Veterans and Jon Stewart Demand Accountability from VA Over Uranium Exposure

In a tense meeting at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), comedian Jon Stewart and veterans suffering from illnesses linked to uranium exposure expressed their frustration over the agency's continued delays in recognizing their health issues. Many of these veterans, who served at the K2 base shortly after the 9/11 attacks, have experienced severe health problems, with some dying at a young age. The VA has stated it is collaborating with the Pentagon to assess the radiation levels at K2, but veterans remain skeptical about the progress being made. VA spokesman Terrence Hayes noted that the PACT Act already covers over 300 conditions, and efforts are ongoing to address specific K2-related illnesses. However, veterans like Kim Brooks, whose husband served at K2, have faced significant challenges in obtaining necessary military records, raising concerns about the transparency of the process. Brooks expressed her anger and disappointment, questioning when the government would take responsibility for the health of these veterans. The confusion surrounding the type of uranium present at K2 has hindered the recognition of exposure-related health issues. Experts, including nuclear fusion specialist Arjun Makhijani, have indicated that the radiation levels recorded at K2 were alarmingly high, rendering the specific type of uranium irrelevant to the harmful effects experienced by the troops. With over 15,000 service members deployed at K2 between 2001 and 2005, the urgency for acknowledgment and care from the VA is palpable, especially as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who oversaw operations at Fort Drum during that time, now leads the agency that veterans are relying on for support.