America's Work Force Union Podcast

PACT Act would provide medical needs to veterans exposed to toxic substances

Written by awfblog | April 15, 2022

Jeff Stoffer, Media and Communications Director for The American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the May issue of The American Legion Magazine.

He provided an overview of the need to pass the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which would provide for the medical needs of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances. The act is comprehensive and covers not only burn pits, but also exposure to radiation, Agent Orange and K2, Stoffer explained. Chemical exposure is a cost of war, and these veterans deserve to be cared for after serving our nation, he added.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation in March and Stoffer hopes it receives a vote in the U.S. Senate before Memorial Day.

Stoffer also spoke about an article entitled, “Senseless War.” It addresses the tragic war in Ukraine. As new atrocities come to light, he feels one must be concerned with what happens next, especially if the conflict would spread to a NATO country. This could potentially ensnare U.S. troops in the conflict, he added.

Stoffer then talked about an article that explored the precarious predicament of tens of thousands of Afghan interpreters and U.S. allies, who continue to be stranded in Afghanistan and face Taliban persecution. He said special immigrant VISAs need to be expedited to provide refuge and potential citizenship to those who supported U.S. troops in a time of crisis.

Lastly, Stoffer discussed “Honoring a Man They Didn’t Know,” an article and photo essay about a military veteran who passed away with no living relatives to remember him.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the May issue of the American Legion Magazine.