Jon Stewart advocates for care of 9/11 troops suffering radiation exposure

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, U.S. special operations forces were deployed to a former Soviet base in Uzbekistan, known as K2, to initiate military operations against the Taliban. Over 15,000 troops were stationed there between 2001 and 2005, where they encountered radioactive uranium residue left from Soviet missile storage. Despite a 2001 Defense Department assessment confirming the presence of radioactive materials, the government has not officially recognized the radiation exposure experienced by these veterans. Many K2 veterans have reported serious health issues, including cancers and kidney problems, which are linked to radiation exposure. However, these conditions are not covered under the PACT Act, a significant veterans aid bill signed by President Biden in 2022. Advocacy groups and veterans have expressed frustration over the bureaucratic delays in recognizing their claims, with some veterans dying before receiving acknowledgment of their illnesses. Jon Stewart has been vocal in advocating for K2 veterans, emphasizing their critical role in the early stages of the war on terror and the need for them to receive the healthcare benefits they deserve. The Pentagon has stated that it is committed to reviewing information related to K2, but many veterans feel that the ongoing studies and reviews only prolong the process of obtaining necessary care. Legislators are working on new bills to address the situation, but the lack of official recognition of K2 as a site of radiation exposure remains a significant barrier. The ongoing health struggles of K2 veterans highlight the urgent need for government action to support those who served in the wake of 9/11.