In no particular order, read the stories of service members who came in contact with herbicides on the island of Okinawa. Responses will be posted by the webmaster as soon as possible upon receipt.
I served with in the United States Marine Corps on Okinawa, Japan, and contiguous areas during the period of January of 1976 to February of 1977. I was a newly minted, young Marine with a military occupational skill of 3043, Supply Administration and Operations; and later, 3451, Auditor. I was attached to Headquarters of the 3rd Force Service Regiment (3rdFSR) and assigned to the Base Property Control Office. Shortly after being assigned, the 3rdFSR was redesignated as the 3rd Force Service Support Group (3rdFSSG). Our primary base and work locations were Camp Foster and Camp Kinser, or collectively known as Camp Smedley D. Butler.
Okinawa, Japan was essentially the supply and logistical hub for not only the Marine Corps, but for all military branches, during the Vietnam Conflict and following the cessation of hostilities in Vietnam in Spring of 1975. Essentially all material supply and logistical materials would flow through Okinawa to be disbursed either to Vietnam, Guam, Thailand, Philippines, Mainland Japan, Korea, and other contiguous areas; or, conversely, dispatched back through Okinawa from the areas previously mentioned. It was simply the centralized hub in the Far East.
The Base Property Control Office was tasked with overseeing all logistics operations to include distribution management, service contracts, and property in support of the Marine Corps installations and facilities on Okinawa and other locations. We were responsible for coordinating logistics and supply support requests, logistics planning, and warehouse management for various warehouses scattered around Okinawa. Additionally, we would procure supplies and services through the General Services Administration and oversee and manage contracted commercial services supporting installation activities across Okinawa which entailed working with or following civilian contractors. The Base Property Control Office accounted for garrison personal property maintained by installation activities and tenant commands and issued furniture to support Marine barracks and administrative workspaces.
Oftentimes our occupational duties would require accompanying teams to locations to pick up materials, solicit from outside government contractors, or to obtain materials for use on Marine Corps facilities. Oftentimes, we would have to collaborate with Japanese contractors or accompany them to off-site locations to ensure meeting or expediting Marine Corps requirements.
Many chemicals including insect, rodent and plant killers, along with acids, alkalis, degreasers, and solvents were stored in different locations and warehouses, adjacent to our living barracks or quarters and our primary work locations. Pesticides, dioxin — a component of Agent Orange — and the cancer-causing chemical compound polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, were also stored around the island. Barrels of full or empty Agent Orange barrels were stacked in many warehouses. Japanese workers would take barrels almost daily to spray around different military base locations. Captured or broken weapons were often stored in empty barrels for disposition offshore, buried by Japanese contractors, or transported to Johnson Atoll. Large “fish kills” on the nearby coast prompted the U.S. Army Pacific Environmental Health Engineering Agency to conduct surveys of the sea and soil. The results indicated high concentration of chlordane, DDT, malathion, dioxin, and polychlorinated biphenyl. One of my memories was the fish kills in1976 attributed to the dumping of Agent Orange and other chemicals into the sea offshore of Okinawa. Barrels that were picked and distributed to Japanese contractors. We would accompany contractors to White Beach or Naha Military Port at times to watch the offloading and loading of Agent Orange and other chemicals onto ships destined to Johnson Atoll or being reloaded for transport back to Johnson Atoll.
We faced toxic exposure to various chemicals, PFAS, Asbestos, burn pits, waterborne contaminants, Agent Orange, and other chemicals while on active duty. I was stationed on Okinawa, Japan and sent to attendant areas such as Guam, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, and Mainland Japan as part of my occupational duties. Thailand was a result of shutting down military air bases in Thailand in mid-1976. For example, we were sent to gather materials to relocate back to Okinawa or distribute to other locations in the Far East. Guam was a stopover point for receiving items from time to time. Additionally, as part of our occupational duties, we were on or about on a ship or ships that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977, and was involved in transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals during our military service.
While on Okinawa, and often at other locations, we showered in the water there, washed our hands, swam at the base pool, ate the food prepared on base, exercised frequently around the base, drank from water fountains, and was generally exposed to various forms of toxic chemicals located and identified. We were exposed without any disclosure whatsoever.
I went on in life after my military experience to eventually become an attorney for close to forty years. I served as a Senior Adjunct Professor for over thirty continuous years at a law school. I am admitted to the United States Supreme Court. Any allegation that Agent Orange and other toxins were not present on Okinawa is simply and unequivocally outrageous and defamatory. The evidence of military veterans alone who witnessed and experienced toxic exposures simply exceed any purported study manufactured by the government. Thousands of veterans cannot be liars. (Courtesy of Wm. Burt Burleson via Social Media)
The following testimonials were included in the book, “Sprayed and Betrayed”, posted here with permission from the individual service members involved.
