I know I said I would reduce my e-mail list but I read something last night in the March/April Shipmate that I would like to share and ask that you forward it to anyone you know who was a Surface Warfare officer or served on a ship, sub, or in a shipyard.

I read the obits on 2 of our distinguished graduates on page 158.  RADM Campbell '61 and CAPT Graham '62 passed away from mesothelioma, a disease caused by exposure to (and more specifically inhalation of ) asbestos particles.  Campbell was a submariner and Graham was surface warfare.  This is a particularly nasty disease and the prognosis is poor, and ultimately rears its ugly head years after exposure.

I recently helped a Korean War Navy vet who served in the engine room of a DD.  He started suffering from shortness of breath.  He has mesothelioma.  Like most diseases there are varying degrees of severity and his exposure appears to be light, but again he served only 2 years on a DD.  He is now drawing VA disabilty benefits for this condition caused by his Navy service some 50 plus years ago.

Although the VA has not IMO been particularly kind to Navy vets with certain shipborn related problems that I know are "service connected", mesothelioma is a condition that is a no-brainer as to where you contacted it.  Although the disease's progression can't be stopped, it can be slowed with treatment.  Guys like Clifford who worked onboard ship, in the engine room, and in shipyard should be screened ASAP. 

You also have VA coverage for both medical care and disability for this condition.  It's important to get this coverage established if you have it as VA benefits can pass to your spouse if you decease from this condition. 

As with the 2 fellow graduates from classes of '61 and '62 who died from this condition, all of us who may have been exposed are reaching a critical juncture.  I hope my words of caution apply to none of you.  If you have any questions about this, Agent Orange related diseases for Vietnam vets, or other VA benefits, info is on the VA.gov  website.  I'd be happy to answer any questions if you'd like to call me or e-mail me.

May you live a long life and prosper!

Dave Jarrett

DAV  Veteran Service Officer

Phone: 270-300-6592