Radiation, DU & Burn Pits--Iraq’s Cancer: “America’s Gift That Keeps Giving”

IMAGE above: Japanese campaigners investigate a DU contaminated tank graveyard in Iraq, 2002. Credit: Naomi Toyoda

Sister Soldier: A Chronicle of Life After Iraq
By R. B. STUART
Post XXI



Memorial Day makes us remember that no matter how many wars, generations and decades go by---we as a human race never seem to learn. The exploitation of our military is a cruel punishment our enemies don't even deserve. What “we” do to our own with radioactive weapons, and the catastrophe of environmental carcinogens left behind---makes water boarding look like shooting a beer keg at a water park.

Most heart wrenching is the disservice by the DoD for those brave and healthy men and women who join the ranks of service to protect us. To be careless with their courageous souls is incomprehensible, but that’s exactly what the U. S. does generation after generation. As they string the Veteran’s together with empty medals from Korea, to Vietnam, to the Gulf War and now Iraq and Afghanistan. Their Purple Hearts, missing limbs, PTSD and aggressive rare cancers are less about the casualties of war, and more about the severity of illnesses that emerge with each generation of deployed military.

The DoD drapes their denial with the American flag---while hiding beneath their crooked smile---vats of mustard gas, Agent Orange and depleted Uranium masked in red, white and blue lies. It is unpatriotic to question their motives, but it is also inhumane to willingly contaminate and kill your own. As this new chapter of Iraq war crimes lends itself to the horrors of science fiction….it is another black mark upon our future.

After seven years, the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service, Bradley G. Mayes sent a training letter on April 26, 2010 to all VA Regional Offices, “Environmental Hazards in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Military Installations.” Informing regional employees on specific environmental hazard incidents that present health risks to service members and Veterans. And provide guidance on handling claims for disabilities potentially resulting from exposure to environmental hazards while on active duty. As well as “fact sheets” for VA examiners when conducting Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations associated with such exposure.

Mayes outlined; Service members can be exposed to environmental hazards in the course of their military duties, which may result in adverse health effects. Numerous environmental hazards in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other military installations that could potentially present health risks to service members and Veterans have been identified. The hazards discussed in this training letter are as follows: (1) Large burn pits throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, and Djibouti on the Horn of Africa; (2) ”particulate matter” in Iraq and Afghanistan; (3) a large sulfur fire at Mishraq State Sulfur Mine near Mosul, Iraq; (4) hexavalent chromium exposure at the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Basrah, Iraq; (5) contaminated drinking water at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina; and (6) pollutants from a waste incinerator near the Naval Air Facility (NAF) at Atsugi, Japan. And stressed, “It is imperative that regional office personnel are aware of these environmental health hazards and are well-trained to handle disability claims from Veterans based on exposure to them.”

In May 2006 the VA sent the letter below to, 25-year-old Army Specialist Travis Bromfield admitting to his exposure while deployed in Iraq. By September 2005 seven months into his year tour, he was diagnosed with a terminal, stage IV Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of unknown primary, of the liver, bones, lungs, kidneys, brain and spine. Spc. Bromfield was given a two-month life expectancy, this particular cancer only occurs in patients age 55 or older. He died February 20, 2007. For him and his family, the information about the hazardous environment in Iraq was withheld, and he was unable to protect himself while deployed. But how many more have to die needlessly while the U. S. war machine burns through the Middle East?

Two international workshops/conferences on Depleted Uranium were held earlier this month at the United Nations by the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons . ICBUW’s focus has been to inform and advise policy makers and governments on the threat to human health and the environment of uranium weapons. ICBUW was formed in 2003 in Berlaar, Belgium and is based in Manchester UK.

They campaign for a ban on the use of uranium in all conventional weapons and weapon systems and for monitoring, health care, compensation and environmental remediation for communities affected by their use.

ICBUW represents more than 120 NGOs worldwide and seeks to do for uranium weapons what the International Coalition to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition did for those types of weapons, in essence to develop a uranium weapons treaty that would prohibit the use of uranium in all conventional, i.e. non-nuclear, weapons. research projects.

An ICBUW spokesperson said: “We warmly welcomed the interest in uranium weapons shown by activists from the US and elsewhere in the world during the recent civil society NPT UN conference. Global opinion is rapidly turning against uranium weapons - something clearly seen by the UN resolutions on the issue, where 141 states accepted that uranium weapons have the potential to harm human and environmental health. In 2008, UN member states called for more research on the issue yet the US's refusal to release the firing coordinates from 1991 and 2003 is hampering this work and leading to unnecessary civilian exposures. ICBUW calls on the US government to urgently release this data to the UN and NGOs.”

Their world map of DU User Nations shows in red confirmed, grey suspected use.

The map above reflects the murky world of arms industry exports and the proliferation of DU weapons around the world.

An overview of ICBUW’s impressive timeline in the last two years highlights
the progress of their campaign:

March 2010
UK MPs accuse US military of human rights atrocity over use of toxic munitions in Fallujah.
Irish depleted uranium ban bill receives warm reception.

February 2010
Costa Rica bans production of depleted uranium weapons in their free trade zones.

January 2010
US set to discontinue depleted uranium in medium calibre ammunition.

November 2009
Netherlands Parliament approves motion for a moratorium on depleted uranium weapons.
Kiwi MP submits Members Bill calling for depleted uranium ban.
University of Vermont divests from cluster munition and depleted uranium manufacturers.

September 2009
Latin America Parliament calls for a moratorium on uranium weapons.
British jury rules that DU was likely cause of dead Gulf Veteran's colon cancer.

July 2009
The Belgian parliament votes unanimously to ban depleted uranium weapon investments.
German Bundeswehr manual challenges US and UK denials over depleted uranium in Afghanistan.

June 2009
UK Uranium Weapons Network launched as Belgium becomes first country to ban
depleted uranium weapons.

May 2009
The First International Cancer Conference held in Basrah, Iraq due to the alarming increase of cancer reports.
DU exhibition opens at Berlin's Anti-War Museum .

April 2009
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs agrees to fund ICBUW research projects.
Belgian Senate approves prohibition on financing of depleted uranium weapons.

March 2009
Costa Rica to ban depleted uranium weapons.

February 2009
UK Co-operative Bank ceases all investment in DU weapon manufacturers.

January 2009
Italy approves a 30 Million Euro for DU Compensation Package for Veterans’.

December 2008
UN General Assembly passes its second DU resolution.

November 2008
Nordic Network Against Uranium Weapons established in Oslo.

September 2008
UN Secretary General publishes report on DU weapons.

February 2008
Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs acknowledges need for uranium weapons treaty.
European Parliament establishes a DU Working Group.
UK politicians and NGOs condemn renewed DU test firing.

And on the home front in the U.S., the Washington, D.C.-based law firm, Burke PLLC which pursued claims for Abu Ghraib torture victims and Iraqi civilians killed by Blackwater guards, has joined forces with the Charleston, S.C. law firm, Motley Rice, the firm responsible for bringing down the tabacco industry in 1997. They are teaming up against Iraq environmental violators, Halliburton and Kellog, Brown & Root [former Vice President, Dick Cheney’s companies] on behalf of about 500 injured veterans and their survivors. The firm estimates that over 100,000 soldiers have been exposed to, and injured by the smoke and the toxins while deployed in Iraq since 2003.