“My company 258th Personnel Services Co. moved up the hill on Hwy #1 about September 1969. Our old barracks which were quansit huts that had deteriorated so badly they were unlivable. About the first week there (next to the area that we called the Marine’s scrap yard with the blown-up vehicles shipped in from Vietnam). I first noticed Okinawan grounds crews cutting brush and high weeds with the most dangerous-looking weed cutters I have ever seen (like a 12-inch table saw blade on a motorized stick with no guards) beside the people cutting were the women with backpack sprayers. The smell was great enough that our First Sargent would move our roll call to the other side of our building saying “This stinks like shit”, a week later everything on the hillside they sprayed was dead. This went on every month I was there (December 1970).” – Paul Cole, posted July 2024.
I was stationed at Camp Schwab from 1973 to 1974 and now have ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure both developed while I was running six miles a day 7 days a week, and Central Sleep Apnea, Erectile Dysfunction, GERD, Hypothyroid Disease, Skin Cancer X 2, Neurological problems, and I have three stints and am on blood pressure medication for the rest of my life. I filed claims for these things but was denied and I am now doing a research study with the intent of proving that the government and Dr. Alvin Young are dishonest and that the DOJ is concealing the fact that there was Agent Orange on Okinawa. I have documents that say it was transferred from Vietnam to Okinawa and that barrels were stored at Kadena and Camp Kinser. If any of you would like to contact me with information I can use to help prove the deception, my email is lddoyle1955@outlook.com. I witnessed the base workers at Camp Schwab spraying it around the barracks and the common area and have pictures of the completely barren areas that had been sprayed. Larry Doyle, posted July 2024.
I was stationed on Tokashiki Island in 1967-68; there were two Hawk missile companies C and D. I worked on the PAR, and ROR radars. There was a civilian contractor and locals that worked on the base. They kept all the grass cut, landscaping and spraying a defoliant on base, including all the perimeter fences. I have photos of me with the fences in the background. Today, I have Parkinson’s, Dystonia, Essential Tremors, Stenosis of the spine, Neuropathy in my legs, Sleep Apnea, Rynaud, restless leg, act out dreams. The only thing the VA approved was ringing in my ears at 10% disability.
I am posting this in hope of getting buddy statements from those on Tokashiki who remember the spraying and the smoky engine fog that was used to kill bugs.
Was stationed at Kadena Air Base in 1974 to 76. I was a staff sergeant in charge of 5 airmen – we worked in the bomb dump where we stored Agent Orange and used it for weed control. Now being 71 after having two major lung surgeries (portions of both lungs removed from cancer) having 3 colon surgeries and a mass in my left lower ear removed leaving me without hearing in left ear now I have sleep apnea and PTSD, and copd. Just found out I have CLL leukemia and just started chemo treatments 5 days a week every other month for a year… if I am still alive.
VA denied all claims because I was not boots on the ground. Thanks, Uncle Sam.
I was stationed at Kadena AB from 1979 to 1981, working as a K9 handler in law enforcement. I recently discovered that I was exposed to herbicides during my stay there. I spent much time at the PACAF K9 School and patrolled the grounds around the base to include the large ammunition storage area just outside the base perimeter. My buddies and I explored the jungle growth in the ammo dump, went snorkelling at night off the coast near Naha, and even went cliff diving nearby. I joined a Facebook group and was shocked to learn how many of my fellow airmen now suffer from exposure to AO and other herbicides. Now, at the ripe age of 68, I suffer from COPD, mysterious rashes on my legs, scalp, and groin, I’m borderline diabetic, skin cancer x 3, and have been diagnosed with a form of cumulative PTSD. I had a claim pending for unemployability but it was denied – twice.
I was exposed to Agent Orange while I was stationed at MCAS Futenma Okinawa, Japan. I was stationed there from 1979 until early 1981. We had a 55-gallon drum that we used to take the herbicide out of and spray the area near H&MS 36, MAG 36 maintenance hangar, and the area of the runway that was our responsibility, I had no idea that the weed kill was agent orange, I have developed type two diabetes and I have skin neoplasms on my body. I am fighting the VA to have them determine that my diabetes is connected to exposure.
I served with the 1st Special forces Group on Okinawa from 1970-1972. I was stationed at an old Hawk missile site 9 in Yomitan. This site was sprayed all the time by locals with back packs, and the grass all along the fence line about four feet was dead. They sprayed different areas within the compound.
I also went to the north end of the island in the Jungle Warfare Training Center area which was also sprayed. I filed a claim with the VA but I don’t think they really did anything.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. I have had surgery and radiation treatment and still have both.
I am looking for anyone who served in Okinawa with my late husband, Captain Marshall Hall Breeze II. He was an officer in Special Forces and a paratrooper. He served in Okinawa from November 1968 until October 1970.
