Group Calls Attention To Agent Orange Illnesses

By Gabe Bullard

Published August 1, 2009 at 1:00 PM EDT

The Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America will hold a public forum today to discuss the endemic health risks of the Agent Orange defoliant used during the Vietnam War.Spokesperson Mokie Porter says the group is pushing for a national medical center to treat the myriad health problems attributed to Agent Orange that have been found in veterans' children and grandchildren."What we're finding is everything from living disabilities to heart problems, kidney problems, hearing loss, cleft palate, multiple sclerosis, asthma," she says. "It's a broad spectrum."The forum is being held in conjunction with the Vietnam Veterans of America's 14th annual convention in Louisville. Actor Jon Voight will address the convention regarding a proposed national holiday honoring Vietnam veterans.

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