn pit in Al Taji burned none stop in 2005. If it could burn, they burned it. Sometimes propane cylinders got thrown in and let everyone know it still had fuel in it.

[@B.V.Luminous]

It stayed burning all the way through '08 when I left Al-Taji, and it was burning for years after.

[@iamrrspike7132]

I registered for the burn pit because I’m a Navy Vet but never heard a word in response. Is it possible that the locations and time I served was not tracked with my unit while stripping confidential equipment from our aircraft shot down in the sand during Desert Storm? One location I was dropped in was a Army/AF base before working through the night there and being off ship for only days. I’m currently unable to work due to serious health problems and very recently being informed I may have Parkinson’s.

[@rodneyjohnson4881]

Twenty-three years overseas I agree and absolutely there is no help for sure when we come back to our homeland most of us end up homeless God bless America right LOL I'm happy to serve my country and I'm happy to be an American what does that really mean I left the beautiful I came back well what's going on

[@davewichman2479]

I would have to disagree with the last part about presumed illness getting paid. I was in Iraq twice and Afghanistan twice and have been turned down by the VA.

[@S68_X5MC]

I was there in Balad 2008 and 2011. The first time I was there we all signed a memorandum stating that we get an immediate 10% disability for the burn pits. By the time we left, they retracted those memos and said that the pits were within safe limits. WTF!!! I've had repertory issues and chest pains for 155 years now without any explanation. I just have sleep apnea, but they still can't figure out why I run out of air just taking. I don't hate our government, but I am damn resentful of it...

[@woogieman02]

I remember driving through the city dump in Iraq thay was about a mile long. Those people would burn EVERYTHING in these areas. We saw bodies, vehicles, batteries, tons of tires etc....

[@jimsummers487]

I’ve graduated from the “Dick Cheney skool of economics “…. and burn pots are good for you

[@samvantol]

Who's the silent wallflower in the right bottom corner?

[@greypatch8855]

Camp Lemonnier, I first thought was wow that's really thick fog.... nope locals burning camels. It was horrible.

[@russellbell9990]

Does DAV support translate to veteran contractors that spent say 2 1/2 years in taji and especially Rustamiya Iraq ?

[@CajunMarine33445]

I always loved Mike Rowe

[@WyldeKatz]

yayyy for DAV!! ❤❤

[@allyverl]

❤

[@TheRealSovereignCitizens]

12:00 minutes in, can't leave trash for the enemy. Biden here hold Obamas beer

[@bridellgibson1605]

I worked burn pits in 2007 for KBR in Diwaniyah Iraq...i controlled it and everything was bruned in it...we had to pack it and set on fire everyday...black smoke filled the air every night

[@MOGMAN]

What he isnt mentioning about LSA anacanda aka balad is it was a radiated area. when u left it and had been stationed on it they gave us a card explaining we where on a nuclear waste dump.

[@teribelleau137]

This is depressing as Hell!!!😢

[@E.T.GARAGE]

We had a burn pit at Loring AFB back in the late 1970's that we used to burn old ammunition, nothing like what he talked about in this video.

[@valerieadams5301]

Splitting hairs on terminology is futile. Post Traumatic Stress. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post Traumatic Stress is actually an understatement of what is experienced by front-line workers and front-line military persons. It is not simply 'stress'. It is deep psychological damage. I have experienced PTSD (as it is called); working as a 911 operator. The damage can be managed and even corrected to a certain degree; with the help of an expert therapist. It is a very long and painful process. I am deeply grateful to all who work in fields of help and protection of others.

[@brianpmessier4977]

OH YES THEY WILL... I worked inside a dump that was burned with 3000 gallons of fuel and I am still only getting things in bits and pieces after having C&Ps and telling my VA doctor that I have an unexplained cough that has lasted for 8 months, new onset of difficult exhaling when I exert myself (they do the pulmonary function test when you are sitting at rest so duh its not gonna happen), Dont want to give me a lung biopsy for sarcoidosis, and other than the xray and a PFT, its a struggle to get past 30% for sinusitus. Denied for Bronchitis, 0% for rhiniitis, and all this with PHOTOGRAPHs of me in the pit the day after and a picture with me literally covered in FOB Shank moondust after running the bulldozer for the day....The ultimate kick in the ass is that I am 51 years old and I am a wildland firefighter, and its becoming increasingly difficult to work for more than 10 minutes without the damn breathing thing kicking off. Wish I could post the pictures I took here

[@billparker244]

They used burn pits literally right in front of the fancy, safe burning machines the US government bought the contractors to use. This was right down the street from where I worked every day in Afghanistan. When all the whistle blowing happened, they posted a photo of the exact place.

