RI Veterans: Did you know? (Agent Orange, women warriors…) 2-3-2023 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

March 15^th – Deadline for Veterans Real Estate Tax Applications  

If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1947, and were honorably discharged, under Rhode Island law you are entitled to an annual tax credit from your town or city if you own a house. Veterans should bring his or her DD214 and apply before March 15, 2023, which is the deadline for most towns and cities.  

Rhode Island Guardsmen Could Have Been Exposed to Agent Orange Training at Fort Drum NY

Government Acknowledge Agent Orange Used at Military Bases in the United States. Last week’s article content detailed the use of Agent Orange at Fort McClellan which could have exposed hundreds if not thousands of Rhode Islanders who trained and or were stationed at Fort McClellan. 

After receiving a tip from a former member of the Rhode Island National Guard. who served with a RIANG field artillery unit he recalls reading an article Fort Drum, New York was on the list Agent Orange was shipped to and more than likely, was used at Fort Drum in the training areas hundredths of Rhode Island National Guard members in artillery, Military police, state headquarters, and engineers trained annually. 

The tip generated my curiosity, especially since my mom, SSG Evelyn Cianci Chaput, was a member of the RIARNG for over 10 years, and died of cancer in 2009; Mom’s cancer was one of the illnesses veterans exposed to Agent Orange the VA grants presumptions for Agent Orange.  

Laymen’s meaning of presumption, if you have any illnesses listed on Agent Orange presumption list the VA recognizes the illness as being exposed to agent orange. Moreover, I recall my mom returning from training at Fort Drum telling us how miserable Fort Drum was. She described it as a “dust bowl” and it took her weeks to clear up the cough she would have after returning from Fort Drum.  

After a few minutes searching on the internet, I discovered a favorable decision for a guardsman linking his illnesses to Agent Orange exposure at Fort Drum, NY. Below are excerpts from the decision granting VA disability: 

Citation Nr: 1602097  

Decision Date: 01/19/16 – Archive Date: 01/27/16 – DOCKET NO. 03-10 284  

On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Togus, Maine 

THE ISSUE 

Entitlement to service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange. 

FINDINGS OF FACT 

1. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his active military service while stationed at Fort Drum. 

2. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Veteran’s chronic peripheral neuropathy results from his exposure to herbicides during active service. 

In October 2011, the Board sought an IME opinion.  The information then of record, obtained from the Department of Defense, showed that, in 1959, 13 drums of Agent Orange were sprayed over 4 square miles of Fort Drum.  The area selected for the defoliant was a target area for explosive ordnance, not for troop maneuvers. 

The IME was asked to address the following questions:  

The documentary evidence of record establishes that, in 1959, 13 drums of Agent Orange were sprayed over 4 square miles of Fort Drum.  The area selected for the defoliant was a target area for explosive ordnance.  The central issue in this case concerns whether the Veteran’s presence at Fort Drum 5 years after this spraying involved an actual herbicide exposure. 

If you are a veteran, a veteran who has cancer, or had cancer, or any other illnesses you believe were a result of your service at one of the bases where the VA acknowledges Agent Orange was shipped, used, and/or stored, I recommend you apply for VA disability immediately.

If you need assistance with your claim, the ITAM VSO can assist you at no cost. Call ITAM’s office, (401) 677-9838 or by email, [email protected] for FREE assistance. 

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VETTIP – If you are a widow or widower of a Veteran who died of cancer, and more than likely the cancer can be linked to the Veteran’s service which will entitle you to an estimated $1500 a month compensation check, along with medical coverage for life. Call ITAM’s office, (401) 677-9838 or via email [email protected].

In conclusion, it took many years before the VA recognized Agent Orange. Agent Orange has killed thousands of Vietnam veterans since they returned.  If you served in the armed forces, suggest you take the time and review the list below from the VA website. Simply put, you might have been exposed to Agent Orange and NEVER served in Vietnam. 

Additional research on the internet, linked me to a VA website listing bases in the United States the VA acknowledges herbicide test, storage, and usage of Agent Orange. This list included 2,560 acres on Fort Drum: 

New York 

Location: Fort Drum 

Date: May – October 1959 

Site: Four square miles (2,560 acres) area located in an artillery impact area. Access to it on the ground was not possible. Applied with H-21 helicopter. 

