Cristina Johnson: November’s call for truth: Revealing the toxic legacy of military service

Americans can never truly repay the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, who became their sturdy support system during long deployments and amidst many challenges of military life. Nonetheless, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication, our nation has long upheld a steadfast promise to leave no service member behind, including their spouses, children, and caregiving household members whose lives have been directly affected by military service. And such a commitment has always been manifested every November, when communities in New Hampshire and beyond unite to observe Veterans Day and the National Veterans and Military Families Month — an annual tradition that highlights their valor and devotion to defending the country. However, this celebration falls short of fulfilling the broader purpose: confronting the persistent toxic exposure that continues to threaten the health of personnel working and living with their families at contaminated military sites and training facilities statewide.

Decades after active duty, numerous veterans and military families in the North Country and across New Hampshire face the serious consequences of service as environmental pollutants from military installations. Scientific research has shown that service members exposed to toxic substances during their deployments in the past conflicts are likely to be associated with life-threatening health outcomes, such as heightened susceptibility to heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, and several other cardiovascular conditions. While studies often focus on chemical contaminations more broadly, asbestos remains a central concern in New Hampshire. For most of the 20th century, this natural mineral has become an indispensable component of naval vessels, tanks, trucks, weapons, planes and more defense equipment. Much worse, asbestos represents only one aspect of a multifaceted environmental burden.