[@penultimateh766]

I'm an Iraq War veteran, and I'm starting to develop asthma, hypertension, diabetes, back pain, and gout. I thought it was because I'm 55 years old and obese, but now I realize it must have been "burn pits"...

[@kmarks97236]

If you break it you own it. Take care of vets

[@1208bug]

Reverse Boot Camp, sounds like a good idea!

[@smallwaterguy9182]

The DAV is awesome

[@tonyb2760]

I gave to D.A.V. and they sold my information and I was bombarded with donation request from every organization you can think of, so I will never give to that organization ever again. Too bad.

[@treehuggingbuddhist]

please spread the word about EMDR and it’s benefits in treating PTSD in veterans! NOT talk therapy! NOT an invasive or triggering treatment! tyfys! 🤗

[@a.racetiffany2966]

Yes you are right. My matt ended after 10 tours to Afghanistan.. served at WH. He told me " he was in lot of pain and did not want to take anymore" He ended it. Next month will be left from this earth six years. Missed sorely. Wish he had found someOne to talk, and discern what was going on. And spend time with to open the matrix of darkness. Miss him and others

[@skyhawk21]

How does a vet with 100 percent add burn pit and get special compensation?

[@im_agine852]

Ask @combatcraig

[@rywy77]

100% rating is eligible for only 100% disability payment...this coming from a briefing I received from someone who works directly with the VA. Cumulatively, it's possible that one could be rated at, let's say, 160%, but would still only get the 100% compensation rate. That said, it doesn't hurt to get rated higher with the additional burn pit exposure. Because if they (VA) are able to fix someone's (for example) torn rotator cuff and it takes away 20% from a person's 100% rating, that individual still has whatever burn put percentage to fill in that 20% gap. Make sense? By law, there is no special compensation rate ON TOP of the the 100% payment.

[@skyhawk21]

Makes sense, Thanks guys

[@leokelly359]

I filed for the burn pits but, was denied I guess sitting it the desert near the burning oil wells 1991 didn't qualify😲

[@Nopenotgonnaplay]

Last organization I asked for help gave me the runaround and shoved me out the door.

[@Puzekat2]

Travis Mills was one of FIVE quadruple amputees from the Middle East wars who lived. Remember there are 4 others. And that is just from that war.

[@shariebowen2800]

Sooo very sad

[@soundhealingbygene]

Iraq vet here id rather hear thank you for your sacrifice not service.

[@legostud]

The WW1 era male was raised not to show emotion. That upbringing makes it very hard to get mental health care, because it would be seen by the patient as a sign of weakness. “Man up” was the way they dealt with their issues.

[@MechAnism820]

Devaluing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with a kinder and friendlier name is a step backwards.

[@mccallan2798]

In the South African vernacular, PTSD is directly translated as "bushf#cked".

[@Boutys_mom]

We had to burn our poop using half diesel/ half mo-gas..... while stirring the pot with a long stick.

[@jasonwilliamson8416]

I watched them burn a pick up truck that was shot full of depleted uranium rounds AND had two dead insurgents in it.

[@jamespence48]

You can talk all you want, but until the VA is changed, the veterans are getting poor service. The last 20 + years has been a difficult journey dealing with them. The VSO's (Am Legion, VFW, DAV) haven't been very helpful either. Only the confusion is consistent. Good luck to the younger vets dealing with the VA.

[@pamplachte5089]

No one helped our family after they served in Iraq

[@66meikou]

Has this bloke got in contact with Jon Stewart? I knoe Jon and an army member were filing lawsuits.

[@nepstein100]

Burn pits were bad. But you ain't done anything until you were one of the thousands that had to stir burn out crapers. Standing over a cut in half 55 gallon drum full of poop and jp8 and stiring until it was ash.