VFW Post in Nacogdoches to hold meeting for veterans exposed to toxic water

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) -East Texas veterans exposed to toxic water at Camp LeJeune can learn more about possible compensation during a free event happening Thursday night.

Veterans and their dependents who were stationed at Camp LeJeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 might be eligible for compensation due to toxic drinking water at the base.

Officials say around one million people were exposed to water that was contaminated with industrial chemicals. President Biden signed the Camp LeJeune justice act into law in August of 2022.

Chris Borel served as Company First Sergent with the United States Marine Corps and is now a part of the Marine Corps League in Nacogdoches. He says the event is to answer any questions people may have

“The event is to notify veterans and most importantly veterans dependents their qualifications for this Camp Lejune water contamination exposure,” Borel said.

Borel says he and his family were stationed at Camp LeJeune twice during the time period. He says after the president signed the law, he began to see commercials about the compensation he could receive and had a lot of questions. This was the start of the research process to learn more about the act.

“Yes, it helps me, but I did the research for myself and if I’m going to do it for myself why can’t I open the door for others and that’s my golden thing,” Borel said.

They will be discussing the qualifications of the compensation, how to file, and answering any questions people might have.

Borel says through friends who have been doing their own research on the topic, he was introduced to a lawyer named Bonnie Steinwolf with the firm Meirowitz and Wassenberg out of New York who is educated in Camp LeJeune’s toxic water. She is flying down to help put on the presentation.

“This is a way you can face somebody face to face and get an exact question now, not tomorrow, not the next day after, “Borel said.

He encourages all veterans in the surrounding cities and counties who were stationed at Camp LeJeune from 1953 to 1987 to come to the event.

They also have paperwork at the meeting for anyone who is wanting to file their suit. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Nacogdoches VFW.

The Nacogdoches Marine Corps League asks anyone who wants to attend to call (936) 552-6823 to let them know you’re coming and how many people you are bringing.

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