As we mark the 19th anniversary of September 11th, we at The Schoene Foundation want to inform you about important resources available to you.
September 11th continues to affect the health of the NYARNG first responders. The attacks exposed you to clouds of debris, dust, smoke, and fumes putting you at risk for serious health conditions, such as airway and digestive conditions, as well as more long-term health effects such as cancer. Health effects related to this exposure vary depending on the time you spent at ground zero and the intensity of your exposure, underlying medical conditions, and your individual susceptibilities. Additionally, you may have a health or substance use disorder that developed or exacerbated by witnessing the horrific events of the disaster and the daily stress of your efforts at ground zero could have resulted in PTSD.
Early detection is important because early prevention can make illnesses easier to treat.
You need to remain alert and are now likely suffering from World Trade Center-contamination related illnesses. Checking for cancer in people who have no symptoms is called screening. Screening can help doctors find and treat several types of cancer early, before they cause symptoms. With early detection and the treatments available today we see more and more people become cancer survivors. Not everyone has cancer. You could have sinus issues, asthma, PTSD, sleep apnea, the list seems endless. It is important that you receive free annual health screening from the World Trade Center Health Program to monitor the after-effects from your 9/11 work exposure. You need to do this for yourself and your family. Even if you are healthy now, think about your family. It is easier to get affidavits and a third party letter when you are well. As time passes it is more difficult to get affidavits from others in your unit as individuals move, become sick, or join God’s Army. In addition, the WTC Health Program certifies 9/11 related illnesses where you can receive compensation from the VCF for certified 9/11 related conditions. Wouldn’t it be great for you and your loved ones not to worry because you are getting screened?
Once you are screened, you can get all your related illnesses treated for free.
Registering for the WTC Health Program and the Victims Compensation Fund is a long process complete with significant paperwork and complexity. Our government and military have failed to notify you that your service at 9/11 has placed you at grave risk. Individuals who had exposure in the first days of 9/11 with only hours of exposure have died from 9/11 certified illnesses. The closer your service to 9/11 and the amount of exposure working on site increases your risk.
When you are hurt in the line of duty from your service you are entitle to health care and benefits from the VA. If you have a 9/11 related illness you need to apply for disability benefits from the VA. You have to show how your illness is a direct result from your service. These processes are not easy. The paperwork is not easy.
Use your military training. Make it your mission to leave no soldier behind. Call up your unit and tell everyone in your unit to be screened. We have virtual brochures you can request to print out or email to your friends.
There are still soldiers out their who do not know or believe that their service at ground zero could kill them or make them sick. It is up to me and you to make it our mission to leave no soldier behind. The Schoene Foundation is advocating for recognition of 9/11 illnesses from your service. If you get hurt from your service, it is the responsibility of the United States government through the VA to provide you with health care, disability benefits, counseling and so forth. No soldier should fight alone. The Schoene Foundation fights with you.
Mother Jones “Pray for the dead - fight like hell for the living”
Some members in your unit that have died from illnesses that were caused by their 9/11 service - family members can still receive compensation - it depends on what related illnesses the VCF considers payment on. At this time, there is no question that some soldiers have PTSD from their 9/11 service. It has been repeatedly noted that with PTSD you have a higher risk for stroke. If a soldier dies from suicide or PTSD from 9/11, the family receives no compensation from the VCF.
Hubert Humphrey “Never give up and never give in”
It is a failure of government and military leadership not to notify you or provide benefits when you hurt from your military service. The guard is family. We help each other. Sign up on the page that says, “Take Action” and you will be contacted by a soldier or family member of a soldier that will help you navigate the system, and get you the benefits and compensation that is now available. We will continue to work till every soldier and their families get the assistance they need.