The chemical dioxin in Agent Orange can remain toxic in the soil for decades.  

The half-life of dioxins in the soil is from 60 to 80 years, and at the same time, it persists for a long time in the environment, seeps into the soil and sediments, and migrates into vegetation and aquatic life, leading to bioaccumulation in the soil and food chain. 

The VA List has recognizes certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Here is the current list of illnesses recognized by the VA: 

• AL Amyloidosis 
  A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs 
• Bladder Cancer  
  A type of cancer that affects the bladder where urine is stored before it leaves the body 
• Chronic B-cell Leukemias 
  A type of cancer which affects white blood cells 
• Chloracne (or similar acneform disease) 
  A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides. 
• Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 
  A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to respond properly to the hormone insulin 
• Hypertension  
• Hodgkin’s Disease 
  A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia 
• Hypothyroidism  
  A condition that causes the thyroid gland to not produce enough of certain important hormones 
• Ischemic Heart Disease 
  A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that leads to chest pain 
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) 
• Multiple Myeloma 
  A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow 
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 
  A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue 
• Parkinsonism   
  Any condition that causes a combination of abnormal movements. These include slow movements, trouble speaking, stiff muscles, or tremors. 
• Parkinson’s Disease 
  A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement 
• Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset 
  A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure. 
• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda 
  A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides. 
• Prostate Cancer 
  Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among men 
• Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer) 
  Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus 
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma) 
  A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues 

Additional information from the VA website is a recent published list of CURRENT US bases and training camps Agent Orange has been known to be shipped, stored , and or sprayed: 

Herbicide Tests and Storage in the U.S. 

Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were tested or stored elsewhere, including many military bases in the United States. Below is information from the Department of Defense (DoD) on projects to test, dispose of, or store herbicides in the U.S. 

For projects outside the U.S., go to Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside the U.S. 

Alabama 

Location: US Army Gulf Outport, Port of Mobile, Alabama 
Dates: Aug 1965 – Dec 1968 
Site: Tactical herbicides were marshalled in a warehouse used as a transit shed on the pier leased by the Mobile Detachment, and stored for a short term in a fenced outside storage area located across the street from a warehouse adjacent to Pier No. 5 about one-half mile from the dock warehouse. 

Arkansas 

Location: Fort Chaffee 
Dates: May 16-18, July 22-23, August 23-25, 1967 
Site: Identified only as “FTCH-041”. Applications from a Bell G-2 helicopter or cherry picker. 

Florida 

Location: Avon Park Air Force Range* 
Date: February – March 1951 (Phase I) 
Site: Low volume anticrop aerial spray trials. 

Location: Avon Park Air Force Range* 
Date: Fall 1951 (Phase II) 
Site: Low volume anticrop aerial spray trials. 
 
Location: Avon Park Air Force Range* 
Date: March 30 – April 16, 1954 
Site: Chemical anticrop aerial sprays from high-speed jet aircraft 
 
Location: Avon Park Air Force Range* 
Date: March and April 1955 
Site: Chemicals were applied with a hand sprayer to a 16 square foot area around individual or multiple plants. 
 