In late 2008 Burke PLLC became aware that cancer cases amoungst soldiers began to surface. Although, I began reporting on cancer stricken soldiers in 2006 ….it has taken that long for injured parties ignored by the DoD and VA, to step forward, while the mainstream media lags behind barely covering the topic of cancer in the military post Iraq----which 95 percent of the American public is unaware of.

Lead council in Multi District Litigations, Susan Burke and sister, attorney Elizabeth Burke, filed 43 different lawsuits, all statewide legal actions in 2009. “When you look at the number of troops deployed to Iraq, the majority have been exposed to burn pits and contaminated water,” Susan Burke said.

It is only a matter of time before the contractors placed in Iraq, responsible for willingly exposing our troops to carcinogens, are placed before the firing squad of outraged American’s. Till then, it’s buisness as usual for our troops in Iraq; DU with their morning coffee, doughnuts and Burn Pits…a breakfast of champions for our future Veterans.’ So don’t be fooled this Memorial Day when you see the flags flying half mass in Washington, nor the fraudulent salute from our Former Administration, Bush and Cheney. As they are the two responsible for creating the war, and for sacrificing our men and women for their own diety; no longer a golden cow, but a pig made of green tresury paper with red, white and blue threads, dripping in brown sludge: their money hog [god] drentched in oil. Burn baby burn…..

“IRAQ: An Environmental Cesspool”

Sister Soldier: A Chronicle of Life After Iraq
By R. B. STUART

Post XX

While the war in Iraq winds down, the cases of soldiers being diagnosed with rare, aggressive forms of cancer post deployment heats up. Not only do soldiers have to contend with side stepping roadside bombs during their tour, but radiological dust from depleted Uranium, and suffocating plumes of Burn Pit smoke so rich with carcinogens---it makes smoking a carton of unfiltered Camel cigarettes seem like a breath of fresh air.

The Army Times reported on March 17, 2009, “VA to Monitor Burn-Pit Exposure Data” that Veterans Affairs Secretary, Eric Shinseki wrote to Congress days prior that That The Veterans Affairs Department is gathering data to monitor potential health problems among troops who say they were made ill by exposure to smoke from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Adding, a growing number of service members say they were exposed to everything from burning petroleum products to plastics and batteries. At every base in Iraq and Afghanistan burn pits are used to dispose of waste, including feces. Burn pit tests in war zones have shown that the fires release dioxins, benzene and volatile organic compounds, including substances known to cause cancer. While soldiers reporting more serious adverse health effects believe they are linked to those exposures.

Shinseki said the exposure data from burning trash and waste is already part of a large, ongoing population-based study comparing the health of 30,000 veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, with the health of 30,000 non-deployed.

That study evaluates; “self-reported exposures (including burning trash and feces), symptoms, chronic health conditions, functional status, pregnancy outcomes and health care utilization,” Shinseki wrote.

He also said it is “essential” for the VA to educate its health care providers about toxic exposures and possible long-term health effects related to the burn pits. So far, about 200 veterans have contacted Disabled American Veterans to say they are sick, and that they think the burn pits caused their ailments. Of those, about 30 have developed lymphoma and leukemia. Other reported conditions include asthma, bronchitis, sleep apnea, chronic coughs, allergy-like symptoms and heart problems.

Defense officials say that health effects as a result of exposure to burn pit smoke are likely to be “temporary” and should “clear-up” once troops return home. Shinseki concurred, “Most toxic materials from burn pits may be eliminated from the bodies of exposed veterans in a matter of days or weeks.”

If burn pit smoke is so harmless, then I invite VA Secretary Shinseki and DoD officials to take their kids to Talil, Iraq this summer instead of Disney World….and let them run amok building sand castles. If they expect other parents to give their blessings to deployed children who are exposed to this “easily assimilated toxic smoke”----then they shouldn’t have any reservations.

Army SGT. Amanda Older from San Antonio Texas [pictured throughout] deployed with the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade [BfSB] out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina September 2007 for Baghdad, Iraq. “My Camp Rustamiyah was located within walking distance of a factory which regularly burned feces. My suspicions are that’s where they dumped the port-a-john’s we used. The stench was so vile twice a day---you did not even want to walk outside,” remembered the 23 year-old who was in perfect health prior to deployment.

Although, environmental toxins weren’t what the former JROTC drill team member had in mind when she joined the military around Mothers Day of 2005 at the age of 18. Initially I joined for a challenge, and for something to do. I wanted to see if I could handle the physical training, and when I graduated I felt a sense of pride,” SGT. Older shared. “It’s not that I was patriotic, or had love of country---that developed after joining.”


While undergoing two months of Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina she lived in the barracks and cooked only using microwaves. It was then she decided when her term was up that she’d attend Culinary School and become a chef. “There wasn’t any particular cuisine in mind, just be skilled enough to be a professional chef.” Besides a career---a bright future with marriage and children were undoubtedly on the young beauty’s horizon.


SGT. Older, a Human Intelligence Collector specialized in interrogations on detainees. “I had to be verbally aggressive---water boarding was strictly prohibited,” she informed. The former league bowler was healthy through her entire 15-month deployment, which came to an end December 2008. And by March she started to experience 30 pounds of weight gain, a deterioration of her muscles, high blood pressure, acne, “moon-face,” and facial hair. “I went from being able to do 93 sit-ups in two minutes to not even one sit-up without assistance,” she heartbreakingly recalled. “Although initially, I didn’t see a doctor until about six months after my return due to the stigma of going to the medics,” she confessed. Explaining, “There’s a lot of soldiers using the Troop Medical Center [TMC] to get out of doing something physical like PT, marches, rifle training or cleaning the HMMVW [HumVee].”


“By June 2009 I had seen at least a half dozen Physician Assistant’s at Ft. Bragg, but never the same one. It was never my Primary Care Provider. I don’t think I ever even met my Primary Care Provider,” she recollected. “The doctors at Ft. Bragg insisted my blood pressure was high and I was gaining weight due to stress and possibly developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Actually, my uncle Dr. Steven Older informally diagnosed me with Cushing’s Disease.”

“The Ft. Bragg doctors recommended I see a nutritionist, as they believed if I lost weight my blood pressure would go down. Then once I transferred to the Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California I was fortunate enough to have an Internist who immediately recognized something bigger was occurring. He didn’t make any assumptions, he just ran tests until he figured it out. And that to have such high blood pressure at such a young age, was probably not just my bad genes.”

Then on September 11, 2009 everything changed when he informed her of the diagnosis, Stage III Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma—Cancer of the adrenal gland. According to The Transational Genomics Research Institute, it’s a rare, non-gender specific cancer that affects only 1 in every 1.7 million.

“My initial reaction was disbelief…shock---then fear,” SGT. Older confided. “It took me a couple of days before I was able to grasp the concept of “cancer.” Then I was pained. My heart hurt. I felt like I was letting my family down by getting sick, and I felt like less of a soldier for having to be at the doctor’s so much. Prior to diagnosis (at the Presidio TMC while the doctors were still trying to troubleshoot the illness), my chain of command couldn’t understand why I wasn’t “trying harder” during Physical Training. I was seen as weak and was stereotyped as “one of those soldiers.” ”


And within four days after diagnosis the courageous soldier underwent surgery, an adrenalectomy to remove the 9 cm. tumor on her left adrenal gland and began an oral chemotherapy treatment. Soon after SGT. Older was transferred to a Warrior Transition Unit [WTU] at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. “Most soldiers there are burn victims or awaiting prosthetics, so I was looked at as if nothing was wrong. My supervisor was very understanding and did all he could to get me transferred to Florida as quickly as possible.” And by the end of 2009 she was finally moved to the Community Based WTU in Florida.

