Toxic legacy: Veterans fear illnesses linked to shuttered Army base

After 81 years training millions of soldiers, the Army base was mothballed in 1999.

[@53jeepjeff]

I went to basic and MP AIT there in 1979 (E-10). I returned there as a drill sergeant in 1983 and an instructor in 1985. I retired after 41 total years and I have many health problems to include parathyroid issues and heart and back issues. The VA won't help me. I have tried several times. I volunteered to be in the Army. It was my life. I've been to war twice and did all of the things they asked me to do and I retired as a division CSM. It all means noting to the VA.

[@53jeepjeff]

@Captain R I entered active duty on 13 Aug 1979 as an E-1. I did four years of active duty and then transferred into the Army Reserves. I remained in the USAR and was activated for Desert Shield/Storm. When back to the reserves after my deployment. I did two combat tours for OIF with Special Operations Command. My last was in MND-B 2005-06. Went back into the USAR after deployment. Deployed ISO OEF to GTMO in 2016 as a BN CSM. I did my last 3 years on ADOS as the G-3/5/7 SGM for a 2 Star MP Command. I am at 70%, but I am still fighting with the VA who ruled two injuries as not service connect. I have an LOD for one and was on active duty, and I MOST CERTAINLY did not have an exit physical because of COVID restrictions at Ft. Meade. I was luck to get my DD214 completed. E-10 was a typo. I don't normally answer to an O-3 unless you are an O6 USN Captain.

[@53jeepjeff]

@Captain R Wow - you are the most arrogant and possibly the worst example of a commissioned officer ever. I can see why you spent 29 years on active duty and retired as an O-3. Couldn't make field grade huh. With your moronic attitude its no wonder. Those must have been some great OER's right sir. You know nothing about me our my situation. Your are a troll that likes to call people out on social media and walk away. It's obvious you never did a joint tour or combat because with your attitude toward reservist you would have had a bunch of senior field grade officers jerk a knot in your 4th point of contact. By the way you active duty folks NEVER won a war without reservists. If you really did all that active duty time you would know that. I'm pretty sure you never talked to a USMC SgtMaj like that did you sir or maybe you did that's why you retired as an O3. Of course you could be a poser and a E3 for all I know.

[@53jeepjeff]

@Captain R worst example of a commissioned officer ever. The fact that you deleted your post degrading the military reserves shows you are a coward. I can see why you spent 29 years on active duty and retired as an O-3. Couldn't make field grade huh. With your moronic attitude it's no wonder. Those must have been some great OER's right sir. You know nothing about me or my situation. You are a troll that likes to call people out on social media and walk away. It's obvious you never did a joint tour or combat because with your attitude toward reservist you would have had a bunch of senior field grade officers jerk a knot in your 4th point of contact. By the way, you active duty folks NEVER won a war without reservists. If you really did all that active duty time you would know that. I'm pretty sure you never talked to a USMC SgtMaj like that did you sir or maybe you did that's why you retired as an O3. Of course, you could be a poser and an E3 for all I know. If I were to guess you were kicked out of the military and now work for the VA.

[@53jeepjeff]

@Captain R I see you took down your post about the Reserve and Guard, so I guess that means you are a coward as well as the most arrogant and possibly the worst example of a commissioned officer ever. I can see why you spent 29 years on active duty and retired as an O-3. Couldn't make field grade huh. With your moronic attitude its no wonder. Those must have been some great OER's right sir. You know nothing about me our my situation. Your are a troll that likes to call people out on social media and walk away. It's obvious you never did a joint tour or combat because with your attitude toward reservist you would have had a bunch of senior field grade officers jerk a knot in your 4th point of contact. By the way you active duty folks NEVER won a war without reservists. If you really did all that active duty time you would know that. I'm pretty sure you never talked to a USMC SgtMaj like that did you sir or maybe you did that's why you retired as an O3. Of course you could be a poser and a E3 for all I know.

[@FormerMPSGT]

TOXIC WASTE DUMP: THE MAGIC FENCE PROTECTED THE SOLDIERS APPARENTLY because we got nothing BUT ANNISTON GOT OVER $600,000,000.00., but those stationed at Ft. McClellan get nothing, not even recognition BECAUSE ALL FROM 1939-1999 would be eligible for some type compensation!