Location: Avon Park Air Force Range* 
Date: April 15, 1967 
Site: Native grass-sedge vegetation near Avon Park. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB 
Date: November – December 1952 
Site: Field #2 and Bombing Ranges 52 and 57. Two series of chemical anticrop aerial spray trails. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB 
Date: March – April 1953 
Site: Evaluation of Large Capacity Bomb Bay Spray Tank Assembly in B-29 and C-119 aircraft. Installation of system in aircraft; filling test using agent; dump test using water. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB 
Date: June 1962 
Site: Field 2, unused portion of the runway. Flow rate calibration of C-123. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes.  
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: June 24, 27; July 1, 4, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 1962 
Site: Range 52 South; Swath width and particle size determination using C-123 aircraft. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: July 18-21, 1962 
Site: Range 52 South, Swath width and particle size determination using HUS-1 helicopter. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: May – July 1963 
Site: Range 52 South, Determine the effective swath widths for each system under specified conditions.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: October 2-23, 1963 (Specific date not specified but done prior to spray flights) 
Site: Eglin Test Range C-52A. (C-130) Flow rate calibrations. Tests were run on the ground using a 32-foot canvas trough to collect spray and funnel it into a 500-gallon catch tank.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: October 24 – December 29, 1963. All flights conducted from approximately 0430 to 0730 CST. 
Site: CB grid on C-52A south. Multiple passes were done on each day at varying altitudes and flow rate.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: May 19, 1964 
Site: C52A. Ground calibrations. A 32-foot canvas trough was used to collect and funnel the spray. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: May 21 – June 13, 1964 
Site: Fifty-three spray flights made across the CB Defoliant Grid located on Test Area C-52 South.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 

Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: June 26 – July 9, 1964 
Site: Southwest quarter of the CB grid at Eglin Test Range C-52A. C-123 ground flow rate calibrations on the A/A 45Y-1 dispenser to determine the accuracy of the flowmeter. Thirteen tests were run on ground using a 32-foot canvas trough to collect spray and funnel it into a 500-gallon catch tank.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: July 10-22, 1964 
Site: Southwest quarter of the CB grid at C-52A.  C-123 flights to determine the ground characteristics of the A/A 45Y-1 dispenser. Multiple passes were done each day at varying altitudes and flow rates.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: July 7-November 6, 1965 
Site: CB grid. Developmental test and evaluation of the COIN defoliant dispenser, A/B 23Y-1, installed on an A-1E aircraft. Thirty-seven flights were conducted. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: April 14-22, 1966 
Site: CB grid at C-52A. Cessna 206 Super Skywagon with specially fabricated spray equipment was flown over the southwest corner of the CB Grid. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: June 20 – November 8, 1968 
Site: CB grid C-52A. Aerial testing was conducted on the sampler grid located in the southwest corner of the CB grid.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: December 20, 1968; January 10, 13, 14, 21; February 4; March 11, 20, 25 and April 1, 7, 24, 30; May 1, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23; June 3, 5, 9, 10, July 1, 7, 24, 28, 30, 31; August 7, 11, 21, 1969.   
Site: CB grid C-. Determine the ground depositions and swath widths for defoliants using the US-123K/A/A45Y-1 system with 22-foot wing booms. To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Eglin AFB test range 
Date: November 4, 12, 17, 25; December 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1969. 
Site: CB grid at C-52A. Evaluation of the TMU-28/B spray tank as an interim capability for dispensing defoliant by high-speed aircraft.To include herbicide loading sites, e.g. hardstands or taxiway ends used for loading purposes. 
 
Location: Apalachicola National Forest, near Sopchoppy, Wakulla County, Tallahassee 
Date: May 3-8, 1967 
Site:Evaluate rapid-acting desiccants, and defoliants. Applications made with Bell G-2 helicopter. 

* Now known as Avon Park Air Force Range. 

Georgia 

Location: Fort Gordon 
Date: July 15-17, 1967 
Site: Defoliant Testing Areas in Training Area 47. Applications made with Bell G-2 helicopter. 
 
Location: Fort Gordon 
Date: Unspecified Date in 1968, but prior to July 1, 1968. 
Site: Training Area 47. Location not specified but testing was done on brush and small trees. Defoliants and desiccants were applied with a high-line bucket lift (cherry picker) with a 15-foot boom sprayer. 
 
Location: Georgia Power Company: Valdosta-Thomasville line and Bonaire line near Macon 
Date: May 20-22, 1964 
Site: Six plots, each 60 X 2640 feet, were treated on the Valdosta-Thomasville line. Seven plots, each 200 X 750 feet, were treated on the Bonaire line. Chemicals were sprayed on five-acre plots by a Bell helicopter. 

Indiana 

Location: Vigo Plant CWS, Terra Haute 
Date: May 18 – August 22, 1945 
Site: Special Report 25 identifies 4 experimental grids and 6 field grids but does not give information on the location of the grids. 

