Bob Garcia

You too Mike,have a safe trip to AZ.

Jerry Davis

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR to all 610 MASS brothers and sisters. I took this photo out of the C-141 Pilot's side window.  I asked him to bank it to the left a bit to get this shot.  I was headed from Yokota to Kadena TDY circa 1966.

You know what this is - right?

James M. "Mike" Dixon (Rdr)

Nice picture Mr. Davis!

Mike

Bob Garcia

Jerry,nice shot of fuji I think,Man if I hadn't spent my MPC in bar row I could have bought a camera.I really didn't start taking pictures till I went to the Gulf in 1990.Your photos are a hell of a lot better than mine,me taking pictures of the dark side of the moon.Hope all of you enjoyed the holidays as did I.Take care,Bob Garcia.

Jerry Davis

Thanks Bob and Mike.  This pic was after takeoff and starting our turn to Kadena

Jerry Davis

Hey Bob, I used to hit the slots, pachenko, and bingo to garner enough money to head to town.  Here's a pick of the infamous "Bar Row" in Fusamachi.  I spent many a night there! Circa 1965

Bob Garcia

Nice picture of bar row!I supplemented my E-3 pay using my booz ration card in the form of jonnie walker red.It went for a pretty good price on the black market.Didn't do it often ,just enough to keep my bad habits happy.Take care,Bob Garcia.

Jerry Davis

I posted this in Yokota Facebook page - I was a Flight Line aircraft and engine mechanic in 610 MASS - Jet Engine over 2 (AFSC 43151E) 1/67 to 11/68.

Who remembers this?

About Feb '67. All pax were US Army 2nd Lt's headed for VN. Luckily, they were all in the Pax Terminal waiting on aircraft refueling and service when it caught fire. It was a real test for our great fire department. We were running around like crazy busy getting other aircraft out of the area towing them as fast as we could to get them safely away from the burning 707. I don't remember the cause of the fire. Anyone remember what the cause was? Afterwards it was towed to the other side of the runway and later used for fire-fighting exercises. I think it was still there when I deros'd mid-Nov 68. Notice the PSP we still had at that time.

Raymond Lehr

Raymond Lehr

Jerry Davis

Bob Garcia

Yea Jerry,the only one on that list that I think I remember is Duck.As I recall he was a tall lanky guy and wore glasses.I may be mistaken since it's only been 50+ years.Hope all is going well with you and your's.Going in for a V.A. C&P exam this comming Tuesday pertaining to Ischemic Heart Disease claim related to Agent Orange.Iv'e been dealing with the V.A. much to my frustration for the better part of 30ys.Don't have many left ,but it would give me great satisfaction to score one for the team.Your a vet ,got any issues related to Vietnam Agent Orange Exposure?Anyway,I hope not,take care,Bob Garcia.And see you in Dayton !

Alton W. Stilley

Art Cross

I was a shift supervisor in Pax at Yokota 68-69 and I remember being called over to the frieght wharehouse because a C-141 had a pallet of agent orange with a leaking barrel. It was offloaded into the warehouse. I can't remember who we called but it was whatever unit handled hazerdous materials. I can't remember why I was called other than the fact that I had previoius Air Freight experience and was an Air Transportation Supervisor. It should be recognized that there was more exposure to agent orange than just in Vietnam.

Bob Garcia

I don't think I have made your aquaintance Art and forgive me if I have.You guys out there think you were exposed to Agent Orange need to check out the Pact Act signed into law August 10,2022.It will explain areas and dates pertaining to Agent Orange exposure.Certain bases in Thiland ,Guam and even Johnson Island qualify as herbicide areas of exposure.Also look at your  present health conditions and Agent Orange qualifing diseases.As a crew member I flew into most of these areas in the early seventies,so for me it is considered presumptive.By no means this is a "slam dunk"when dealing with the V.A.I submitted a V.A.claim in 1996 for a medical condition which was denied ,it is now on the added list of presumptive conditions.Sounds like an air tight case,No! You have to back up your claim with solid medical evidence either military medical records or qualified civilian medical opinion.Good luck out  there to all,Bob Garcia,Msgt,USAF ,Ret.

