Agent Orange and the Nasty Guard-2011

Pity all the Nasty Guard pilots and aircrews that inherited the leftover C-123s from the Vietnamese War. Most were “bought” or transferred for a dollar to Air America, Byrd Air or their successor, Southern Air Transport. These , as we all know now, were just fronts for the CIA. A significant number still made it into the U.S. for National Guard duty in 1972 and replaced their venerable ageing fleet of $1.19s (C-119s). They were finally phased out in 1984 to make way for the antique C-130As being surplussed by the AF.

More than a few were workhorses for Operation Ranch Hand, the code name for the Agent Orange herbicide application program. The Air Force took out the tanks and associated plumbing, sprayed some Febreeze inside and handed them over. No pressure washing. No wipe down. Nothing. The aircraft stunk of old pesticide in 1970 and they still did in 1984. One example which was to be preserved and displayed at Wright Patterson AFB was tested and was so toxic that they had to seal off the interior and the workers were forced to wear full hazmat gear to gut it.

So, guess who’s coming to dinner with prostate cancer, diabetes 2, peripheral neuropathy and a host of other AO symptoms? And guess who’s staring at the ceiling and whistling “Danny Boy”? The military says “Gee. Nobody knew back then” and VA’s staid response is “Well. If you weren’t in Vietnam, well, ah, then you can’t be, ah, service connected for AO. The rules are very clear on this. But we’re looking into it and we’ll get back to you. Hear?”

Meanwhile a new class of Nehmer has been born with no presumptive entitlement. How will VA ever dig themselves out of this? Simple. By the time they figure it out and pass a regulation with a special bye for the Nasty Guard, the boys will all be dead. VA can afford to be magnanimous when most members of the class action lawsuit are busy dieing. I’m sure the claim will die with the Vet and the spouse will piss into the wind for several decades before being afforded any meaningful remuneration. Gosh. Wait a minute. That sounds like what happened to all of us from that war. Deja Vu. anyone?

P.S. Here’s the kicker. The aircraft were then surplussed to little South American grasshopper airlines and oil exploration companies- still with no mitigation for the contamination. It’s like Chanel No. 5- the gift that keeps on giving.