When Marshall was stationed in Okinawa his unit made some jumps where they jumped through a spray of chemicals and told these were the chemicals they may encounter in Vietnam. Marshall became extremely ill with pneumonia after one of these trainings and was in the infirmary for several weeks. He said his lungs were never exactly the same. At 57 he was diagnosed with Interstitial Pneumonia and as a result had two lung transplants. He died of this disease in 2007.
I am interested in hearing from others either from his unit or others who served in Okinawa and ended up with lung problems as a result of chemical poisoning in Okinawa. Thank you.
I was stationed at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa from 1969 thru 1970. During that time as a Weapons Mechanic with the 376th MMS , I loaded munitions & ammo on the B-52 bombers for Vietnam. I also cleaned the tail gunner’s guns with Tricloroethylene, a cleaning solvent now banned by the USAF because it will cause cancer – which I got & have been treated for.
I also was exposed to AO which was stored, used, sprayed, & sent to / from Vietnam. Kadena Air Base was called the Keystone of the Pacific & also the largest & most busy. Our maintenance shop was by the end of the runway and there were many times they sprayed fence lines / by the runway to keep foliage down.
There are so many documents & proof that Okinawa – along with Thailand and Guam – should be compensated & given to the veterans who served honorably. As a USAF veteran doing my duty for 6 years, the U.S. & VA should NOT forget what WE have done for it.
I was stationed on Okinawa from 1988 – 1991, first on Camp Kinser with Group Personnel and then on on Camp Hansen with 3rd Med Bn. Many times, while outside running, working, I was sprayed on or had some kind of herbicide drift on me and my Marines. Now 30 years later, I have been diagnosed with MS. I am trying to make a connection with that and amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis.
I was stationed on Okinawa from June 23rd, 1965, until March of 1968. I was stationed just down the road from Kadena Air Force Base at Camp Zukeran on Hwy1. I was attached to the 3rd Marine Division, supply company, supply Bn.
Over the 3 years I was stationed on Okinawa, many times I was sent up to Kadena base to help Marines there with outside material moves. I was a heavy equipment forklift driver. I moved all kinds of material including Agent Orange.
At 73, I have Diabetes type II, nerve issues with my legs, with uncontrollable arm jerking. I have grown kids with spina bifida, and other physical issues that are related to a parent who has been in contact with Agent Orange.
I was stationed at Camp Foster, Okinawa, from April 1972 to March 1973. I was stationed there as a 2542 commcenman working a 12 on and 24 off schedule and 12 on 12 off every other weekend. Hours were 2000 until 0800 on with 24 off and 0800 until 2000 on with 24 off. When we were getting off in the morning at 0800, we usually went back to the barracks and went to sleep. Routinely, the maintenance crew, consisting of a Cpl and 8-10 locals, with hand sprayers, would spray the perimeter of the barracks with pesticides to curtail the growth of vegetation, as they did this the spray would come into the windows while we were sleeping. The smell often woke us up and we would yell at them and close the windows but by that time the inside of the barracks had a mist of spray throughout. Mine, and 2 other racks, were situated right along these windows. Who knows how much was breathed in before we woke up. We would, also, see them spraying along the fence line of the base.
Another time when we came off duty we walked through where they were spraying to get to the barracks and again yelled at Cpl about the spray and what was it. His only reply was “It was Agent Orange and if you weren’t a plant it wasn’t going to fxxking kill you.” These words were as close as I can remember, word for word.
I am also in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Registry, where the wells for the drinking water were contaminated by solvents from a dry-cleaning business. The VA admits that we were exposed to the contaminated water but is also denying these claims. When we were at the rifle range all the water was brought in by water buffalo that was filled from one of the wells on Camp Lejeune. I was stationed there for approximately 7 weeks. Between this, and when I was stationed at Camp Foster, I have not knowingly been exposed to any other dioxins or toxins.
At this time I have peripheral neuropathy, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, sleep apnea, and prostate problems, which include prostate cancer. When they found the cancer, it was only 7 weeks before I had the surgery to remove my prostate because it was fast-moving and they wanted it out before it metastasized.
The peripheral neuropathy is getting so bad, I keep dropping things and the pain in my feet keeps me up at night.
I believe that these conditions are the cause of exposure to dioxins at Camp Lejeune and the addition of herbicides, including Agent Orange, on Okinawa.
I know the government is denying that Agent Orange was on Okinawa but I know what I saw and what I heard while stationed there. It was common knowledge that the perimeters of the base and barracks were routinely sprayed with the herbicide. Barrels, with orange and white stripes, were stored by maintenance buildings. Even with four support statements from my Doctor, they are still denying my claims.
