Was Your Dad At Camp Lejeune During the Water Contamination Crisis?

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Camp Lejeune: A Legacy of Toxic Water

Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base located in North Carolina. It was once home to over 100,000 Marines and their families, but it is now known for something else: its contaminated water.

In the 1980s, it was discovered that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of toxic chemicals, including TCE, benzene, and PCBs. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.

Thousands of Marines and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune have filed lawsuits against the U.S. government, claiming that they were exposed to toxic chemicals and that their health problems were caused by the exposure. The lawsuits are still ongoing, and the government has yet to fully acknowledge its responsibility for the contamination.

If you are wondering whether your dad was at Camp Lejeune, there are a few things you can do. First, you can check his military records. If he was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, he was likely exposed to toxic chemicals. You can also contact the Camp Lejeune Victims’ Compensation Fund for more information.

Year Branch Unit
1968-1970 United States Marine Corps 2nd Marine Division
1970-1972 United States Army 1st Infantry Division

What is Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in Onslow County, North Carolina. It is the largest Marine Corps base in the world, covering over 150,000 acres. The base was established in 1941 and has been home to over 2 million Marines over the years.

History of Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune was originally established as a training base for the United States Marine Corps in 1941. The base was named after Major General John A. Lejeune, who was the Commandant of the Marine Corps at the time.

During World War II, Camp Lejeune was used to train Marines for combat operations in the Pacific Theater. The base also served as a staging area for Marines who were deployed to the Pacific.

After World War II, Camp Lejeune continued to be used as a training base for the Marine Corps. The base also played a role in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

In the 1980s, it was discovered that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other health problems.

Location of Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune is located in Onslow County, North Carolina. The base is situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, about 60 miles northeast of Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Size of Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune covers over 150,000 acres. This makes it the largest Marine Corps base in the world. The base is home to over 2 million Marines and their families.

Health effects of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune

The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other health problems.

Cancers

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to an increased risk of a number of cancers, including:

  • Liver cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Lung cancer

Birth defects

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has also been linked to an increased risk of birth defects, including:

  • Spina bifida
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Heart defects
  • Neural tube defects
  • Limb defects

Other health problems

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has also been linked to a number of other health problems, including:

  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Neurological problems
  • Reproductive problems
  • Immune system problems
  • Cancer

Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base that has been home to over 2 million Marines over the years. The base was established in 1941 and has been used for training, operations, and housing. In the 1980s, it was discovered that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other health problems.

Was My Dad At Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It is the largest Marine Corps base in the world, and has been home to over 2 million Marines since it was established in 1941.

In the 1980s, it was discovered that the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages.

If you are wondering if your dad was stationed at Camp Lejeune, there are a few ways to find out.

How can I find out if my dad was stationed at Camp Lejeune?

Military records

The best way to find out if your dad was stationed at Camp Lejeune is to check his military records. These records can be found at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). You can request your dad’s military records online or by mail.

To request your dad’s military records online, visit the NARA website and click on the “Military Personnel Records” link. You will need to provide your dad’s full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will also need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID.

To request your dad’s military records by mail, you can download the “Request for Military Records” form from the NARA website. You will need to complete the form and mail it to the following address:

National Archives and Records Administration
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132

VA benefits

If your dad received VA benefits, you can also check his VA records to see if he was stationed at Camp Lejeune. VA benefits records can be found at the VA website. You can request your dad’s VA records online or by mail.

To request your dad’s VA records online, visit the VA website and click on the “Veterans Benefits” link. You will need to provide your dad’s full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will also need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID.

To request your dad’s VA records by mail, you can download the “VA Form 10-1000” from the VA website. You will need to complete the form and mail it to the following address:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Information and Records Management
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420

Personal records

If you have any personal records from your dad’s time in the military, you can also check those records to see if he was stationed at Camp Lejeune. These records could include letters, diaries, photographs, or other documents.

If you don’t have any personal records from your dad’s time in the military, you can try contacting his friends or family members who may have more information.

What can I do if my dad was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?

If your dad was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, there are a number of things you can do.

File a claim with the VA

If your dad was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and developed a health condition as a result, he may be eligible to file a claim with the VA for disability benefits. To file a claim, your dad will need to submit a VA Form 21-526EZ. He will also need to provide medical records that show that his health condition is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

For more information on filing a claim with the VA, you can visit the VA website or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Get medical treatment

If your dad was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and developed a health condition, he should seek medical treatment. The VA offers a number of medical services for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. For more information on VA medical services, you can visit the VA website or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Join a support group

There are a number of support groups available for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at

Was My Dad At Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base located in North Carolina. It is one of the largest military bases in the world, and has been in operation since 1942. Thousands of Marines and their families have been stationed at Camp Lejeune over the years.

If you are wondering whether your dad was stationed at Camp Lejeune, there are a few ways to find out.

  • Check his military records. If your dad is still alive, you can ask him to see his military records. These records will list all of the places he was stationed during his time in the military.
  • Contact the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA is the federal agency responsible for preserving and maintaining government records. They may have records of your dad’s service, including his duty stations.
  • Contact the Camp Lejeune Museum. The Camp Lejeune Museum has a collection of historical records related to the base. They may be able to help you find information about your dad’s service.

If you are unable to find any records of your dad’s service, you can also try contacting the Marine Corps Historical Center. They may be able to help you track down the information you need.

What are the health effects of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated with several toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.

The following is a list of some of the health effects that have been associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune:

  • Cancer: Studies have shown that exposure to TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride can increase the risk of developing cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and breast cancer.
  • Birth defects: Exposure to TCE and PCE during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects, heart defects, and cleft palate.
  • Reproductive problems: Exposure to TCE and PCE has also been linked to reproductive problems, including infertility, miscarriage, and premature birth.

If you or someone you know was stationed at Camp Lejeune and is experiencing any of these health problems, you should talk to your doctor.

How can I get help if I was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?

If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. The following is a list of resources that can help you get help:

  • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a number of benefits to veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These benefits include medical care, disability compensation, and pensions. You can find more information about VA benefits on their website: https://www.va.gov/camplejeune/.
  • The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a pathway for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file a lawsuit against the government. You can find more information about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act on their website: https://www.camplejeunejusticeact.com/.
  • The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) provides free legal assistance to veterans who are seeking compensation for their injuries. You can find more information about NVLSP on their website: https://www.nvlsp.org/.

What else should I know about exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?

In addition to the health effects listed above, exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can also have a number of other negative consequences, including:

  • Financial hardship: Veterans who are diagnosed with a Camp Lejeune-related illness may have to pay for medical treatment out-of-pocket. They may also lose their jobs or be unable to work due to their illness.
  • Emotional distress: Veterans who are diagnosed with a Camp Lejeune-related illness may experience a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and fear. They may also have difficulty coping with the challenges of their illness.
  • Social isolation: Veterans who are diagnosed with a Camp Lejeune-related illness may feel isolated from their friends and family. They may also be afraid to talk about their illness because they fear being stigmatized.

If you or someone you know was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, it is important to be aware of the potential health effects and to seek help if needed.

the question of whether or not your dad was at Camp Lejeune is a complex one. There is no definitive answer, as the evidence is both inconclusive and contradictory. However, based on the information available, it is possible to make an informed decision. If your dad was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time period in question, it is possible that he was exposed to contaminated water. However, it is also possible that he was not exposed to contaminated water. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to believe that your dad was exposed to contaminated water is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the facts and to make an informed decision.

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Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.