Our work shifts were 12/7 during my time there. The Dr. advised me to make a claim with the VA. May 30, 1970 to may 31 1971. Using that argument and other documents, BVA ruled in my favor and Ordered VA to rethink their denial for all those years. I was sent TDY in Jun 1973 from Mather AFB to Utapao AFB Aircraft Avionics to Support KC135s and B52s. Once little more than a provincial airfield, the base expanded to 2350 acres (95 1 hectares) with two 10.000 ft (3048 m) asphalt runways with concrete touchdown pads, parallel taxiways, and a heliport. Guys who were there as well as Laos and Cambodia do not have coverage over A O. Im now on the docket for a hearing on that appeal with some fairly compelling photo evidence which I hope Ill never need. plus he would fly in to Vietnam but the VA couldnt find any thing about that plus they were shot down over Laos and was on the ground hiding for 12 hours. I was stationed at Takhli in 1970and was there when they closed the base only to be reopened laternot sure of that date. My primary posts were: The MARS hill (it was devoid of any high grass for about 30 to 50 yards down from the fence line. But, NOTHING WAS EVER PLANTED ON THAT OPEN FIELD FROM 11/1968 TO 11/1969!!!!! We were taken by a truck. It was of interest to me to read the numerous stories by military personal who had a part in the operation of the Phan Rang Air Base. I have not filed a clame yet, but I saw the new bill passed by the legislature included high blood pressure as a result of being exposed to agent orange. The first time I was denied AO for my various conditions because the records office could not find anything to prove my several such trips on two different assignments. You fought for this country; if Agent Orange and combat stress disabled you; then our country needs to step up to the plate and provide the benefits you need. though the VA has not granted SErvice Connection for . Dont know how to get it to those who want iit. Assigned to Army medical laboratory near perimeter of Korat AFB in1969.my recollection was that is was located near the perimeter. MCAS RoseGarden Vets: Gary Mcevilla, Eldon Toncrey, Paul S Smith, Chandler Nelm, JC Smith, and Paul D Kaisar. He never talked about it much but I know he was there when the base was attacked. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have several photos of Phu Mu but none to my knowledge of Mukdahon, a friend of mine may have some photos of Mukdahon. Of course parts in excess of TO&E and that B model had to leave when the IG showed up. They paid the locals to keep their fields low. He died recently from cancer. I am being treated for high blood pressure and being treated for heart pvcs. Any help will be appreciated. in Thailand under JFK, An article about U.S. operations in Thailand. These records include stories, photos, rosters, and Be patient however the system is much better now but dont be afraid to contact your Congressman as it really speeds up the process. I imagine my father, Maj/LtCol Paul Lindsay Smith flew in and out of that base. This photo was taken in May 1969 during a VIP visit to Phan Rang AB, RVN by M/Gen. The second time I got the run-around youve read in so many other accounts: No evidence of AO use in my area or base during my time there, I was the wrong AFSC wasnt a cop, couldnt prove perimeter duty, etc. A few of us still get together would you be interested in joining us. Thailand also was buffered from the conflict zone by Laos and Cambodia, thereby making it safer forAmerican personnel. Was on TDY Mar through Aug 1973 (from Nellis AFB) Worked out of POL as a Flightline Monitor. During my annual physical exam with lab work my doctor found I had diabetes and high BP. I think the same thing goes for Korat and the other bases in TAILAND. william j wilson SP-4. Also the fact that the Crash Fire Station my work location was classified in the outer perimeter. Is there a way to prove I was sent TDY as there do not seem to be records other than one of my performance reviews from a MSGT who I was stationed with in Thailand. He has always had bronchitis with cough, hypertension, neuropathy and heart disease. Its a declassified document on how every base in Thailand was established from a security perspective. I was at Ubon 67-68 USAF jet engine mechanic. He was denied for the cancer drugs he needed. Waiting to hear outcome of his claim. The building now used for my restaurant was built in 1966. I was TDY to U-Tapao, Thailand August through Nov 74. d O4 Base of occipital bone C1 C1 C1 C2 C2 C2 C3 C3 C3 C4 C4 C4 C5 C5 C5 C6 C6 C6 C7 C7 C7 C8 C8 T1 C8 T1 T1 T2 T2 plate and overlying ectoderm meet and fuse in the midline neurons that serve to