Within three months after the diagnosis a CT Scan was ordered, only to discover the cancer had spread to a stage IV, including her lungs, liver, and abdominal lymph nodes. Immediately, an IV form of chemo was administered. SGT. Older has completed three of six rounds of chemo, and faces her 4th round the beginning of this month. When finished she’ll revert to the oral chemotherapy for the next two years.

“SGT. Amanda Older is a true solider,” her father Wayne and step-mother Faye said lovingly. “She went from fighting the enemy to fighting a cancer that may be a direct result of that combat. She is still a true solider battling this disease with everything she has. She has a great spirit and great attitude, and with this kind of challenge that is the kind of ammunition she needs, And if she runs out, she has her family and friends who will give everything they have. We love her and are very proud of her.”

Not only does she have a combined family of six siblings lovingly rallying around her, she is also receiving much needed emotional support from the military. “Since moving here the new chain of command has been very supportive. My First Sergeant and Case Manager drove down to Miami to visit me during my first treatment, and is currently working to get TRICARE [insurance] to finance a wig for me. My Platoon Sergeant has made it clear that no matter what I need they are only a phone call away.”

With health care failing on so many levels, none more so than medical treatment for the military and Veteran’s, SGT. Older commends the doctors and RN’s at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center. “The care I have received since moving to Florida has been phenomenal. The doctors are top notch. Everyone is passionate about what they do and actually take the time to get to know their patients.”


No matter what the circumstances, SGT. Older remains a soldier at heart---ever faithful to her military service, but still questions “what” caused the rare, aggressive cancer. “I wonder every single day why this has happened to me. I know God has a reason for everything but I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what the reason is. I suppose in “His time” I will figure it out. But I believe a number of things contributed to my condition. I was exposed to many burn pits; burning feces, plastics, metals, trash, and even animals. And while out on missions even explosions, as well as a series of anthrax vaccines before and during deployment.”

“As fast as my cancer is spreading, I wonder every day whether or not I’ll live to see my younger brother get married,” she bravely admits. “I’m still scared and embarrassed of my bald head. It brings me to tears every morning looking at it in the mirror. I don’t even let my family see me without wearing a wig or scarf. I have a very hard time accepting the fact that I actually have cancer. Some days I wish it had been an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or bullet that had wounded me instead of this disease…at least then I could see and feel the damage. The only way I know the cancer is there is by the nausea and lack of energy I have from treatments.”

After her first term in the Army, a mere but combustionable 4.8 years, SGT. Older’s unwavering dedication to military service has not waned. “My wish is to survive this…I have so much I still want to accomplish. I want to visit Rome, buy a house, have a child, go to Culinary Arts school…but more than anything I want to return to active duty—though, not in that particular order. Being a soldier is all I know, and everything I love, and I want that life back,” she grieved. “I feel like so much has been ripped out from under me by this disease. I hope to figure out what caused this and then spread the word to prevent it.”

Her mother Karen mourned, “I have watched my daughter go through so much in the past eight months. I saw Amanda in May 2009 for her birthday and I knew then something was terribly wrong with her health. How the doctors at Ft. Bragg could not see this is beyond me. If someone would have taken the time to run some basic tests, maybe just maybe, the cancer would have been caught before it reached stage IV.”

“I find it appalling that the military will not acknowledge cancer as a war related injury, when a completely healthy soldier developed it while in Iraq,” her mother said angrily. “However, because cancer cannot be seen from the outside, people just assume there are no injuries. Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma is an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. And I believe in my heart that the cancer is a by-product of when my daughter was exposed to depleted Uranium in Iraq.”

“To use our soldiers as guinea pigs physically makes me sick,” her enraged mother stated. “This is not what my daughter signed up for and I will not allow her to suffer in vain. I will continue to write State senators, newspapers, etc until someone takes notice.”

“Our American Soldiers need a voice. They deserve to be heard and recognized for their sacrifices,” she begged. “I am so proud of each and every one of them. I pray that God will not let their pain and suffering be in vain.”

“Depleted Uranium: From Sea To Shining Sea” Cancer Kills US Soldiers & Iraqi Civilians

Sister Solder: A Chronicle of Life After Iraq
By R. B. STUART
Post IXX


As early as 2007, four years after the war in Iraq, the medical journal, Lancet Oncology observed a trend, that several cancer registries were being locked out of Veteran’s Administration [VA] data beginning late 2004 [a year after the war in Iraq]. For decades the VA had voluntarily shared its data, allowing access to cancer patients. A Centers for Disease Control spokesman said as a result, "Potentially, 40 000 to 70 000 cases were missed nationally each year." Since several of the cancer registries national estimate of cases are askew, the spike in cancer rates of soldiers being diagnosed with cancer post 2003 deployment---remains unreported.

I have tracked nearly 40 soldiers since 2006 who have been diagnosed with rare, aggressive forms of cancer post their tour, half, have already died. The DoD and VA are less then forthright about this pattern---even as they approach the seventh anniversary of the war this March.

The environmental culprit, depleted Uranium and most recently the carcinogenic smoke from burn pits [the military’s resolve of disposing their sanitation in landfills---is burning the refuse, no matter what the content, in acre size dirt pits].

The United Nations Environment Programme has been conducting measurements of DU sites in Kosovo since 2000, later including Serbia, Bosnia, Kuwait and Iraq [the latter to be found with 42 contaminated sites]. Their “Depleted Uranium Awareness” pamphlet admits there’s a DU concern----but down-plays the cancer risks. DU is unable to penetrate the skin, but once there is inhalation or ingestion of the radiological DU dust, its toxicity has the ability to radiate the lungs and gut [multiplying in the cells].

Their projected time frame after exposure is 10 – 20 years before symptoms appear. But that is far from the truth. As soldiers lay ravaged in VA hospitals across the U. S. ----or their family’s, kneeling at the foot of a needless grave, know all too well. Privy to the VA data since 2003, the DoD is familiar with their diagnosis of an uncontrollable wildfire of rare cancer, appearing 4 to 36 months after exposure.

It is abhorrent that the DoD and mainstream media has stood shoulder to shoulder with locked arms blocking this information from the masses---military and civilian---in fear of soldiers deflecting. Especially when protective masks, gear and literature is readily available but intentionally withheld. But is death the only option? The young widow of Army Command Sergeant Major [CSM] James W. Hubbard Jr. [pictured throughout], with the 139th Medical Group Unit in Independence, Missouri, shares his story below.


The strapping Georgia native was drafted in 1972, a mere 20 years of age the autumn he enlisted. He was happy to leave Georgia, knowing the military would create opportunity that he wouldn’t have if he stayed. It instilled a sort of pride in him. It afforded him the ability to travel the world, he toured Egypt twice and lived in Germany for three years. He eventually returned to school where he earned his BA in Criminal Justice.

By 1980 the dedicated Army soldier decided eight years of Active Duty was enough and transferred into the Army Reserves. Year after year of superior military service he edged his way up in ranks to Command Sergeant Major, a rank that was the highlight of his career, and a proud accomplishment. But with such honors comes much commitment and before long he received orders to deploy to Iraq.