Maryland 

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground 
Date: May 1963 
Site: M Field, Watsons Creek, Edgewood. Two locations specified as: Marsh area with water and marsh/wooded area with no standing water. Phase II: E156 clusters dropped by helicopter from 2500 feet at 90 MPH; Phase III: E138 bomblet dropped by helicopter from 2500 feet at 90 MPH 
 
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground 
Date: May 1963 
Site: M Field, Watsons Creek, Edgewood. Five squares horizontal grids, 96 feet on a side, were constructed in cattails four to six feet high. Phase IV: bomblets were statically fired in an effort to obtain information of applied dosages over selected targets. 
 
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground 
Date: May – July 1965 
Site: Location not specified. 244 plots of unspecified size where predominant tree species were sweetgum, black willow, persimmon, black gum, white oak, black oak, pin oak and sumac. Truck mounted sprayer. 
 
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground 
Date: August- September 1965 
Site: Location not specified. 75 plots of unspecified size where predominant tree species were sweetgum, black willow, persimmon, black gum, white oak, black oak, pin oak and sumac. Truck mounted sprayer. 
 
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground 
Date: May 27 and 28, 1969 
Site: Three test sites in an open grassy area adjacent to the Phillips Army Airfield. 
 
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground 
Date: July 14-19, 1969 
Site: Poole’s Island. Defoliation tests along shoreline. Applied from riverine watercraft. 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 4, 1946 
Site: Field A – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 2, 1946 
Site: Field C – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 13, 1947 
Site:Field C – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 10, 1947 
Site: Field C – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 18, 1947 
Site: Field C – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 23 and August 25, 1947 
Site: Field C – sweet potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 16, 1948 
Site:Field D – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 9, 1948 
Site:Field D – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 28, July 15, July 28, 1948 
Site: Field D – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 29, 1949 
Site: Field C – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: May 18 and June 8, 1949 
Site: Field C – onions 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 2 and 9, 1949 
Site: Field C – flax 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 4, 1949 
Site: Field C – peanuts 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 6 and July 5, 1949 
Site: Field C – kale 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 6 and July 5, 1949 
Site: Field C – rutabaga 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 7 and July 6, 1949 
Site: Field C – rutabaga 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 20 and July 21, 1949 
Site: Field C – mangel 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 21 and July 20, 1949 
Site: Field C – sugar beet 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 21 and July 1, 1949 
Site: Field C – garden beet 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 20 and July 6, 1949 
Site: Field C – cabbage 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 21 and August 9, 1949 
Site: Field C – eggplant 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 22, 1949 
Site: Field C – rape 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 22, 1949 
Site: Field C – tobacco 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 26, 1949 
Site: Field C – soybean 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 27, 1949 
Site: Field C – soybean 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: May 22 and June 2, 1950 
Site: Field A – wheat 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 16, 1950 
Site: Field D – flax 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 2, 1950 
Site: Field D – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 27, 1950 
Site: Field D – sugar beet  
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 14 and August 3, 1950 
Site: Field D – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 5, 1950 
Site: Field D – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 21, 1950 
Site: Field D 4 – flax 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 29 and 30, 1950 
Site: Field D – sugar beet 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 20 and 21, 1950 
Site: Field D – soybean 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 6 and 20, 1950 
Site: Field D 4 – fiber flax 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 6 and 20, 1950 
Site: Field D – oil flax 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 12 and August 2, 1950 
Site: Field D – sunflower 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 26 and August 7, 1950 
Site: Field D – sweet corn 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 4, 14, and 30, 1950 
Site: Field D – sorghum 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 5, 1950 
Site: Field D – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 31, 1950 
Site: Field F – soybean 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 25, 1951 
Site: Field F – soybean 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 11, 1951 
Site: Field F – lima beans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 2, 1951 
Site: Field F – string beans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 13, 1951 
Site: Field F – kale 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 17, 1951 
Site: Field F – sunflower 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 10, 1951 
Site: Field F – sweet pepper 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 18, 1951 
Site: Field F – tomato 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 3, 1951 
Site: Field F – eggplant 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: Date treated not in report. Plants were planted on June 4 and harvested on September 17, 1951. Does note plants were in early bud stage. 
Site: Field F – hemp 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 10, 1951 
Site: Field F – peanut 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 9 and 10, 1951 
Site: Field F – rutabaga 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 16, 1951 
Site: Field F – mangel 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 11, 1951 
Site: Field F – sugar beets 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 13, 1951 
Site: Field F – sweet potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: August 9, 1951 
Site: Field F – tobacco 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 3 and 12, 1951 
Site: Field F – rutabaga 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 10, 1951 
Site: Field F – garden beet 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 19, 1951 
Site: Field F – cabbage 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 20, 1951 
Site: Field F – flax 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 16 and July 2 and 9, 1951 
Site: Field F – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: January 5; March 5; and April 6 and 7, 1951 
Site: Field F – winter wheat 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 7, 1951 
Site: Field F – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June 26, 1951 
Site: Field F – Irish potatoes 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: July 20 and August 2, 1951 
Site: Field F – soybeans 
 