I served with U.S. Army 545th Engineer Detachment in Okinawa 1962-1964 on an 18-month tour. The detachment’s job was to support and update equipment at all the Nike Hercules Missile sites on the island. Our job took us to all parts of Okinawa, from one end to the other. The missile sites used defoliants surrounding the sites to prevent vegetation growth. Each time we entered a missile site we needed to cross through this defoliated zone to gain entrance. We may enter two to three missile sites a day at times. I remember times we encountered military personnel spraying these areas with pump sprayers, surrounding the site.
Our barracks and shop were in the Machinato Service Area. I remember seeing barrels on pallets (green with orange stripes) stored in the compound.
I am currently a disabled Veteran who was exposed to Dioxin on Okinawa between 1965 and 1967.
The spray crews on Okinawa were dispatched from Kadena AFB. The toxic dioxins (Agent Orange) were used for landscaping just about everywhere on Okinawa. Camp Kue hospital grounds was the area I personally observed. I had lunch with the spray crews at Camp Kue. Hosp. and had firsthand knowledge of what they were using. They mixed the chemicals with fuel. They used backpack sprayers and also sprayed from tanks in the back of trucks. We held training in the areas cleared from the spraying. We walked through the sprayed areas daily.
We also were exposed from swimming in contaminated waters in areas where two confirmed fish kills from Toxic Dioxins. This was from leaking chemicals into the water from open storage 55 gal. drums stored close to the beach. I was also exposed to Agent Orange from contaminated clothing and equipment directly from the field in Viet Nam. We were ordered by the CO to go through all duffle bags from all personnel from Viet Nam sent to the Camp Kue Hosp. This was due to war souvenirs (body parts) in duffle bags. Clothing was unwashed and body parts were wrapped in VC clothing.
There is no doubt that Agent Orange was stored and used on Okinawa – the quest is for our government to admit it.
In 1964 I was exposed to Agent Orange while working at Camp Machiminato Military Vehicle Facility. I was a military dependent. My job was to remove & repair radiators from military vehicles damaged in combat in Vietnam. I wore no gloves or any protective clothing. The facility only had fans and I constantly had to wipe sweat from my face. The vehicles I worked on had been damaged in jungle combat. I was also exposed at Kadena AB in 1967 where Agent Orange was used to kill the grass along the curb in Kadena housing areas. Agent Orange barrels were later dug up behind Kadena housing. My medical issues include heart problems, neuropathy, frozen vision, diabetes, and major neurological issues – for me and my 25-year-old son.
This information was also provided to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (Fla) in 2014.
I was sent from Yokosuka to Okinawa in 1967 to help open a new Naval communication station at Naha Air Base. I sprayed chemical defoliants around the old Quonset hut we were taking over to clear brush and weeds. I did this 4 times. I made 3 trips to Futemna MCAS to move equipment from there and 1 trip to White Beach.
I have prostate cancer that my doctors and surgeon say was undoubtedly caused by AO exposure. VA denies disability because “no AO used on Okinawa.”
During the 6 months I was at Naha AB, I saw defoliants being sprayed around the base perimeters and airfields many times besides the spraying I did.
I was stationed at Camp Hansen from Feb 1972 to July 1972. I was exposed in the Northern Jungle Training with spraying and burning of Diesel Fuel in empty drums used as outhouses. Then back at Camp Hansen on the base and cleaned small arms weapons coming back from Viet Nam. I have ischemic heart disease, have had a stroke and skin disease. I filed a claim with VA still on appeal.
My dad served as a weatherman at Naha and the Kadena Air Force Base from 1965 to 1966. Last year he passed away from angiosarcoma, which is caused by Agent Orange, according to his oncologist. He began the fight with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs prior to his death, but they have denied his case twice and now we are waiting on a hearing/appeal. We have been instructed to get buddy statements and do research on the base. We would like to hear from anyone who may have known Howard Grisso or has any pictures of the base during that time or any other information.
My husband served in the Marines 1980 – 1987 and Okinawa from 1980-1982. 2/7. After his return to the States he was diagnosed with a Testicular Tumor, treated with radiation. His skin was blotchy/white around his knees, knuckles, elbows etc. “Vertigo” lost his memory, blackouts, and pneumonia until he left the Marines with only 10% disability. They continually lost his records, until he gave up. He eventually tried the VA again many years later, and again lost his records. He was told he had Multiple Myeloma, Amyloidosis, Renal Failure and Heart disease. (all from what started as a cold). The VA declined my request to claim his death benefits and I appealed – now over six years and still nothing, as it sits in DC waiting. He was in from 2/80 to 2/83 and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Now I am waiting for an attorney to complete this process today. Please know that that stuff was on that island for many years to the current years. It should not matter what year you were stationed there. Just know you were there with that poison.
Sprayed and Betrayed 