Mary and Alan Cooper
Ilion, NY
Defense Forum Foundation Luncheon held 11/5/99
Military personnel and their families seek help from Washington to halt the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program
On November 5th we attended a luncheon sponsored by the Defense
Forum Foundation at the Rayburn Bldg. in Washington, DC. Col.
Redmond Handy, retired USAF Reserve was the main speaker at this
meeting. In 1996 Col. Handy was chosen the Nation's Most Outstanding
Reservist. Col. Handy retired from the USAF Reserve this year
in protest of the Pentagon's untested, unproven Anthrax Vaccine
Immunization Program (AVIP). The Colonel also spoke at the Anthrax
Informational Town Hall Meeting held at Herkimer County Community
College in February and testified before the House Armed Services
Military Personnel Subcommittee on September 30th of this year.
Honorable Tidal W. McCoy, former acting Secretary of the Air Force and current Director of the Defense Forum Foundation, introduced Col. Handy at the podium. All members of Congress and their key military aides were invited to attend to hear speakers from the U.S. military describe physical and emotional disorders they have been afflicted with since receiving the anthrax vaccination(s). Approximately 130 people attended the luncheon including 27 invited guests of Col. Handy. Guests included active and reserve pilots and service members from Ohio, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Oklahoma, Delaware, Georgia, Michigan Washington DC, California, and New Jersey; Dr. Meryl Nass from Maine, Physician and anthrax specialist; Jim Turner active in the FDA recall of the Swine Flu Vaccine; Antonia Spaith, on the Dept. of Defense's National Defense Team; and concerned parents from Chicago and New York State.
Bill Law, USAF C-5 Pilot, informed those present at the luncheon
that he received his fourth anthrax inoculation on May 3rd and
on May 12th his was diagnosed with a large cyst on his buttock
and was administered antibiotics. Shortly thereafter, he found
a cyst under his right arm, one on his abdomen, two in his groin
area, and another on his buttock. In July while flying a C-5 he
was experiencing fever and chills and had to be relieved by the
co-pilot because he nearly passed out from feeling severely ill.
On July 9th he was put on non-flying status, and on July 11th
had the cysts removed. The bacteria had not been controlled by
the use of antibiotics and, therefore, spread to his heart valve.
He
has been seen by eight physicians and was diagnosed at Walter
Reed Medical Center with cellulitis with endocarditis.
In an emotional address Maj. Mark Clark, ANG Pilot spoke of the
resignation of his commission on October 13th of this year in
protest of the AVIP after 16 years of dedicated service. Maj.
Clark communicated to those present that it was always his belief
and understanding that the military prided itself on truth and
integrity. Since the implementation of the AVIP, he feels this
is no longer precedent for the military.
Antonia Spaith, civilian with the DOD's National Defense Team
said it was by the "Grace of God" that she was standing
before this audience. Ms. Spaith had received the anthrax vaccination
in August of last year. Prior to receiving the vaccine she had
a complete normal blood analysis. Shortly thereafter she began
having thyroid and endocrine problems and diagnosed with adrenal
gland failure. She now takes weekly injections for this condition.
She indicated that her health has been seriously compromised both
physically and psychologically. Col. Handy pointed out the DOD
had initiated an option for civilians in Ms. Spaith's organization
to sign a "statement of informed declination"
in refusing the vaccine and accept the risks of exposure to anthrax.
This policy was announced just days before Ms. Spaith testified
before Congress of her conditions, but that same courtesy has
not been extended to all military members who have already sufered
health consequences.
Laura Stauffer, daughter of TSgt. Earl Stauffer, spoke on her father's behalf as to the effects his illness is having on their family. TSgt. Stauffer suffers from joint pains, dizziness, memory loss, migraine headaches, and even at times is unable to stand. He will be speaking with a member of his family and totally forget what he was saying. At times he looses complete muscle control and his jaw will uncontrollably hang open. Laura states that her father is not the same man he was before taking the anthrax vaccine. She is asking for answers to her questions and is worried that her father will never again be the same.
Robert Soska, Army Ft. Stewart Georgia, is looking for answers to his medical problems brought on by the anthrax vaccine. He wonders if he will be there for his three children in the coming years. Lt. Col. Don Kessler, C-10 pilot, is awaiting a court martial for his decision to refuse the second anthrax vaccine. He is experiencing kidney spasms since his first anthrax injection. MSgt. Bill Colley, 7 years active Navy and 20 years Oklahoma ANG, fears for his countrymen and career as he awaits the controversial "direct order" in January 2000.
Our service members are willing to put their lives on the line
for the people of this country. It is now time that we fight to
protect them. One day after a congressional hearing on the safety
of the anthrax vaccine, President Clinton signed an executive
order that allows the President of the United States the right
to use investigational new drugs on our service members without
their informed consent. There are currently over 50 congressional
supporters of the two bills introduced into the House to make
the AVIP voluntary and/or halt the program. Veteran's Day is this
month. What better time to contact your congressman and request
that he support and cosponsor these bills.
Mary and Alan Cooper
Ilion, NY
Last revised: March 2000