This story is part of the 2024 special report, “Ending the Wait for Toxic-Exposed Veterans,” by DAV and MOAA (Military Officers Association of America). Backed by original research and historic analysis, the report shows that toxic-exposed veterans—many of them suffering life-threatening diseases—often have to wait decades to receive access to the full range of health care and benefits they earned and so urgently need. DAV and MOAA offer a blueprint for reforming how our government handles service-related toxic exposures in a way that ensures timely, equitable access to life-saving care and benefits. Learn more at endingthewait.org.

 

Air Force veteran Andrea LaForce deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan in 2003, more than a decade into what would become a 29-year military career. Like so many others there, she experienced fatigue, headaches and coughing. Two months in, she developed eczema.

We called it the ‘Karshi crud,’” she said.

Signs around the base warned of chemical agents and radiation hazards. A pond ominously changed colors, earning the moniker “Skittles Pond.” In some places, black goo emerged from the ground. And, as if transported into a sci-fi movie, LaForce remembers when workers dressed in hazmat suits and carrying Geiger counters visited the base.

But LaForce said she figured any potential exposures were a fair trade-off. After all, they weren’t being shot at, and the aircraft always returned relatively safely.

Six months after leaving K2, LaForce suffered severe abdominal pain caused by a large ovarian cyst that burst. Nearly 20 years later, she continues to develop cysts and experience chronic pain. Her condition is manageable but takes constant care and monitoring. LaForce is also keenly aware that it could one day develop into ovarian cancer.

She received service connection for the ovarian cysts, but with a 0% disability rating.

“Apparently the hormonal treatments, the pain and everything don’t count for anything,” she said. “While I’m thankful I haven’t had cancer and haven’t had some truly debilitating issues, chronic pain ain’t no joke either.”

As she became more involved in the veteran community, LaForce met other female K2 veterans with high incidence rates of reproductive issues. Now she’s motivated to keep fighting for recognition and benefits for her fellow veterans.

“I just feel that I owe them, and I owe myself,” she said. “And I owe those that are going to come behind us.”

The recommendations proposed in this report would help future toxic-exposed veterans get access to VA health care and benefits in a way that accurately and fairly recognizes their sacrifice.