interconnect the motor neurons of the forming the tubular shape of the neural tube (Fig. We were told they would be spraying around the base in the next couple days. Then all hell would break loose and Id have to shut down the conversation due to explicit language. I will pursue compensation; however, the posts above are not encouraging for a successful outcome. I researched found nothing about that so called event. To qualify for exposure you needed to be within 500 yards of the perimeter. I want to file for agent orange exposure. Anyone have knowledge of or pictures of comm gear on the perimeter? Youll find pictures, history and a roster of many who served. Appealing since 2013. I went TDY to Phitsanoluk Thailand for 2weeks 50 caliber machine gun training. It was changed over to USSTRATCOM I think late 1971. we had no military police to do this. Msgt Robert stewart, I was at phan rang, in the 35th supply sq 19 70-1971. Any of that traveling in or near perimeter spray or drift zone? From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. He recently passed and was exposed to agent orange. The base there had a beautiful new hospital which had been constructed as a triage for wounded soldiers air lifted out of Viet Nam before being sent back to the states. That was 1971, It is now Feb. 2020 and in the meantime, Thailand 1966-68 55th signal korat,379 th camp vayama, hill 272 and hill 50x 29th signal detached as of this date still alive, many others of hill 272 have left us. THE OIC IN CHARGE WAS , WAYNE L COTTRELL. Go to your congressman or woman and have them go US Bases in Thailand During the v. war and you can and show him where you were living.I am going to my congressman tomorrow. I remember how fast everything turned brown and the strong smell that lasted a few days. The RAAF had 2 Canberras shot down, the C.O.Downing and his navigator Pincers who were winched out by chopper safe after they ejected. Should be my sons grandfather or a uncle I surmise. Im looking for anyone from the 6201st CSG/SPS from Ko Kha air station Thailand Im trying to find out what they sprayed our perimeter fences with. I often played trumpet with the band The Jugglers at the Sampan Club downtown when I wasnt working the night shift. Also for those of you there around that time frame, how about Pete? Jerry is seen directing traffic from the control tower and training a loc. Think of getting a bad jungle fatigues sunburn: hands and face and head. remove a user's privilege to post content on the Library site. Let me put in a plug for a book, The Grotto, about life flying helicopters out of Phu Bai. The author, Hal Walker, is a pilot who was stationed there for three months in 1969-1970. Thanks. Until 1986 after my second son was born I became Diabetic. I was in Takhli 68-69, Hanoi Hanna said the Cong was coming over Dec. 3, 1968 and so myself and others were training along part of the jungle and perimeter of the base and I was set along the flight line during that time. Assigned as an The outer perimeter was sprayed with AO and I believe we started flying sorties to spray AO in Laos and Viet Nam. Im trying to help my mother get benefits resulting from my fathers death. I would love to hear from anyone who was there at either place during those years. But my Rabbi, has already received his disability rating and we were stationed at the same location and we were all around the base and community. Thank you, I was stationed in Ubon, Thailand. We lived on the economy and rode motorcycles to work. I also have tried to get claim but getting denied. My Dad is a Vietnam Vet, he didnt see action, however he spent lots of time with the wounded while he was in the hospital ill. Would enjoy connecting with Vets who worked at any of these bases. They were always spraying something. Mostly performimng perimeter security in towers and bunkers. My first husband was a Marine aircraft mechanic and flew numerous missions as a 50 cal gunner during 68-69 . I see nothing here, however, about the USAFF (United States Air Force Security Service). I only have a couple of pictures from that time. The base, predating the arrival of American forces, is depictedon the mapAmphoe Ta Klhi, Sheet 5060 I,AMS Series L708, which is shown below. we lived in tents, waited for rain to shower and ate c-rats until the seabees came. Delivered medical supplies throughout Thailand. As a supply sergeant, I was on the flight line and in the all the time. Im not sure where in Vietnam he was station. My second post was the Bomb and munitions dump. Heart and Arterial disease, A-fib to the point where i now have a Watchman device implanted in my heart. Been on chemotherapy ever since. I worked 