The unofficial site of the

Kansas Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Initiative Advisory Board


Home Kansas Veteran Memorial VMW, for the new vets Kansas Study Mailing Links Mission Study Reports Minutes Service Offices Employment

Board Members

Senate Rep.
House Rep.
Dr. Irving Cohen, MD
Fred Oehme, PHD
John Neuberger, PHD
American Leagon Rep
DAV Rep.
VFW
House bill that started this
Email Us

 

Chairman Jack Strukel

Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs

700 S.W. Jackson, Suite 701

Topeka, KS  66603

 

August 9, 2001

  

Dear General Strukel,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Kansas Persian Gulf War Health Advisory Board.  At our last meeting, the Board voted to keep the program going, as there are two more studies that need to be done.  I am writing to ask you and the rest of the Commissioners to support us in our quest to help these war veterans.

 In our first survey, some veterans told us that they initially had problems, but now feel better. We would like to look into this, in hopes of finding possible help for those veterans who are still suffering.  The other area we feel needs additional research relates to the various exposures our veterans encountered during the war.  This would help us to better understand why over 40% of our Army veterans are sick compared to only about 19% of our Air Force veterans.

As you know, we have found out that, overall, about one third of Kansas Gulf War veterans are ill, and that the symptoms vary as to the units the individuals were with, and where they served.  The Kansas study has shown the rest of the country that we care about our veterans.  The KCVA, with the help and knowledge of Dr. Lea Steele, is now known for its leading role in finding help for ill Gulf War veterans.

 As you can see, it is very important that you replace Dr. Steele with someone who can not only complete the current study, but can also obtain additional grant money for the last two studies.  The state legislators on the Gulf War Advisory Board and I are currently working with our federal legislators to get federal money to help with the studies.

 So, once again, I look forward to your help in continuing the project, and am open to any ideas you may have.  I would appreciate very much the opportunity to sit down and visit with you in greater detail in the near future.  Thank you in advance for your consideration and assistance.
 

Sincerely,

James A. Bunker, Chairman
Kansas Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Initiative Advisory Board