[@Allen-k2j]

I graduated in 1987 and have many health issues

[@herbdoc215]

I'm another one who had their health ruined by this and served there in Army in 1985! I have had several operations over the last 10 years directly this, from disc collapse, cysts on bladder and prostate and Graves disease now! What is it going to take for the USA to make good on its promise to us! This is a shame!

[@ramon196161]

Give us what we are owed!

[@Delatta1961]

I took basic there in 1980, diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma later

[@RoyHoma-i4y]

Dear Friend, I appreciate you, and we'll hold you in my prayers. Keep on, keeping on, and fight the bums! New fort McClellan register as a joke. I don't know if we can sue like Anniston did. B.T. 29June 81 A-12,,we were the clinical tests for anthrax vaccine.. not good, were sick out of our minds & few died . I have a diagnosis for agent Orange. Go figure:/ peace to you and yours. Ft McClellan Toxic Soldier Best wishes

[@CHARLESFRED248]

I fully understand peoples concerns. I was at that base. My mother always said she gave the military, a healthy young man and after being at that base, nothing could be further from the truth sad.

[@DavidJohnson-bl9yy]

I am so pissed. We need to go after those keeping us from care.

[@bridgettetraveler658]

I feel u David! I'm so angry! Last month another bill was introduced in Congress! It's more than breathing! My skin, heart & digestive systems are shot! I'm the youngest in my family & I use a walker to get around! I was there in 1986-1987! I started having problems while I was there! I thought I was out of shape! Hang in there! We'll be alright! If I wasn't a believing CHRISTIAN I would have checked out yrs ago!!!

[@williammorrison3923]

I was stationed at Ft McClellan for a total of four years. As a member of the Air Force Law Enforcement team assigned to train MPI folks. I have had both of my hips and a shoulder replaced as a result of arthritis. I have a son who was born at the base hospital and now fighting brain cancer. The VA has offered no assistance.

[@shawngee9345]

TMJ4 I was there as well in 1979 and I suffer from so many ilnesses. I have now contacted my congressman and they want to meet with me, but have to wait til this corona virus is over!

[@luffcreatures8625]

Me too. Numerous ailments that is not in my family at all.

[@herbdoc215]

That is a good idea as Katie Porter is my Congressperson and I'll call them this asap!

[@luffcreatures8625]

I was at Fort McClellen in the summer of 1973. I have Hypothyroidism, Fibrobyalgia, Essential Tremors & Neuropathy. I am not Diabetic nor have I ever had cancer chemo-therapy (so no one knows why I would have Neuropathy; etc)? No one else in my family has all these ailments. My mother that is almost in her 90s & does not even have any of these ailments. My father never had these ailments (he passed away in his 90s, even more healthy than I am now). Plus I never did drugs. Recently tried Medical Marijuana for my pain but I don't really like the "high" that comes with it. I was only at Ft McClellen for about 8 weeks for Basic Training (WAC). Then I was stationed in Germany. I never have seeked for any compensation regarding my ailments, either. But I do wonder re Ft McClellen?

[@nancywatson6192]

I went through basic here in 1975 and I have Cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare and aggressive (bile duct & liver) cancer.

[@clockher08]

I was there in 1976

[@clockher08]

I am truly sorry for you. I have weird cyst like ganglion that will appear and huge joint issues and bone issues.

[@davidward9282]

I spent about a year there ('80-'81) 54E Chen school first and then went over to the 613th Field service co. Spent a lot of time at the range. Where do I sign on?

[@WorldWideRetail]

I was station at Ft. McClellan from 1985-1988 in a transportation unit and now I have Graves Disease.

[@missyfreeman5169]

I also developed Graves Disease with in 5 years from being there, then another 5 yrs later Epilepsy.

[@Fast883]

I was there from 9/78 to 1/79. I'm now wondering if some of my heath problems are a result of my time spent there, as I feel like hammered doggie-doo all the time now; and it's not because I'm sixty-years-old, but rather mysterious things.

[@bridgettetraveler658]

I understand u! I have so many health issues! From my head to my feet there are problems, pain & swelling!!!

