U.S. Department of Defense senior officials continue to assert Agent Orange “was not used on, stored or transshipped through Guam during the Vietnam War,” according to a statement issued Thursday by Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo.
Bordallo released the statement after meeting with senior Defense Department officials on Jan. 18 to discuss multiple reports of Agent Orange being used on Guam’s military bases during the war.
“This was an initial meeting to discuss the deep concerns that have been raised in our community,” Bordallo said.
Given the military’s assertion, Bordallo said she looks forward “to reviewing their records that support this claim and continuing to engage with the DOD and local stakeholders so that we have all the facts on this issue.”
Bordallo announced her intention to meet with Defense Department officials on Jan. 6 after 68-year-old veteran Leroy Foster's story of spraying Agent Orange at Andersen Air Force Base was publicized.
As more veterans came forward with corroborating stories, Sen. Fernando Esteves announced on Jan. 10 the formation of a local task force to investigate chemical pollution on Guam, including alleged use of Agent Orange.
Veterans have alleged Agent Orange was used at Andersen, Naval Magazine, Naval Communications Station, Naval Air Station, and Navy Harbor.
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