Location: Camp Detrick* 
Date: June – July 1953 
Site: Area B on one-acre plots of soybeans and sweet potatoes. Experimental spray tower mounted on a pickup truck to simulate aerial spray applications of chemical anticrop agents. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: November 6 and December 11, 1956; January 4, February 5, March 5, April 11, 13, 22, 30, May 6, 13, 1957. 
Site: Not specified but wheat field. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: November 14, 1956; February 24, March 20 and May 1, 1957 
Site: Not specified but rye field. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: November 14, 1956; January 1, February 4, and March 26, 1957 
Site: Not specified but oat field. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: June 3 and July 26, 1957 
Site: Not specified but sorghum field. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: June 26 and July 26, 1957 
Site: Not specified but corn field. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: August 1957 
Site: Rice field near Nallin Pond. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: Feb 28; March 3, 11,17, 19, 28; April 4, 1958. 
Site: Greenhouse – 9 crop plants grown in containers. Agent applied in spray room. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: March 3,1958 
Site: Greenhouse – rice grown in containers. Applied in the spray room then moved back to the greenhouse. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: March 3,1958. 
Site: Greenhouse. Plants placed in dew chambers for one hour then moved to spray room where dust was applied with small duster. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: July 30; Aug 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 18, 20, 21, 26, 1958. 
Site: Field grown crops of millet, peanuts, sorghum and soy bean. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: May 19 – August 2,1960 
Site: Field grown crops of wheat, rye, oats, barley, kaoliang, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: May 1963 
Site: Cattails. Five bomblets were statically fired. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: August 1961- June 1963 
Site: Primary screening carried out in greenhouses on 14-day old bean plants; secondary screening sprayed in greenhouses at 1,5, 10 lbs/ac on tree seedlings. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: 1967-1968 
Site: Greenhouse studies on 14-day old red kidney beans. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: May 21, 1968 
Site: 11 plots, 20 x 20 sq ft 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: June 12 – September 12, 1968 
Site: Laboratory and greenhouse studies. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: May 2 and 12, 1969 
Site: Redcoat winter wheat plots. 
 
Location: Fort Detrick 
Date: 1970 
Site: Controlled environmental chamber with individual potted plants. 
 
Location: Fort Meade 
Date: August 2, 1963 
Site: 24 Plots, each approximately 150 square feet. 
 
Location: Fort Meade 
Date: Spring- Summer 1964 
Site: Isolated area of an abandoned farm; area was marked off in 225 sq ft plots. 
 
Location: Fort Ritchie 
Date: July 11-12, 1963 
Site: Eighteen individual trees each of: white ash, American elm, red maple, black locust, chestnut oak, and northern red oak. 
 
*Now known as Fort Detrick.

Mississippi 

Location: Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport 
Date: 26 June 1968 – June 10, 1977 
Site: Secure 12-acre storage area. Marshalled for shipping to Vietnam/then storage pending guidance on disposal. 
 
