Veterans and their families were exposed to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in their tap water at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Firefighting crews at the base trained with PFCs, which are used to extinguish flames. The toxic chemicals are linked to cancer as well as kidney, liver, thyroid, gastrointestinal, heart and reproductive problems.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) analyzed water found in decades-old fire hydrants at the base. According to the results of the department’s pending report, the water contained high levels of PFCs. Catch basins inside the hydrants were previously connected to the base water system. The water samples were gathered in 2015 from 22 hydrants and a water softener tank.

Veterans advocates believe the data collected from the hydrants could be the key to proving their arguments and urging the VA to be more responsive to their claims. They are hoping for a study of their chronic health problems which could potentially be connected to the contaminated tap water at the base.

“The contamination that we’re seeing in the hydrants indicates to us that the people on the base were at times drinking levels of PFC contamination that were above the health advisory that EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] has put out for these chemicals,” said Bob Delaney, MDEQ’s Wurtsmith site manager.

Although it is unknown exactly how many veterans and family members may have been affected by the contaminated water, the number could potentially be large. In 1985, the base’s payroll comprised 3,600 service members and civilians. The base closed in 1993.

Sgt. John W. Perry was one of two individuals killed in an explosion at a United States airbase on November 12^th. Perry, 30, along with PFC. Tyler R. Iubelt died from injuries after an attack by an apparent suicide bomber at Bagram Airfield.

Stewart Perry, John’s father, along with wife, Kathy, and daughter were flying to Philadelphia where they were to travel to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to receive John’s remains. Departing from Sacramento, the family had a quick transfer in Phoenix. Afraid that the Perry family would miss their flight to Philadelphia after a 45 minute delay in Sacramento, the captain of the flight announced that all passengers should remain seated to let a “special military family” exit the aircraft first. The family then proceeded to receive boos and complaints for their preferential treatment.

“It was really disgusting on the passengers’ part,” Stewart said in an interview, “It was just disgusting behavior from people in first class; it was terrible to see.”

Of course, Mr. Perry had nothing negative to say about American Airlines, who had accommodated him and his family in the exchange. Perry said, “You could see the disappointment from the flight crew.”

Instances such as these are a product of the disconnect between the American public and the sacrifices of military families. We encourage individuals to be thankful of veterans and active duty and to take into consideration the burden they bear. A greater awareness of the military’s role is a positive step that will combat the negative consequences of a military disconnected from the national conscience.