Fit for duty, the extremely active CSM Hubbard was in excellent health, never even needing an aspirin, and in preparation trained at Ft. Riley, Kansas. As the war in Iraq commenced February 2003, he deployed from the 450th Movement Control Battalion out of Kansas with Operation Iraqi Freedom.


His battalion landed in Iraq and forged ahead to their base camp at Talil Air Force Base [it’s been reported that Talil has one of the largest burn pits, 50-acres in size]. From there he spent the next 13 months traveling throughout Iraq, visiting his soldiers a few days at a time, at the many camps they called home. His health remained good, adrenalin keeping any possible issues at bay.

His tour ended March 2004, the arduous, year long stint was finally behind him. And like every soldier returning home he underwent routine blood work. Except his results were unusual and he was directed to a civilian doctor, who referred him to a blood specialist for follow-up testing and blood monitoring. He returned to the civilian job he’d been at since 2000, as a Sergeant at the Department of Correction in Kansas. And within a year met Katie, his young and beautiful future wife. Life was great. “According to my husband, they just monitored his blood without further testing and sent him home,” his wife Katie Hubbard recalled. “During the summer/fall of 2005 he began complaining that he couldn’t run like he was accustomed to. He would tire more easily and his workouts weren’t the same. He also started gaining weight.”


Over the next two years they planned their wedding. As a sports lover he watched the Atlanta Falcon’s and the University of Georgia Bulldogs play as much as he could. And with his wife to be shared his passion for war and Sci-fi movies, a collection of WWII figures, and introduced her to the soul of romance through the silky sounds of Motown music.

Unexpectedly, in early 2007, CSM Hubbard received orders to deploy to Kosovo for a year. The blissful couple decided to wed that Spring and within three months he shipped out to Kosovo. “Before Kosovo, he became winded easier, tired more often but otherwise was in good health. His weight gain became more pronounced while deployed from 2007- 2008. And fatigue was progressively worse,” his wife remembered. “When James came home from Kosovo, within a month he went to the Topeka VA Hospital in Kansas to begin the post deployment medical evaluation.” [This is a vital part of a soldiers medical history. The results, as well as their RER numbers [radiation exposure records] validating the radiation exposure from their tour, is permanently logged in their records, and data base. The RER data isn’t easily accessible to the soldier---but is to the VA and DoD.]


CSM Hubbard’s initial routine blood work turned into a flurry of do-overs in a five day period, at which point they finally disclosed that ‘his blood levels were critically low, and may need to be admitted for further testing.’ Urging him to schedule an appointment with the hematology department. Within two days he sat before Dr. Chester Stone, a hematologist, who informed him that ‘his levels were low, but not critical.’ “He thought that James either had a parasite or Leukemia, but didn't think it was acute. Inferring that if it was Leukemia, it wasn’t the “bad kind.” So he scheduled a bone marrow biopsy the following week, and ordered another CBC count,” Katie said.

The biopsy was botched the first time, so they re-drilled to retrieve the piece of bone marrow they weren’t able to initially. The doctors decided to include a series of genetic testing with the sample. Leaving the Hubbard’s anxiously awaiting the results for three weeks.


By mid November 2008 they met with the doctor. Expecting Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia if it was cancer, but hoping for a parasite or something easily treated. “We arrived and the doctor said, ‘It's Leukemia.’ Adding, ‘It’s a rare form and we can't be certain if it's Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia or Bi-Linagal Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.’ I was stunned. It was a blow to hear,” Katie admitted. “They believed James' Leukemia was from his service in Iraq.”

Dr. Stone urged them to move forth with testing and enter into a Transplant Center as CSM Hubbard needed a bone marrow transplant within a year. He saw three doctors before it was confirmed as Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia [ALL], with 85 percent Leukemia Blasts in his bone marrow. In January 2009 his chemotherapy port, a Hickman Catheter was placed. The Chemo started February at MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center. “The Kansas City VA was to do his treatment, but the doctors there were not only horrific, but unknowledgeable and disrespectful,” Katie recounted.

CSM Hubbard’s Commander was very supportive inviting the Hubbard’s to stay with he and his wife during one of the cycles, continuing to visit him in the hospital. “Both his Colonel and Brigadier General are doctors in the civilian world,” she informed. “His Brigadier General kept in close communication with him out of concern. His Colonel stated there was no explanation for the type of cancer James had for his age. And was puzzled as to where he could have gotten it. Adding that, ‘It’s normally a young adults or children’s cancer.’ ”


Mrs. Hubbard confided, both she and her husband believed the cancer was from his exposure to the bounty of chemicals and depleted Uranium while deployed to Iraq. “In 2003, his unit entered immediately after the Iraqi’s left the area. With the blown up tanks and utter destruction who knows what toxins they were subjected to.” Revealing, “There was at least one other person from his unit that had Leukemia post deployment.”

Still with all the obstacles and challenges they faced in this tragic unexpected circumstance, CSM Hubbard remained optimistic about the future, often talking about his plans post treatment. “His main goal was to enjoy our new house and get back in shape.” So he decided to retire as Group CSM, forfeiting the opportunity to advance to Brigade Command Sergeant Major, a role he held twice during the interim between Iraq and Kosovo tours.

She noted his chemo treatment during the odd cycles affected his PTSD. “He was extremely moody and short tempered. The even cycles made him more tired and took a day or two longer to gather his strength back.” In all, “James was beating the cancer and was in clinical remission after round two. The first few cycles at MD Anderson went good and he was treated well,” she reported. “But the doctor was aggressive and wanted to get the last remaining residual blasts (0.65%) out. She wanted the counts to be 0.00%. He was to undergo another bone marrow biopsy prior to cycle five. That one would have told us if a bone marrow transplant was necessary.”


It had been six months since his diagnosis. With hope in their heart after round four the Hubbard’s left the hospital for a much needed break. They left Houston and drove back home to Leavenworth, Kansas. CSM Hubbard’s body, tired and beaten from three months of aggressive treatments and chemicals---almost knocking the life out of him---just wanted to go home with his dedicated wife and recoup.

Within two days their hope had vanished as CSM Hubbard had developed explosive bouts of frequent diarrhea. Katie Hubbard had been advised by his doctors before leaving the hospital to administer the over-the-counter remedy, “Imodium.” “After I cleaned him up he was sitting up on the bed. I walked away and when I looked back I saw that he fell over onto his side. I went back to the bed and laid beside him, and as I started asking him how he felt I noticed his eyes were as big as half dollars,” she exclaimed.

“I knew something was wrong so I called 911 and he was taken to the ER in Leavenworth, Kansas. They wouldn’t allow me to ride with him, so I jumped into my vehicle and followed them to the hospital,” she said with frustration. “I stood by as they carried him from the ambulance, wheeling him to the ER. James squeezed my hand when I told him I loved him, and not to leave me. I assured him I was there for him,” she wept. “Then the EMS insisted I register him and barred me from his side while they performed CPR. Before long, the doctors returned, only to callously announce his death.”

“James ultimately died from a reaction to the antibiotic, “Vantin.” During his last cycle of chemo his doctors didn’t listen when I explained his symptoms, they instructed me to treat it with “Imodium.” Their unwillingness to listen ultimately caused his death,” she said angrily. “He was just completing the therapy in round four and we were waiting to start round five when he died,” she mourned.

