Camp Lejeune is a large military installation located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It has served as a base for the United States Marine Corps since 1941 and is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the world, with over 170,000 acres of land. The base houses thousands of personnel and is home to seven active duty battalions and numerous reserve forces.

Camp Lejeune has been the site of numerous environmental contamination incidents since its inception, most notably in the mid-1980s when toxic chemicals such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated ground and drinking water on base. Other hazardous materials were also present on base, including benzene and lead. The contamination was the result of negligence on the part of private contractors who had been hired to clean and maintain equipment at Camp Lejeune. In response to the contamination, Congress passed a law in 2012 which is providing medical care and benefits to veterans and family members who were exposed to toxic chemicals while stationed or living at Camp Lejeune. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 also included provisions to help those affected by the contamination.

The long-term effects of exposure to these toxic chemicals are still being studied, but they include an increased risk of cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects. These health problems can be debilitating and can have a serious impact on the lives of those affected. The Veterans Administration has provided assistance to help cover medical bills and other costs associated with treating illnesses related to toxic chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune.  It is important for veterans and their families to be aware of the potential risks posed by contamination at Camp Lejeune in order to get the necessary help they need.  By doing so, veterans and their families will be able to receive the medical care they need and deserve.  They can also work with the VA to ensure that any resulting illnesses are compensated for accordingly.  It is important for veterans and their families to speak out about their experiences at Camp Lejeune in order to help protect themselves and other veterans from experiencing similar health issues.  Additionally, speaking out can help bring to light the possible causes of many of these illnesses and lead to research that will work towards finding solutions.  It is also vital for veterans and their families to stay informed about any new developments in research or policy related to Camp Lejeune so they can make sure they are taking advantage of all available resources. With proper care and attention, the legacy of Camp Lejeune can be remembered without neglecting the sacrifices made by those who served there.  The VA continues to strive to provide services specifically tailored towards those impacted by Camp Lejeune and bringing awareness to this issue is key in ensuring justice is achieved for our nation’s veterans.