6th APS SCOOT (Support Cambodia Out of Thailand) Dec73 to Oct74. I have been diagnosed with Ischemic Heart Disease (two heart-attacks). TE 5560). We walked the perimeter with our dogs every night. I was at Tahkli, Thailand in 1973 for one of many TDYs from the C-130 Wing at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Tx. I understand there were two places where they had computers on the Korat base. Shop by Category. Always wondered why nothing grew at the camp. Read our I was stationed at Cam Rahn Bay,Vietnam air base 1969-1970 and Utapao,Thailand 1971. The VA asked for a buddy letter to prove my assignment. from mid 69 to mid 70 worked in the base photo lab doing recon photo . did so, told me that he would give it to the right person in that VA Mather Hospital,and and sure enough, forget how long, but I had a VA card with 10% disability in the mail , Later, filed again to increase VA % for hearing, got turned down for loss of hearing but OK for Tinitus (sp?). My Cavalry Squadron, 2-1 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armd Div, was moved from the Central Highlands, Pleiku, 4th Infantry Division, to Ninh Thuan Province, in Feb/Mar 1969, to provide security for Engineer Work Parties to open up Highway 1 & repair the highway, rebuild bridges and repair the rail line, from Phan Rang AB, to Siagon, so that supply convoys could move from Phan Rang AB to Siagon. He was fighting with the VA about he could not prove he left the base while performing his duties. We were located by the Control Tower and the Fire Department. We went through ~16 million gallons of JP-4 a month supporting with 80% of all fuel used in Southeast Asia for supporting 26 KC-135 tankers, 55 F-105s, EB/RB-66s based at Takhli. but continue to deny IBM as Service Connected. Stationed with 1882n Comm Gp., 1969-1970, worked in the Base Comm Center. More information on this topic can be found in a book series titled, https://www.facebook.com/groups/391919177646188/, https://image.slidesharecdn.com/thailandherbicideexposureclaims-151116154523-lva1-app6891/95/agent-orange-and-thailand-veterans-26-638.jpg?cb=1447688816, https://asknod.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/checo-thailand-base-defense-1973.pdf, https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp, Not so Silent Partner: Thailands Role in Covert Operations . It is located 5.2 miles (4.5 nmi; 8.4 km) north-northwest of Phan Rang - Thp Chm in Ninh Thun Province. My brother Maj Bobby M Jones MD, USAF Flight Surgeon, was stationed in Udorn Thailand Sept 1972 Nov 28 2972. He always told me to keep all of his military papers. Oh I guess I forgot to mention exposure to A O increases your chances of developing autoimmune diseases by a factor of several hundred thousand. and Good luck! Trying to contact a Stephen N. Wood. If any one can recall these incidents and would be so kind as to confirm them with a letter I would really appreciate it. Any number of clues that you may have may trigger a better question or answer. Looking for info for my dad Steve Furches . Read our Comment and Posting Policy. Looking for anyone who was there because you walk out revetment and the perimeter fence was across the street and had a bunker on the corner of the road going to the bomb dump. They were UNDERMANNED. Anyone else reading this pleaseet me know on here. Perimeter duty station is required for AO at Tahkli. Have had skin problems plus. The only pavement was where they parked the Bombers and Tankers and the runway. However, I get discouraged from all the horror stories Ive heard with claims being denied and dont know who could help me file? I believe that is where my father was in Vietnam about 1967. Im sure that the flight plans werent all the same though. Finally, they listened to the evidence that we had that led them to agree to give me a survivors benefit based upon a presumed service related cause of death. The VA has turned down my claim now three times. Weve recently added historical records from Phan Rang (also Another 200 yards & it would have been IN our barracks!! I have helped 3 Thailand vets get approved by sending the following with their claims We served our country; they subjected us to bad toxins; then they reject our claims! Was stationed at Udorn 621st TCS from Feb 69 to March 70 Did a month as Security Police Augmentee. We were just south of Udorn. The Fire Station number one Crash station was in outer perimeter. I have heart disease and have had it for decades. I was stationed at Korat from Oct72 to Oct73. An abscess was finally found on my appendix. I work with American Legion. Hopefully this will cover all of us who are still left standing, including you