Without medical explanation, she assumed his potassium levels may have dropped dangerously low from the severe diarrhea, “But we’ll never know because St. John’s Hospital ER didn’t order the blood work,” she cried.

His Colonel later said to Mrs. Hubbard, ‘You don’t cover-up the symptoms by treating them with Imodium.’ Online she read, ‘moderate to severe diarrhea’ is one of the side effects of an ‘adverse reaction’ to the antibiotic.


On May 21, 2009, at the age of 57, after 36 years, 6 months, and 27 days in the military, CSM James W. Hubbard Jr’s, father and brother beckoned him from the gates of heaven, calling the courageous, dedicated soldier home. There was no chance for final wishes, as he died suddenly and unexpectedly---alone.

His two sons from an earlier marriage, a grandson, five sisters, and mother had not been given the chance to clutch his hand, and squeeze away the fear of the unknown, nor rest their eyes on their beloved’s face one last time. The mistaken prognosis of a 90-95 percent chance of survival had evaporated---into the ethers along with his spirit. Suffering no longer---his hopes and dreams of what could have been lay buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

The evidence---another witness who’s suffered the toxic environmental secrets of the U. S. military in Iraq---is lost. All because of the DoD’s failure to provide the troops with preventative measures to fight the invisible enemy known as radiation. Without caution, we enrage over an unborn fetus at an abortion clinic, but when it comes to our soldiers---without conscience---we fall deaf and blind. Heavenly Father help us for killing our own---while cloaked in patriotism, we have become, the Weapon of Mass Destruction.

CSM Hubbard's VA letter admitting the cancer was related to his tour in Iraq.

The Guardian UK
January 22, 2010
“Study Finds Iraq Littered with High Levels of Nuclear and Dioxin Contamination”

• Greater rates of cancer and birth defects near sites
• Depleted uranium among poisons revealed in report

More than 40 sites across Iraq are contaminated with high levels or radiation and dioxins, with three decades of war and neglect having left environmental ruin in large parts of the country, an official Iraqi study has found.Areas in and near Iraq's largest towns and cities, including Najaf, Basra and Falluja, account for around 25% of the contaminated sites, which appear to coincide with communities that have seen increased rates of cancer and birth defects over the past five years.

The joint study by the environment, health and science ministries found that scrap metal yards in and around Baghdad and Basra contain high levels of ionizing radiation, which is thought to be a legacy of depleted uranium used in munitions during the first Gulf war and since the 2003 invasion.

“URANIUM IN IRAQ: THE POISONOUS LEGACY OF THE IRAQ WARS”

By Abdul-Haq Al-Ani & Joanne Baker

June 2009, Vandeplas Publishing

The book outlines environmental problems and legal implications of the contamination of Iraq due to the use of depleted Uranium in military weapons used during the Gulf Wars. The military use of uranium has the potential to be a serious contributing factor to the illnesses besetting the Iraqi population. The authors address the concerns surrounding the changing health patterns in Iraq since 1991 and, in particular, the increase in cancers and genetic birth defects amongst children.

COPYRIGHT January 2010, R. B. STUART. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction of this Blog in any form.

“General Petraeous Joins Troops Diagnosed with Cancer”

Sister Soldier
Cancer Update
By R. B. STUART


In 2003 General Petraeous [above image courtesy Reuters] led the troops into the massive battle of “Shock & Awe” on Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 101st Airborne was the first to pave the way in what would become a six-year war. My sister, Army Chaplain Captain Fran E. Stuart deployed with the 101st that cold day in March of 2003, as did her battalion mate, Army SGT. Charles Lewis---both with the 526 Forward Support Battalion.

During their year deployment into Baghdad then Mosul, they, as well as the other 247 soldiers in the 526 FSB, withstood the storm of munitions, pulsating heat, and swirls of sand kicked up by the unforgiving Gods of this sacred and holy land.

Their life wouldn’t be the same after that one year deployment. As my sister [above] would find herself being medEvac to Walter Reed in March 2006 with a rare stage IV Germ Cell cancer, Dysgerminoma. The volleyball-sized tumor in her abdomen attempting to consume her body, would eventually take 50 pounds, her creative organs; ovaries, and faith in God.

After 35 rounds of chemo and three surgeries she leaves WRAMC next month celebrating three years of remission for a new life retired from the Army. Reconciling with her body and her maker---but may never forgive her once beloved military for knowingly exposing her to carcinogens while in Iraq; through depleted Uranium dust, burn pit smoke, and contaminated food and water. The latter dished up everyday by Cheney’s company, the military contractor in charge of the soldiers sustenance, Kellogg, Brown & Root.


SGT.Charles Lewis [above] would be diagnosed with Semanoma testicular cancer in 2005. He too has recovered, but is unable to give his wife the children she longs for. As they battle infertility and the consequences of several tours. Another soldier, from the FSB 526 was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer shortly after her tour ended. But how many more are there in the 526 [below in Iraq] alone that we don’t know about?


Since 2006 I’ve brought these tragic yet personal stories to the forefront hoping for some resolution. Without effort, I've tracked 35 soldiers thus far who have been diagnosed with rare cancers during their deployment or post deployment at Operation Purple Heart----in which 18 of the soldiers have already died. Cancer does not discriminate....afflicted soldiers span all ranks, ages, and military divisions. The common denominator: they served in Iraq from 2003 till 2008.

Adding to the roster of soldiers with cancer post Iraq is their Commanding General David Petraeous, who was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in February 2009. He underwent radiation treatment at WRAMC and was successful. But for many other soldiers, ignored by the media and DoD---are not on the side of this four leaf clover.

Al Jazeera News
“Iraqi Cancer Figures Soar”
October 13, 2009

--Doctors in Iraq are recording a sharp rise in the number of cancer victims south of Baghdad. Sufferers in the province of Babil have risen almost tenfold in just three years, Dr. Sharif Al-Alwachi, Director of Babil Cancer Centre stated.

In 2008, the number of cases increased sevenfold to 7,000 diagnoses. This year, there have so far been more than 9,000 new cases, and the number is rising.Mosab Jasim reports that Iraqi researchers believe radiation is responsible for the increase in cancer and birth defects in the country, but he says the US and British militaries have sent mixed signals about the effects of depleted uranium.

However, Christopher Busby, a British scientist and activist who has carried out research into the risks of radioactive pollution, said there is proof of a definitive link between cancer and depleted uranium.

"I made this link to a coroner's inquest in the West Midlands into the death of a Gulf War One veteran ... and a coroner's jury accepted my evidence," he told Al Jazeera. "It's been found by a coroner's court that cancer was caused by an exposure to depleted uranium.

"In the last ten years, research has emerged that has made it quite clear that uranium is one of the most dangerous substances known to man, certainly in the form that it takes when used in these wars."

The 8th Anniversary: “Cancer Findings in 9/11 Rescue Workers & Soldiers in Iraq”

[WTC image curtosy S. Shields, 2001]

The Huffington Post
New York Page
Published September 7, 2009
By R. B. STUART

From Hell’s Kitchen on the morn of September 11th 2001, I watched the horrifying slow motion terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on television. An hour later, when the numbness and denial faded, an urgency to volunteer swelled within. Needing to care for the city the way she comforted me over the years, I found myself entering the sandwiched 11th Avenue bus to Lincoln Center, where the American Red Cross [ARC] held court in the auditorium of a local school.