Alton W. Stilley

Ronald E. Hawkins (Na)

Art, 

Ron Kaussner was diagnosed by the VA with health issues stemming from exposure to Agent Orange.  He worked Fleet at Yokota and was called out to a C141 (1969) to sweep and mop a liquid from some leaking barrels.  Freight did not want to get anywhere close to the aircraft because the crew did not have a DD Form 1387-2 for the barrels.  Because the crew did not know what was in the barrels they could not research AFR 71-4. Not knowing any better, Ron tried to help and he swept the liquid off the ramp and put it into some kind of container.  
 

After I retired from ATT in Greensboro, I drove to Winston-Salem and spoke with the VFW and DAV.  Both stated that Yokota and my Thai PCS locations were not on the list of affected locations.  Ton Son Nhut was even on their list. Shortly after that, Ron died.  Cause of death was listed as Agent Orange.  As you know I am not a doctor anymore than jai house lawyers that want to advise people on how to handle issues; but, I have dealt with the VA on different issues and had them refuse to honor my 20% disability that I was given by the VA in Winston-Salem.  Locally, they are not professional and I am not sure if they are knowledgeable about the latest guidance on Agent Orange. Some of my friends say that the VA is "on the ball and understand the latest guidance" and others say they are just coming to work just to collect a paycheck.  I have MEDICARE and TRICARE For Life so I am willing to take my chances as opposed to going to the VA.  

Jerry Davis

Hi Y'all,

I have filed with the VA for numerous medical conditions about 2 years ago.  Still waiting on ischemic heart disease & high blood pressure from exposure to dioxin in Guam.  The only thing they have approved is tinitus and hearing loss.  It's been a 2 year trip with them.  I filed for dioxin exposure prior to the PACT ACT.  I don't know how long that will delay any exam or decision.

Jerry Davis

Bob good luck on your C&P exam.  I hope it works out.  We are all getting long in the tooth and I hope that is not their strategy.

Art Cross

Ron,.I was sorry to hear about Ron Kaussner's situation and death. That could have been the same night that I got involved. I didn't realize he was on duty and had to clean up the mess. On the night I got involved, we did offload the pallet with the leaking barrel. There was a lot more exposure than the VA realizes. I think the VA employee attitudes varies by location. Here in Kerrville, Texas, I have been very impressed with all the workers that I have come into contact with, from Clerks, Technicians,  Nurses, and  Doctors. A lot of them are ex military and they are always  very polite, friendly and professional. 

Herbert Tidwell

If dioxin exposure on Guam leads to a presumptive factor for your illnesses, I would suggest filing a new claim.  It cannot hurt your case.  Glad that you like your caregivers at the VA facilities you use.  There are some really good people employed by the VA.  However, do not forget that the VA has a verified history of deceit and denial when it comes to valid claims.  Never trust the VA in regard to a claim and do your homework to substantiate any claim you make.  Hard work solves a lot of issues.  Don't be afraid to lawyer up if it seems advisable.  I have a 100% permanent and total disability rating due to Agent Orange exposure.  That is my situation and the one I make these statements from.

Bob Shaw

I believe this is Ron Kaussner.

Barracks 332 across from chow hall.

Bob Shaw

Stephen M. Landon (Command & Control Specialist)

I worked for the Veterans Health Adminstration for 20 years and during that time  I visited (TDY) at least a dozen or so VA Medical Centers and was stationed (PCS) 7 VA Medical Centers. The Medical Centers throughout the land are grouped geographically into different VISN's having worked in the private sector with national large companies what surprised me the most with the Veterans Health Administrations (VHA) was depending on which medical center you visit they are not standardized with their procedure or understanding.  I think this makes navigating the claims process challenging to say the least. I finally was rated at 90 percent it took longer to get properly rated due to me going through the claims process until I really realized how it operated.  I would suggest always seeking help with the veteran Service Organizations for assistance they have offices at the VA Medical Centers and also in the community.

Herbert Tidwell

Study the CFR's applicable Schedule of Ratings and if you meet the criteria for X% rating, be sure to include medical evidence that mirrors them word for word.  Make it so clear that even the VA will understand and agree that you have earned X% rating.  Don't hesitate to appeal until you receive the rating you feel is correct.  Hire an attorney if necessary.  It's money well spent.  I'm 100% total and permanent based on ischemic heart disease caused by Agent Orange.  Feel free to contact me if you want additional information.