Angry tears as MPs hear of Agent Orange's awful legacy

Angry tears as MPs hear of Agent Orange's awful legacy

(EXCERPT) 26.11.2003, By MARTIN JOHNSTON

In Wayne Chester's mind, the sickly stink of diesel is forever
connected to the destroyed jungles of Vietnam.

"I'll never forget the smell," the former soldier said yesterday after
giving evidence on Agent Orange.

He told Parliament's health select committee he believed the toxic
herbicide that showered him from aircraft while he fought the Vietnam
War in 1968-69 had caused him and two of his three children numerous
health problems.

The committee is investigating evidence that New Zealand military were
exposed to defoliants, the risks for them and their families, and if
they need further health services.

War veteran Bill McCoid, of Whangarei, said it was impossible to avoid
the residue of dioxin-contaminated chemicals.

"It was everywhere. On the ground where we slept, on the vegetation -
or what was standing - and even in the water we had to drink.

"I saw our own men spraying around o...

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---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com