Ms. Smith. I do believe being on the ground in Saigon was key to my disabilities being approved at 100%, please dont give up, sometimes the VA is VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH, remember the squeaky wheel gets grease, DONT GIVE UP!!!! I was at Korat RTAFB from 11 May 1975-Feb 1976, with the 388th SPS, and it seemed I was always guarding the perimeter. There is supposed to be a bill in Congress to cover everyone that was in Thialand, but it has not gone anywhere in years. I have had a lung condition for many years thats progressively growing worse and has most recent diagnosis is emphysema. Developed a nonexploding module for sensor security that saved countless F4 delivery aircraft. I have had much trouble with skin cancer that I believe is a result of exposure to AO. Sincerely David. The O2A was cut up and loaded on a C130 back to NKP. I was stationed at Korat from December 1974 until October 1975. Merry Christmas, huh? Praise God were home some of us !!!!! Sensor system specialist on AC-130s Lots of time under the plane on my back and hands. All of my pics were lost in a relocation! Agent Orange was sprayed by C-123 aircraft as a part of Operation Ranch Hand as a means of killing vegetation in . They are trying to determine where exactly he was and if he went off base. I was TDY to Utapoa NKP Tahki 72-73. I transferred to the VA clinic in St. George, UT. Fast forward, got non-hopkins lymphoma. Was there two weeks and went TDY to Udorn, after arriving was told to report to the preload shop where I worked nights for duration there . and tell me what awards such as VSM and CIB. Like MIKE I.no.324 I was stationed at Takhli Thailand from Dec.65-66. rats n tower with bug. Connected, and have noted the similarities with IBM, Now diagnosed and being treated for diabetes and multiple myeloma. Stationed at Takhli RTAFB 1970-1971. Check Herbicide Spraying in Thailand and variants to find an abundance of information on the net. Fortunately, Camp Enarie was fairly quiet, but 4IFD had way too many casualties one was too many. Thanks for starting this blog! VA has denied my disability July 2020, Was in Korat 1967-68 cant remember want unit Army next to airbase TDY all over udon/ ubon. Have recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Good luck, when I die I hope they will remember what we did for our country. I dont think we ever cleared customs etc. Go where you are told and where you are needed.and make the best of it regardless of the situation or conditions. shop that were run down off base by a dump truck. Nevertheless, When ask why, she replied Im pregnant. I dont remember landing in Vietnam. He was loved by all of his students. I am trying to find out what they sprayed the antenna field with to keep the weeds down. One of the nicest persons out of L.A. Linebacker 1 and 2. I was first with the 35 FMS and finished with the 352 FS doing periodic maintenance on F-100s. In Thailand, Agent Orange was used to clear the jungle around bases, as a means to enhance security. Diabetic. To Lidia Seitz #300. Spent 2 weeks at Phan Rang getting processed in before going to our OLAA at Da Nang, AB and another 2 weeks processing out. Does anyone know when the AO spraying of perimeter started in Thailand? Most of the time the conversations were pleasant. I was stationed on Udorn AFB between June 1971 June 1972. Please consider joining our FB group: Happy Valley Phan Rang AB, Vietnam. I got assigned as a Augmentee to security police and r was on peremiter several times as well as in the jungle . Originally built by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII, it was rebuilt by the United States Air Force and used during the Vietnam War by both the USAF and the South Vietnamese Air Force. Looking for anyone who may have served with Jackie Cash USAF, Mechanic Crew Chief 1965-1966 loading and unloading barrels of agent orange and flying spraying missions over nam. Over the years i have developed. Is he a relative? Luckily I caught a few hops to Tan San Nuet and visit Saigon, plus eat some good food and the NCO Club. I filed for Service Connected Disability immediately upon my return and was DENIED. Regardless if your disorder is on the presumptive AO list you should file a claim. Im about to have my 6th surgery. For me a copy of my DD214 showing VSM was all they needed. I entered service In 1966 and was stationed at 3 PACAF USAF locations as an Airman. Finally, today, 02-12-2020, I spoke with an ADVISOR at the Federal Bldg in WLA and felt good about what he told me. I have a picture of him in front of Jet with four other men, i I have there names and would like to find them also! I do this all from my disability