Beyond the PACT Act: Addressing the Legacy of Toxic Exposure at Military Installations

Atsugi IncineratorVFEA
Written By Shawn Lopez

On April 8, the House VA DAMA Subcommittee hosted a roundtable with veterans and advocates to raise awareness of the often-overlooked toxic exposures affecting servicemembers and their families.

House VA Committee Roundtable, April 8, 2025.

VFEA was honored to be part of this important discussion, which highlighted the ongoing impact of military exposures. VFEA President, Betty Seaman, detailed the NAF Atsugi incinerator exposure as a critical example of the harmful exposures that remain outside the scope of the PACT Act, and called for greater support for military families affected by toxic exposures.

Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Mark Takano listen as veterans and advocates share the lasting impact of environmental and occupational military exposures.

Representatives from the following organizations were in attendance:

  • Veteran Families for Education and Awareness (VFEA)

  • Environmental Working Group (EWG)

  • The Invisible Enemy

  • Military Aviator Coalition for Health (MACH)

  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

  • National Military Families Association (NMFA)

  • Red Hill Community Representation Initiative

  • Burn Pits 360

  • International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

  • The American Legion (TAL)

  • RAND

  • Torchlight Initiative

Shawn Lopez
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