Editor,

This is a plea to all veterans no matter what branch service and veterans friends. The 2011 institute of Medicine Report on Agent Orange and the Blue Water Navy Veterans states that it can't be determined that the Blue Water Navy Sailors were or were not subjected to Agent Orange.

In the same statement they said they can't determine as to weather the ground troops or mobile ravine forces were or were not subjected to Agent Orange; putting the Blue Water Navy in the same category as the ground troops and the mobile ravine forces.

There is a bill before congress right now. It is HR 812 the Agent Orange Act of 2011; restoring the Blue Water Navy Benefit to them that were taken away like a thief in the night in 2002. Please contact your congressman right now and ask him or her to co-sponsor. It is important you ask them to co-sponsor. HR 812 the Agent Orange Act of 2011. We have veterans out here dying from these diseases.

The best way to contact your congressman is by writing a short letter and faxing it, or by mail. Don't call his office, or e-mail them; this has been found to be ineffective. Be sure to include your name, address, date and phone number where you can be reached. Please contact your congressman now and make sure you ask them to cosponsor this bill now!

If you don't know who your congressman is he or she is usually listed in the phone directory under U.S. government listings and you can call and get their fax number or address.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me for any help. Also ask your friends to do this whether veterans or not.

Thank you,

Carl Garlitz

Cumberland, Md.