WSU to Study Iraq Toxins' Effect
Spokesman-Review
by Bert Caldwell
Research to examine how exposure might damage offspring of soldiers
Washington State University scientists will use a $1.7 million grant to study what multi-generation genetic damage might be done by toxins U.S. troops could encounter in Iraq.
The research using laboratory rats, not humans, will be the first for the military to examine the epigenetic effects of pesticides, herbicides and other compounds, said lead scientist Michael Skinner, director of the university's Center for Reproductive Biology.
Previous studies have looked at the health effects of other substances, notably the Agent Orange used to defoliate jungles in Vietnam, on the soldiers directly exposed, he said, not on their children or grandchildren.
"The science really had not caught up with the trans-generational stuff," said Skinner, one of several WSU pioneers in the field of epigenetic, or multi-generational, inheritance.
Besides herbicides and pesticides – which and in what combinations has not been determined – the study also will look at the effects of explosives residues, he said.
The four-year study will allow researchers to see how any changes in genetic chemistry that develop are passed along through two subsequent generations of rats, he said, noting that only the first two years of research have been funded.
Among the problems that might develop are kidney disease, or changes in the male and female reproductive organs, he said.
If any genetic markers are identified in rats, Skinner said, follow-up research could look at whether they might show up among members of the military as well.
That would be of particular interest to Dave Holmes, interim chief operating officer of the Institute for Systems Medicine, which was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense grant passed through to Skinner.
Holmes' son, Tim Hammond, did two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps.
"They sprayed all kinds of stuff on them," Holmes said.
Although the grant money, the first awarded ISM, will fund work in Pullman, he said the organization's supporters hope any subsequent clinical studies will be done in Spokane.
"There's a lot of excitement about making it happen," he said.
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Operation American Heroes asks American businesses and citizens to provide a safety net.
“It is, as always, a privilege to serve America.” These words, found in the closing of a letter from General David Petraeus in Afghanistan to Operation American Heroes founder, John Carloss, illustrate the attitude
of service and patriotism that is alive and well in the heroes who guard our safety, freedom and future. As police officers, border patrol agents, fire fighters, medical first responders, and our military put their lives on the front lines every day, a new group of American patriots are stepping forward to make sure that our real heroes have the support that is needed to overcome the traumatic physical, emotional and psychological difficulties that they have suffered.
Operation American Heroes (OAH) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was created to serve America’s heroes. Its mission is to provide immediate and long term funding to vetted service non-profits that are effectively treating injuries and disorders that are afflicting the men and women who are dedicated to protecting the lives of their fellow Americans.
OAH was founded in 2009 by a Houston businessman and Vietnam War veteran determined to fill the documented gaps in government support programs that many of our injured military service members were falling into as they returned home. Rising suicide, domestic violence and divorce rates combined with the frustration of families unable to obtain adequate physical, emotional and psychological treatment for their loved ones after completing multiple overseas combat deployments led Mr.Carloss to seek a better solution on behalf of our heroes.
“What our Board of Directors found, once we looked into the issues, was not a shortage of effective service providers,” said Carloss. “There are hundreds of great organizations that are treating homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more. What we identified was a lack of funding that prevented the improvement and expansion of these missions and the financial inability to deliver their care to the heroes in need. Being a businessman, I enlisted the support of other patriotic Houston businessmen to help solve this problem.”
Fundraising for charities can be very inefficient. In some cases, the costs of raising funds can exceed 70 percent of what is raised, leaving only a small percentage to do the work for which it was donated. OAH has set out to remedy this problem with a unique business model that directly funds the most effective and needed service organizations. With an unpaid Board of Directors, over 50 percent of whom are former members of the Armed Forces and the others are concerned American citizens, coupled with a dedicated corps of volunteers and the annual underwriting participation of American business, OAH will be able to cover the operational and marketing expenses connected with fundraising and donate 100 percent of funds raised toward the immediate aid of our heroes or to the Foundation’s endowment which will support America’s heroes for generations to come.
Each year, businesses are encouraged to participate in “American Heroes Week.” During this Monday-Sunday period that includes Veterans Day, November 11th, businesses are asked to donate a small percentage of their total sales for the week or make a patriotic contribution to Operation American Heroes. Last year Carloss’ flooring and design center in the Houston area sold $217,000 during that week and was able to donate 2 percent, $4,340, to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. This year, OAH is looking to bring businesses from across America aboard. One can only imagine the funding possibilities when a majority of businesses participate. “These brave men and women are the reason that we have the freedom to start, grow and prosper our businesses,” said Carloss, “and it is only right that every business gives a small portion of their success in thanks.” We all can give a little for the few who have given so much.
Individuals can show their support by joining as a “ 21 Gun Saluter.” A tax-deductible annual donation of just $21 will be deposited into the “Forever Fund”, the Foundation’s permanent endowment. Interest raised on this money will provide assistance to our heroes for generations to come. Because the injuries suffered by our heroes linger long after the conflicts have ended and faded from the public consciousness, OAH is determined to create a long-term funding vehicle that will care for our heroes as long as they and their families need help. The “Forever Fund” is a way for individuals to take part in creating a permanent solution.
“As America’s heroes go forward daily in the defense of our safety and liberty, they can do so in the knowledge that concerned patriotic businesses and citizens ‘have their backs’ and have created a financial safety net to ensure that they and their families will receive all the present and long term support that is needed,” said Carloss.
Visit the Operation American Heroes website www.operationamericanheroes.org to find out how you can contribute. Donations can be made online or mailed to OAH, P.O.Box 540246, Houston, Texas 77254-0246. Businesses interested in participating in “American Heroes Week” in November or serving as an underwriter, please contact John Carloss at jcarloss@operationamericanheroes.org or call him personally at 713-562-6142.
