The SOA Foundation’s
AGENT ORANGE LEGACY PROJECT
By John Padgett, MAJ, USSF (Ret.)
At the Special Operations Association Reunion (SOAR) XLVIII in October, a symposium was presented on the “Agent Orange Legacy Project”, at which the results of the survey of US Special Forces and Special Operations veterans was discussed. Conducted by the SOA Foundation’s Executive Director, Dr. John Padgett (MAJ, Ret, DMOR), the survey was done to assess the exposure to and health consequences of Agent Orange (AO) exposure among SF and Spec Ops VN veterans. Studies have been previously done concerning AO and VN vets, but none were specific to the SF and Spec Ops community. The study also contained questions about possible pass-through of genetic damage to our children and grandchildren.
Joining Dr. Padgett in presenting information concerning AO exposure and its consequences were RADM (Ret) Ann Duff of the VA, and Attorney Steven Carpenter, a researcher on the effects of AO on our progeny. Those in attendance showed an interest in the development of a data base specific to AO related health issues among our descendants.
The survey results, gathered from 219 respondents, had some interesting findings and suggested areas for further study and action. Among these:
- 185 out of 219 have/had health problems that they relate to AO exposure
- 59 (30%) reported children/grandchildren with problems they relate to AO
- Some also reported children or grandchildren being stillborn.
- Among respondents, the major health problems are/were
Cancer 68/185
Diabetes 44/185
Heart Disease 42/185
Most respondents had more than one condition. Of the cancer diagnoses, prostate cancer was the most often reported at 68%, followed by bladder cancer at 15%.
While 7% of the standard adult male population in the US will develop prostate cancer, 20% of SF/Spec Ops personnel developed prostate cancer. Our survey respondents were 10% more likely to develop cancer than their same age group of non-VN SF and Spec Ops vets.
The study has given us direction for education for our community, as well as identifying the need for further study and the development of a data base for the reporting of AO related health problems among our children and grandchildren. Please look for updates concerning the SOA Foundation’s health education regarding AO exposure, as well as the development of an AO Legacy data base. The SOA Foundation’s web site is soafoundation.net. The data base will allow our researchers to assess the pass-through effect of genetic damage to our progeny and potentially develop a case for compensation. The mission continues.
Would be interested in finding out if there is a lung cancer relationship in SF VN veterans.
My late husband, Roger Donlon, lost a 12 year battle with AO related Parkinson’s Disease and died of complications from PD last January 2024. I hope your study will help other SF Veterans to understand this situation as Roger was misdiagnosed for 2 years as having “Essential Tremor” by an incompetent Neurologist! He had an ultra sound brain surgery that was successful in stopping the left side tremor but the FDA did not approve the “right side” procedure so it was never done. Anyone wishing to contact me for information may do so at Normadonlon5@gmail.com.
Alfred W Smith assigned to The 5th SF January 1965. Project Delta June 1965. At the fall of As How camp January 1966 sent Home after returning to Nha Trang, wound up with diabetes, neuropathy, Tumors in colon, stomach, plus others. Now my kids has same problems. I never saw the request for survey, List my job in 2007 due to problems, now 100% disable.