I would go the city’s rescue in any way possible and aid the two limbs that had been taken without warning. The Mother of all cities, was herself, crumbling down to the marrow below her streets. The solid bedrock which sprouted two of her tallest beauties, were savagely destroyed---taking with them the many children of her city.

With the outpouring of volunteers, from New York and beyond, it was a month before the ARC called. They assigned a group of us for a week at a location blocks away from the WTC. We were immediately instructed that if anyone donated homemade sandwiches, brownies, or cookies---they must be destroyed because of contamination from the air---so only pre-packaged store bought foods were accepted. Although Mayor Guiliani and former N. J. Governor Christie Todd Whitman, EPA Director under President Bush, assured New Yorkers repeatedly that “the air and water was safe and didn’t pose a health hazard.” But a contradiction was evident, that the exposure of food to the thickened, chalky white air---was toxic. Wary New Yorkers knew something was amiss---but it wouldn’t surface until years later.

On that September day, former 101st Airborne Army soldier John Feal [pictured above], a supervisor for a Long Island demolition company was asked by the owner to supervise the clean-up at Ground Zero’s site seven. The former military specialist didn’t flinch and went to the battle zone in lower Manhattan. His fateful course would change after a mere six days into the massive clean-up, when an 8,000 pound slab of steel fell atop his left foot----crushing it on impact. Feal spent the next 11 weeks in the hospital where his limb would develop a bout of gangrene----and claim half his foot.

The then 34 year-old spent the next few years observing the mistreatment of his colleagues, peers and New York’s bravest, the FDNY and NYPD, who had worked for the city at Ground Zero in an eight month clean-up effort. He witnessed their abrupt illnesses, and since 2004 a steady climb of rescue workers being diagnosed with cancer.

In 2005, with his anger over the treatment of 9/11 workers in tact, John Feal founded the non-for-profit FealGood Foundation. His love and compassion fuels the foundation to help those less fortunate. Since its inception, with $200,000 in aid, he’s helped over 600 families. The FealGood Foundation advocates for all 9/11 responders with workmen’s comp., pensions, social security disability, the crime victims of New York, and most importantly Bill HR 847 they hope is enacted soon.

“Seventy percent have some sort of 9/11 illness,” Feal stated from his office in L.I. “A lot of these men and women are paying for their heroic actions eight years ago. Over 800 have since died from a variety of illnesses, and probably thousands have been diagnosed with cancer.”


FDNY, John McNamara [above, before and after diagnosis] was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer resulting in the removal of his entire colon. In August 2009 the 44 year-old lost his life to cancer, as his wife lost the love of her life, and young son lost the only father he’d ever known. “The cancers that have surfaced have been blood cancers, kidney, lung, thyroid, testicular and brain cancer,” Feal recounted. Greg Quibell [pictured below], a NY State Corrections Officer was one of those to die from a blood cancer, the most aggressive, AML Leukemia in August 2008.

If you were a uniformed rescue worker, you were fortunate to have a pension and health care. But those non-uniformed workers who became sick and lost their jobs, are losing their homes and going bankrupt reported Feal. “September 11th was unprecedented, none of the doctors have ever seen these illnesses,” he exclaimed. “The full effect won’t be felt for another 10 to 20 years.”

“The truth be told, Whitman without an environmental background---lied. She said that the air and water was safe because the White House told her to---but it wasn’t true. She bears no responsibility---but God will judge her,” he fumed.

“There has been no Federal legislation passed to ensure the welfare and healthcare of the men and women who risked their life without prejudice eight years ago, “ Feal argued. “To quote Abraham Lincoln, ‘Any nation that does not honor its hero’s --- will not long endure.’ ”

One of those forgotten hero’s, FDNY Corona, Queens Ladder 289, Kenny Specht spent weeks at the WTC in 2001. By that December he developed respitory ailments, in 2005 severe gastrointestinal problems followed. “In 2006 I experienced a burning pain in my chest that radiated downward. Upon going to the ER, the doctor said my gallbladder was four times the size it should be, describing it “as rotten.” They removed it immediately,” he informed.

Then on a fateful day in May 2007, Specht of Ladder 133 was injured in a fire and taken to L. I. Jewish Hospital. Still in his gear, covered in black smoke and drenched in water, they took a CT Scan of his neck. The doctors found two nodules in the thyroid area, one the size of a nickel, the other a dime. He was referred to an endocrinologist, who commented that Specht didn’t fit the criteria for thyroid cancer….and sent him home with the neck pain.

The next day while at work he was reading an article in the “NY Post” about thyroid cancer. His breath became shallow as he read the symptoms---as they were his. Specht urged the specialist for immediate testing. After a needle aspiration the results were neither positive or negative. Baffled, the doctor sent him to another specialist. And after three opinions---the 37 year-old was diagnosed with a stage I thyroid cancer on one tumor and stage II on the other. “I bawled like a girl,” he admitted. “My body felt like I was 57.” With surgery they were both removed.

Specht whose family isn’t predisposed to cancer, nor has he ever picked up a cigarette, did some research online. He discovered that radiation exposure came up as one of the causes for his cancer. “I was a guinea pig,” he confided. “I strongly believe that my cancer diagnosis is a direct result to my six weeks of work at the WTC.”

“Now I’m 40 and in the last three years I’ve been a medical mess. And the 17th firefighter to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer post September 11th. With a work force of 11,000 we don’t fit the criteria of the national average,” he concluded.

The minute those buildings collapsed it turned from a building fire to a hazardous materials incident he reported. “The equipment we were given to wear was for fire fighting only. Our gear is not rated for haz-mat incidents. The city and the FDNY owed us the proper equipment to mitigate those hazardous conditions,” Specht exclaimed.

Now retired, Specht advises those who worked rescue or clean-up at Ground Zero, to inform your doctor that you were involved in the WTC, and were exposed to a variety of chemicals. “Ask him to look outside the box, taking into consideration your exposure to toxic agents.”

Since 2002 when The NYC Fire Department World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program was established, The firefighters grievance of Dr. David Prezant who is in charge of the annual testing, is that they have not released official statistics of their research. “The reports of 2002 and 2006, the only two to be released, were obscure and nearly identical. To me it’s suspicious,” Specht conceded. “Why when a NY fire fighter is diagnosed with cancer does the burden of proof fall on the ill members shoulders?” he questioned. “Shouldn’t the results of what is now an eight year study by the FDNY and the WTC monitoring program, have the proof that the cancer is a result of the WTC? Why have they never released a report?”

His frustration is a fraction of what the selfless caretakers of the WTC tend with on a daily basis---his following comment is a poignant summarization. “By September 12th we’ll be forgotten for another year.”

[WTC image of Bear & S. Shields, curtosy S. Shields 2001]

Dr. Doug Rokke, Ph.D, retired, U.S. Army Major, served as the U.S. Army Depleted Uranium Project director 1994 - 1995. His military career has spanned four decades including combat duty during the Vietnam and Gulf War I wars. Dr. Rokke, a disabled and retired Army Reserve Medical Service Corps officer who specialized in Nuclear Medicine; and Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare Operations [NBC]. As a member of the 3rd U.S. Army Medical Command taught Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medicine, DU, Intelligence; Medical Operations; and Emergency Field Medicine as a former enlisted combat medic.

Dr. Rokke says the culprit for cancer diagnosis of 9/11 workers is, “A combination of toxic compounds from combustion and explosions and uranium ballast.” He explained, “Depleted Uranium [DU] is used as ballast in commercial aircraft. And they [the airlines] are privy to that information.”

