Vermont Guard celebrates new law aiding veterans exposed to burn pits
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont National Guard is celebrating a landmark new law that expands benefits to military members exposed to burn pits in war zones.
It’s an issue WCAX News first told you about.
Everything was burned in those pits, including human waste, medical waste, body parts, trash, tires and more. They were torched with jet fuel.
Soldiers breathed in the smoke that hung over the bases. Many Vermonters serving in areas with burn pits got sick and some died.
The leader of the Vermont Guard, Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, praised the legislation that was recently signed by the president for what it does for his men and women and their families.
“I think it’s significant for all of our veterans. It expands eligibility, it expands timelines for applications for benefits. It streamlines the process... It’s a pretty significant investment,” Knight said.
The general also offered his thanks to June Heston and Pat Cram for their push to get the PACT Act passed. The Vermont women are the widows of two Guard soldiers who died from burn pit exposure. Heston and Cram attended the bill signing in Washington, D.C.
Watch the video to see our Darren Perron’s full conversation with the general.
The Guard will hold a special open house on Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. followed by a remembrance of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Everyone is invited.
Related Stories:
Biden signs ‘burn pits’ help for veterans; a personal win, too
Vermont veterans’ widows grateful for signing of PACT Act
Senate approves bill to aid vets exposed to toxic burn pits
EXPLAINER: How health care for vets became fight in Congress
Burn pits legislation fails in Senate procedural vote
Burn pits legislation nears finish line with House approval
Wife of former Vt. general encouraged by Senate action on burn pits
Congress reaches deal on expanding burn pit benefits to vets
Welch continues push to help soldiers exposed to war zone burn pits
Biden pledges support to veterans exposed to burn pits
Battle Over Burn Pits: Vt. soldier in 1st-of-its-kind lawsuit dies of cancer
Battle Over Burn Pits: 1st-of-its-kind lawsuit
Battle Over Burn Pits: New legislation could help vets exposed to toxic fumes
Will a new generation of Vt. soldiers face the Battle over Burn Pits?
Gillibrand enlists Jon Stewart on burn pit bill fight
WCAX News honored with national Edward R. Murrow Award
Gillibrand voices support for veterans exposed to burn pits
Scott signs burn pit registry bill
Veterans lobby Vermont lawmakers for burn pit bill
Welch calls for action on burn pits
Supreme Court halts military burn pit appeals
Former Vt. Army National Guard Commander Michael Heston has died
Police officer gives back to sick kids after death
Perron, MacKenzie win national Murrow Award for burn pit series
WCAX wins Murrow Award for burn pit reports
St. Albans brewery gives ‘Tribute’ to former Guard member
Copyright 2022 WCAX. All rights reserved.