Location: Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport 
Date: May 24 – June 10, 1977 
Site: Redrumming facility. Drums were moved to redrumming facility where the drum heads were removed and herbicide was sucked through intake hoses into tank railcars. Rail cars were then moved to the dock where the herbicide was transferred to the Vulcanus, a privately-owned incineration ship. 

Montana 

Location: Bozeman 
Date: July 3, 6, and 14, 1953 
Site: Gallatin Valley. Field evaluations of chemical agents for attacking wheat using miniature spraying systems mounted on a light aircraft. 

New York 

Location: Fort Drum 
Date: May – October 1959 
Site: Four square miles (2,560 acres) area located in an artillery impact area. Access to it on the ground was not possible. Applied with H-21 helicopter. 

Tennessee 

Location: Power line from Hiwassee Dam, NC to Coker Creek, TN 
Date: June 17; July 2,3; 1964 
Site: Seven plots, each 200 X 750 feet. Right of way 200 feet wide on the power line from Hiwassee Dam, NC to Coker Creek, TN. Compounds were applied by Bell helicopter. 

Texas

Location: Kelly AFB 
Date: November 18, 1970 – Unknown 
Site: Storage in Yard 62, East Kelly area. 

 
Utah 

Location: Dugway Proving Ground 
Date: August 7 & 8, 1963 
Site: Downwind Grid 
 
Location: Dugway 
Date: September 14 -October 6, 1964 

Site: Firing range. To determine suitability of the Army Interim Defoliation System for the US Army OV-1 (MOHAWK) aircraft. 

If you believed you were exposed to Agent Orange at any of this locations, suggest you reach out to ITAM organization for assistance. The ITAM organization can assist you in gathering evidence to support possible exposure to Agent Orange.
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Events 

March 19, 2023, St. Joseph’s Day Dinner, 3:00-6:00 p.m , Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, RI. Dinner choices, chicken parmigiana or veal and peas or eggplant parmgiana, to include family style penne, antipasto and Italian pastry. For ITAM members, dinner is free for members and guests. Tickets are available for purchase by calling ITAM office (401)677-9838 or email.itamri4vets@gmail.  

March 29, 2023 , 11:30 National Vietnam Veteran Day Welcome Home Luncheon, Rhode Island Veterans Home, 400 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US. Italian luncheon and dessert FREE to all RI Veterans Home Vietnam Veteran and their guest. Families and veterans can sign up at the veteran’s home activity department. Vietnam veterans residing at the home can REQUEST A WISH MEAL they would like to have. Example, the veteran wants a stuff lobster, stuff shrimp, steak, etc .The Italian American War Veterans of US will coordinate with Perella’s Ristorante to accommodate the Vietnam Veteran’s request. Special request please contact ITAM’s office (401) 677-9838 or via email [email protected]  

April 8, 2023, Women’s Veterans Luncheon 12:00 p.m. at Rhode Island Veterans Home, 400 Metacom Ave Bristol RI. Women veteran with veteran ID meal is FREE. All other $15. Reservations are a must, contact Ginny Hanson, (401) 294-2434, email [email protected] or Gretchen at (401) 862-9639, email [email protected]. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday March 22, 2023. 

April 21, 2023, Calling All Women Warriors 

Calling All Women Warriors Virtual Conference is an opportunity to receive information on resources and benefits for Women Veterans of all eras, their spouses, or their aging parents. The event live streamed on RI Elder Info’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Presenters are Women Veterans who are experts in their field on the unique needs of the women who have served our country and the resources available to them. Speakers answer your questions in real time. Any question that can’t be answered during the event will be followed up on. This is an opportunity for the community to gather information and resources that empower their own independent aging! 

April 23, 2023, Chopstick Auction for Department VFW Auxillary Ways and Means Committee, Kelley Grazzero  Post #2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston RI. Auction starts 1:00 p.m., more information call Stephen Doherty, (401) 500-1255 

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups 

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.  As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time! 

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) via email at [email protected]*** 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May) 

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. 

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. 

Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 

Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. 

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount , ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID 

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops –  Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner, ID.me. 

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe. 

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me 

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations listed below: 

Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get – 

1.    Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account. 

2.    Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly. 

3.    Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to:[email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered. 

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838) 

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.