To the editor:
For many years our Air Force veterans who were routinely exposed to jet fuel have been found to later develop neurological disorders. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has refused to acknowledge the connection between the exposure and the diseases. The veterans who suffered as a result of exposure have been denied support or benefits. This is in spite of the connection being widely recognized.
I want to thank our congresswoman, Abigail Spanberger, for her fight for justice on this issue. She has introduced the William Collins Jet Fuel Exposure Recognition Act and continues to press for its passage in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan act would make it so veterans with this exposure would have a way to claim the connection.
This is especially meaningful to me and my family because William Collins is my husband. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force and was exposed to jet fuel on a regular basis. Later he developed Parkinson’s disease. The VA refused to acknowledge any connection between his disease and his time in the service and he has received no help for it.
This disease has impacted our lives in many ways and we are pleased to have a congresswoman who has listened to veterans on this issue and is doing something about it. This will bring not only medical
help, but also peace of mind to the thousands of veterans who have been affected.
Cathy Collins
Mineral
This letter was previously published in the latest edition of the Central Virginian newspaper and is reprinted here with the author’s permission.