income. Over the years I became Diabetic, have issues with my thyroid, heart. I was commander of A Troop, 2-1 Cav and when I changed command in Aug 1969, I was sent to Phan Rang AB to await my orders back to the U.S. On the day I arrived at the Air Base, after about a 30 mile Jeep ride from our Firebase, I got to the Main Gate of the AB which was closed & locked because of an attack on another part of the base, & the Air Force Guards wouldnt unlock the gate for me to get inside. But I will take my hat off to the SeaBees. And Bangkok . Your main picture of the Phan Rang flightline is reversed. They all came home. The VA has classified me under the Blue Water Navy Act of Vietnam (2019) as being exposed and I have be advised Ill receive 30% disability. . I remember entering the gate and to my left was that klong and frequently smell the odor of chemucals. Crazy stuff as I was back and forth on their base on a daily basis. Serviced at Camp Friendship 1970 1971 442nd Signal(microwave tech) on the perimeter of Friendship and Korat AFB. Many of the comments Ive read here are extremely disturbing. My father was at Phan Rang 66-67. Claim for disability is currently at BVA awaiting a decision. Finally on October 15,1965, we received the construction plans for the base. To Takhli, I didnt know that they used AO for perimeter clearing the Library of Congress may monitor any user-generated content as it chooses and reserves the right to Jan 6, 2014 - Explore Emily Mosley's board "Phan Rang Vietnam", followed by 152 people on Pinterest. WHOs the right VA do I CONNECT. I was stationed at Ubon RTAFB 71-72, and was a flight facilities officer in the GCA. I worked nights and slept days and, sometime in the middle of my year, an F-4 was returning to base with a hung 500lb bomb. I am not sure he was ever stationed there. What a great touch to a horrible time!!!!! For those stationed in Thailand, the VA rules state you must have been within 500 meters of the perimeters to qualify for exposure to AO. My husband was so very proud to be a veteran and of his service. This information is also helping identify targeted measures for vulnerable populations such as . Station NKP Thailand 74-75, trying to find out if anyone knows how to get the Security Police daily logs on manning towers and flight line, was augmented to that duty but of course no record of such action. Phan Rang, Vietnam. The latter group was composed of U.S. government civilian personnel, such as ambassadorial staff, intelligence analysts, contractors, and others. My name is Reggie. But in the case of veterans who served solely in Thailand,the Veterans Administration states: To receive benefits for diseases associated with herbicide exposure, these Veterans must show on a factual basis that they were exposed to herbicides during their service as shown by evidence of daily work duties, performance evaluation reports, or other credible evidence.This writer notes that the policyis source of debate, anger, and frustration for some American militaryveterans and their families. I was stationed with a USAF Communications Detachment at the Chang Mai Airport in 1967 thru 1968. I have several of the illnesses associated with AO. I didnt find out that they used agent orange on our base till a few years ago. I have neuropathy in my feet, I have had recurring problems with spinal stenosis. I was part of a TDY B-52 crew out of Beale AFB Flying missions out of U-Tapao. I was in Takhli in1973 for the grand Nixon deployment to win the war and Udorn in 1973 and 1974. We walked the perimeter with no knowledge of the contamination in our mist. I was stationed at udon Royal Thai airbase from September 1975 to February 1976. My career field was supply administration but on arrival, I was attached to security forces as an augmented member for the first four months. I was in the 417TFS. We had a mutual friend, Chuay Kannawat, with whom I went to school in Puerto Rico. Ive filed once and was told I need witnesses to back my elavs and work assignment. I was a surveyor in Vietnam and if my memory is correct I surveyed the Pham Rang air strip in 1966. Looking for AF vets from that time frame. I would not have been approved w/o the supporting paperwork. newsletters, photo collections, and remembrance lists for Phan Rang Air Base To all my brothers,WELCOME HOME!! Iwas stationed in Udorn 67-68,diagnosed with blood cancer, July 2021, doctor says could be caused by exposure to Agent Orange, looking for best way to file a claim, any suggestions? 1.Board of Veteran Appeals ruled flight line is an extension of the perimeter. (70-71) FLEW 50+ MISSIONS OVER LAOS AND CAMBODIA. Gratuitous links to sites are viewed as spam and