Since 2006, a portion of Soldiers deployed to Iraq are also being diagnosed with rare cancers 2 to 24 months post deployment. Their exposure to carcinogens in the air, water and soil stem from Burn Pits and DU dust. Unprotected like the 9/11 workers, they are unknowingly inhaling and ingesting the toxins. Although the battlefield has residue from munitions, Dr. Rokke states there is “very little difference.” “The soldiers from Operation Dessert Storm [ODS], Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF] and Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF] exposures include uranium, and explosion / combustion byproducts; contaminated by explosives or radioactive wastes [DU].”

The exposure is the same; through inhalation, ingestion, wound contamination and absorption. Dr. Rokke informs, “Not much exposure is needed----just a few hundred micrograms.” Adding that there are “too many factors to specify” when determining the length of time after exposure to diagnosis. “But on our original ODS DU team, including the OIF and OEF exposures, the confirmed cancers have occurred within several months.”

There is medical testing that can be preformed if you’ve been exposed---but there is a time limit. “Too many years have elapsed. DoD orders for DU exposure is to test within 24 hours or so---not months or years,” Dr. Rokke advises. As the original author and instructor for the [NBC and WMD] Emergency Response Course for the new Police and Fire Department Emergency Services Unit developed at Ft. McClelland, Alabama in 1995 - 1996. “They were taught about risk exposures. But it was the responsibility of NYC officials to provide them with the essential and required equipment in 2001 [OSHA /NIOSH Level A PE Protection]. There was an air of John Wayne / Rambo mentality apparent,” Dr. Rokke observed.

Underlining the NYPD, NYFD, NIOSH, CDC, EPA, OHA, DOD, VA were all informed of those precautions. “The North American Emergency Response Guidebook, DOT, and Coast Guard Crisis Manual are suppose to be on every fire truck or with a dispatcher. There is no excuse for not taking these precautions.”

While we mourn the 8th year of the traumatic WTC event, that day has never ended for the Rescue Workers---as it’s still claiming their lives. In Dr. Rokke’s professional opinion he suggests independent tests of the air, and surfaces at the WTC. “All structures both inside and out within at least a 20 miles radius should be tested.” He concludes, “The medical problems mirror those of Gulf War I Veterans.”

Authors Note: As a recognized national and international expert and educator, Dr. Rokke developed congressionally mandated education and training materials and wrote U.S. Army Regulation 700-48, the U.S. Army PAM 700-48, and the U.S. Army's common task for DU incidents. Dr. Rokke serves or has served as an advisor for the Centers of Disease Control; Department of Defense; National Academy of Sciences; Institute of Medicine; Department of Transportation; Federal Aviation Administration; Department of Veterans Affairs; British Royal Society; British House of Lords and House of Commons; United Nations; President William J. Clinton’s Oversight Board; and local, state, and federal law enforcement, fire, and medical agencies.

Copyright September 2009, R. B. STUART, All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction of this Blog in any form.

“The Harley to Heaven:” Soldier Dies From Cancer Before Tour Ends

Sister Soldier: A Chronicle of Life After Iraq
By R. B. STUART
Post XVII


As a young boy, from first to sixth grade, Travis Bromfield [pictured throughout] rode to school on the back of his father’s motorcycle. Wedged between his Dads back and the sissy bar---the wind caressed his innocent cheeks---and his taste for the road was born. He developed a passion for not only motorcycles but cars too learning mechanics throughout high school. After graduating he decided to continue his education and become a certified mechanic, setting his sights on the United Technical Institute in Arizona. Except the tuition at the high ranking school was out of reach for his humble family.

His step-mother Esther Bromfield commented, “Even though I did not give birth to my son Travis I helped give him life. My husband had custody of Travis when we married. Travis was six years old, a very happy, loving child. As a mother raising five children they are all very special. They make you proud that you have steered them in the right direction.”

So in 1999, the Anaheim, California native hoped the GI Bill would give him the funds after a three-year enlistment, to attend. So the 18 year-old Bromfield followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and joined the Army. The middle child of five was the only son of Terry Bromfields’s to step out of his civilian life, leaving his other three brothers and sister marveling at his courage. His grandfather, SGT. 1st Class, Leo Carroll, a 73 year-old WWII and Korean Veteran with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, in admiration, watched his grandson honor his country the way he did from 1944 –1966 ---and don a camouflage uniform.


His step-mother gushed, “Travis grew up to be such a handsome, respectable man. When he decided to join the Army I was so very proud of him. He was proud of himself as he should be for his accomplishments.”

Young Bromfield made his home at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin Army base in California where he became a Military Mechanic, and served with the 10th Mountain Division and later the 11th Armored Calvary Division Regiment, after he opted to reenlist another term and forfeit his dream of UTI in Arizona. Without foresight the war in Iraq was looming just a year ahead in 2003. Then by February 2005 nearing 24, the strapping six-foot-four 250-pounder in excellent health prepared for a one-year deployment to Kuwait, then onto Baghdad, Iraq. Before leaving he told his father, “Dad when I return (from Iraq) I'm going to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle." Terry replied, “Go ahead son you deserve it.”

Skirting the bitter sand-laced winds and suffocating heat, the E-4 Specialist made a home at Camp Taji. The unpredictable nature of California fires, tremors, mudslides, throbbing heat and winds---wouldn’t be enough to prepare him for the unforgiving landscape of Baghdad.

Two months into his tour bumps erupted on top of his head which he assumed were bug bites. He later informed his parents of the pain he was experiencing with his shoulder---certain he strained it. The discomfort gravitated to his lower back, at which time he developed a cough that the medics diagnosed as a respitory infection.

By September 2005, after seven-months in Iraq, his two-week leave couldn’t come fast enough, and SPC. Travis Bromfield departed Camp Liberty for a respite on the Pacific coast of California. His family’s loving hearts and arms open wide welcoming, the undoubtedly changed, soldier home. But it was his Dad that insisted he see doctors at the Long Beach, California Veterans Hospital. His grandfather sat idle as he witnessed his grandson undergo a battery a tests, and after inspection of the bites atop his head, the 25 year-old soldier would discover that they were cancer tumors all along. And the shoulder pain he experienced in Iraq were tumors, the lower back pain; tumors in his lower spine, and his respitory infection---misdiagnosed---was a large tumor in the center of his chest obstructing his breathing.

Those initial days home would be more life changing than the tour in Iraq itself, as a trio of VA Doctors diagnosed SPC. Bromfield on September 15, 2005 with a terminal, stage IV Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of unknown primary, of the liver, bones, lungs, kidneys, brain and spine. With a two-month expectancy, this particular cancer only occurs in patients age 55 or older. So it was unpredictably rare that a 25 year-old be diagnosed with it.

Although the dire prognosis didn’t deter SPC. Bromfield as he remained unfettered and extremely strong throughout his ordeal. “Travis never felt pity for himself. He was determined to beat the cancer and prove his Doctors wrong,” his father Terry Bromfield remembered. “I thought from the beginning that Travis must have been exposed to something in Iraq. I just couldn’t comprehend how our son left here healthy and returned full of cancer. I questioned the Doctors about his possible exposure, but the replies I got were, ‘It’s too early to tell.” Or ‘The cancer wouldn’t have shown up this fast even if he was exposed to something,’ said another. While one commented, ‘Your son has so much cancer in him it’s the same as someone who smoked cigarettes for 40 years,’ ” his father recollected. “Convinced, we stood by our son without thinking about it again.”