[@wchillhowell]

@@bridgettetraveler658 Just saw this, wow! I took BT there in 1977. We also had a truck fall over a cliff and 2 people died, my whole side was damaged and I completed BT and some of AIT. I felt fine for years but in my 60"s i have pain everywhere including my side and hip that was injured. About a decade ago I applied to get my medical records - there was NOTHING in them about my side or hip being treated!!

[@CindyBussiere]

I went to basic training in October 1980 through December 1980.........Seven years ago I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, with comorbidities of Enthesitis and Fibromyalgia. Just this summer I started having outbreaks of Pustular Psoriasis on my scalp...it's so nice to dig at your head so people think you have lice......I'm on loads of meds....I take 2 DMARDS that keep things at bay......but my doctor mentioned after failing so many meds, he said this has to be an environmental issue.........

[@VDash-Slesinski]

This is 2024 and little to no progress.

[@andrer1337]

I have degenerative disk disease and I was there in 1991-1992

[@deltha5105]

I was there for basic September 98. Ive delt with a lot of health issues since then.

[@Jrockjeff]

What are your thoughts on Katt Williams buying the property? Is this an issue lingering in the water/soil, or was there chemical weapon testing occurring right up to before they shut down?

[@altosmusiclab2248]

Please pass this around!

[@choosesomethingfun5608]

They tested Agent Orange at Ft. McClellan. I trained there, in the field, for a couple of weeks. I am the only one I can find in my family with diabetic issues of any kind. Also bladder cancer, but that cancer is also what killed an uncle, and I had a cousin, his daughter, that had the same cancer, so I can't really point fingers in that direction.

[@marionpolk6190]

Summer of 1985

[@johnathanrodgers2177]

and it was the water to from monsento people are sick and now closed 2 hospitals in the county

[@bobbyaustin8478]

The ammo storage area had agent orange, mustard gas and blister agents. Stored there in 1980 , I stood night guard during basic training in 1980 . That's all I know , and it is what I was told at the time. All I know about it. Could be a nasty area if it's true.

[@Specialangel]

Those two were the drill sergeants when I went through training there in 1980. It was fun watching him teach us females how to properly fold clothes.

[@denisethorbjornsen7493]

I was at fort McClellan Alabama from September 14th 1978 November 20th 1978 echo company drill sergeant ramage I've had Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma I also have problems with my thyroid and insomnia

[@anthonynewell6124]

Not tested at camp lejeune if you were thire 30 days you get benefits

[@kpgrubb1]

I was there from September 1978 to sometime in January. Basic Training and Military Police School. No problems whatsoever.

[@r8tedgr8]

I was there starting in April 82 for basic and MP AIT. I am glad you have no problems, but I hope you are getting regular thorough check-ups, a lot of the problems go without notice until it is too late. I have Parkinsonsism and prostate cancer and all that goes with that after a prostatectomy. I also have a positive "Indirect antiglobulin test" with no diagnosis of the cause of that yet. I am waiting on the next problem every time I get bloodwork done. My family has no known history on either side of the medical issues I have.

[@mikegriffin104]

I went to BOOT CAMP at Ft. McClellan in Dec. 1987 (Mike Griffin)

[@mymovies5219]

I toohave thyroid cancer I was at FtMcCullen

[@luffcreatures8625]

When were you there?

[@Hippie-i8g]

1975!!! All dx are on the presumptive list. How do we apply?

[@Soufeast1974]

I worked there during 9/11

[@Stustro]

No wonder they’re selling it to Katy Williams. I just read that

[@DomicoGoggins-ub8gj]

Toxic

[@marknovak1489]

I was there. Echo 12. June 79- Sept. 79. Military police basic and AIT.. I have no issues. First all male company. They dogged us.

[@baird5776mullet]

And they haven't done shit for veterans since, it's now 2024

[@niteranger]

lol I live right outside the main gate of Ft McClellan.. My dad retired here...

[@Hippie-i8g]

No one has contacted anyone I know that was there. They knew in the 1950s?

[@evolvinglove7786]

😡

[@altosmusiclab2248]

is the 'like button' broke? I hit like.

[@lanceconover9600]

What the MPs that went to training there not just the chemical troops spent 4 months there they better help all of us 8ve got issues diabetes and fibromyalgia is it from there

[@anthonynewell6124]

Ft McClellen 1992 795th am disabled now sick from my exposure

[@DomicoGoggins-ub8gj]

Give up