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Press Release: United States Marine Corps
Aug. 6, 2012

United States Marine Corps
Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps

NEW LAW PROVIDES HEALTHCARE TO FORMER MARINES, FAMILIES

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS: (Aug. 6, 2012) – A new law, “Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012,” was signed by President Obama today at a ceremony in the Oval Office.

The law uses existing administrative mechanisms within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health benefits for fifteen illnesses or conditions affecting veterans and their families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, N.C. for at least 30 days during the period from Jan. 1, 1957 to Dec. 31, 1987.

“We are pleased that the current legislation addresses certain concerns raised by our Marines, sailors and families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time period,” said Maj. Gen. James A. Kessler, Commander, Marine Corps Installations Command. “Keeping faith with our Marine Corps family is a priority, and includes the continued welfare of all who live and work aboard Marine Corps Installations. This new law has the support of the Marine Corps.”

Since 1991, the Marine Corps has supported scientific and public health organizations that are studying these issues. We continue to support these initiatives and are working diligently to identify and notify individuals who, in the past, may have been exposed to the chemicals in drinking water. For more information about these efforts, or to register, please see: www.marines.mil/clwater/ or call (877) 261-9782.

For information about studies being conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, visit http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/ or call (800) 232-4636.

To contact Veterans Affairs to learn more about the health care benefits, please visit http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_contacts.asp.

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