His step-mother Esther added, “After we started putting things together I remembered a staff nurse making a comment that the soldiers were coming back from this war worse than the soldiers from Vietnam.”

After his diagnosis several of SPC. Bromfield’s Army Sergeants and Officers came to visit him. His father reported that his sons Army Commanders were extremely upset with the medical staff in Iraq for not diagnosing him in the field sooner.

SPC. Bromfield unable to complete his tour in Iraq---went to battle for his own life, as his health was under siege by an internal enemy; cancer. It had found a breeding ground of organs in which to multiply, and it would take an insurgency of chemotherapy to eradicate its occupation. Promising to extend his life expectancy to one year.

Beyond surgery, he endured chemo treatments of three different drugs administered intravenously for nearly seven hours a day. Additionally a pill form of chemo was administered for 10 days, followed by self-injections for bone marrow for another five days. “This was one cycle of treatment,” his father exclaimed. “Travis underwent this every three weeks for a total of four cycles.” Following that, he took two drugs intravenously once a week for 26 weeks. “After 20 weeks of the second round of treatment the tumors on his head ate through to his skull and cancer tumors exploded in his brain,” he recounted in horror. The Doctors removed him from the chemo and ordered radiation for 20 days and then back onto chemo. “Although Travis’ cancer was pretty well advanced when diagnosed---it was one year before the cancer took over his body.”

Seventeen months from when his battle first began, The Long Beach Veterans Hospital used their assault of Chemo, radiation, and palliative care (pain management)…then finally hospice care, before all that remained was fulfilling the final wishes of SPC. Bromfield.

A portion of his requests were granted; that monies be donated to cancer research, and to have his family by his side at the end (as they were, except for one). His grandfather, who silently paved the way for his beloved and courageous grandson, had passed away five months earlier. Enabling him to wait with a flock of angels at the gates of Heaven for his grandson.

Then on February 20, 2007 at 105 pounds, the young 25 year-old hero melted into a golden blanket of bravery and love in which his grandfather was holding. They both walked arm and arm into where the selfless alone are permitted….the courageous, heroic protectors of our wars…the soldiers---into an Eden bathed in peace. For SPC. Travis Bromfield’s journey had ended, and finally, he along with his grandfather---were going home.

The medical review board discharged SPC. Bromfield from the Army before the review was over. Claiming they couldn’t reach him. His case manager at the VA hospital was able to have the specialist re-enlisted until review was complete at which time he was medically retired. After nearly seven years of service with his last unit, The 11th Armored Calvary, his wish for full military honors were granted and he was buried at the National Cemetery of Riverside, California, where he remains close to his parents and four siblings. In remembrance for his service, seven medals hang framed on the wall, including The Iraq Campaign medal, The Army Accommodation medal, The Army Achievement medal, The Global War on Terrorism medal and National Defense medal.

“To be diagnosed with terminal cancer days after he came home for leave was devastating for our family, but we were all there for him from day one until the Lord took him into his hands. To watch my son go through this cancer and not complain made him a hero in my eyes,” his mother choked back tears. “Through all his treatments, set backs and disappointments Travis stayed positive.”

Since he didn’t have the chance to buy his Harley Davidson, his father said,. “After he had passed away and all his affairs were settled. I was sitting in our garage thinking of Travis and thought I want to do something for him. So I had an idea to buy a Harley Davidson and make it a memorial to him.” Painting the entire bike with portraits of his son, a montage of years from his happy, but brief life. His parents ride it to all charity events including, “Rides for Cancer” and rides that help injured soldiers. “The interest and comments we receive are great---as we are able to share with others our discoveries after Travis’ death. It prompts people to ask questions about what happened, in which we gladly oblige,” informed Terry Bromfield. He purchased a 1999 Ultra Classic---of the same year his son joined the military.

“After much research we’re convinced Travis was exposed to depleted Uranium. We don’t believe the troops are being trained properly, let alone told what they are dealing with. Especially the mechanics that handle the DU contaminated vehicles that have been damaged (by roadside bombs),” his father admitted.

“We would visit my son at the Long Beach VA almost everyday, Even while he lay flat in bed all day for 5 months unable to sit up, we spent as much time as possible, even if we sat and watched him sleep. It never entered my mind that my own government poisoned my son,” his mother said in disbelief. “But I know now from all the research both my husband and I have done, along with other parents we have spoken to, that is, exactly what happened. The media won’t touch this for fear of our government. There’s an old saying, ‘everything comes out in the wash’ and I think the washing machine has started.”

“I just can’t believe that our government is treating our soldiers as if they are expendable,” his father reeled. “It’s one thing to lose a child in war by acts of war but to be actually poisoning our soldiers with exposure to depleted Uranium and burn pits that the government has been told by their experts not to is another. Maybe if this happens to one of our top official’s child (and God forbid), then maybe they will do something about it, and believe the parents who have lost a child this way.”

He added, “We parents need to join forces about this travesty to our soldiers. I tell as many people as possible and most respond with, ‘I have never heard about this and why hasn’t it been in the news?’ I tell them the government does not want the public to know. As one high ranking military officer put it, ‘this is the modern day Agent Orange.’"

"Are we as a country going to wait as many years as Vietnam Vets did before our government acknowledges this? I hope not.” Stressing, “It really hurts that our son went to war for this country, willfully gave his life, and our government won’t even acknowledge Travis as a “casualty of war.” Travis was proud to be a soldier and proud to serve his country. And we as a family are extremely proud of him.”

“It is very difficult to know that Travis will never be coming home,” Terry Bromfield mourned. “Tears still fill my eyes when I think of our son and all he had to go through. It was extremely difficult to watch our son deteriorate day after day and there wasn’t a damn thing we could do. We felt completely helpless. His Mom and I continue to visit his grave each week even though it’s been nearly three years since he passed away, it does not get any easier. But going to his grave is the closest we feel to Travis now. It somewhat brings us comfort to be with him there. Our whole week revolves around going to the cemetery on the weekend. This is our life now. We must remain strong for our child in this battle with the government.”

“Our government needs to STOP looking at these brave casualty of war soldiers as a small percentage for the “greater good.” My son Travis along with the thousands of other soldiers beginning with Desert Storm who have come down with and died from cancers from their exposure to DU in my eyes, died directly connected to the war and should be recognized as such,” Esther Bromfield argued.

“DU is harming not only our American loved one’s but the people in Iraq too,” she fumed. “This will be another Vietnam. Our government knows what’s going on, as they did then. And I’ll be dammed if it takes 20 years for the government to take responsibility for this. They downplay the use of DU but they know very well what it’s doing.”

“At Travis’ gravesite, we sit sometimes in silence, sometimes in tears but always with our memories which no one can take from us. Travis loved this country and was very patriotic---he served his country bravely. Our country needs to stop this. We need to join forces and let people know what’s happening to our sons, daughters, fathers, uncles, aunts, mothers, and sisters,” his step-mother grieved.

“Everyday there is something that reminds me of my son---he is with me at all times. I miss his smile, his laughter, his touch, his scent. I want my son back and I know that won’t happen,” she wept. “But I don’t want another parent to go through what we did.”


Copyright August 2009, R. B. STUART, All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction of this Blog in any form.