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EXECUTIVE COUNSELOR'S MESSAGE

Hello Shipmates,

I am hoping you and your family are all healthy. Now that all

communication is virtual, the article I wrote prior to the full
swing of the lockdowns seems even more accurate. We are all

having a hard time getting in touch with live people on the
phone. Should you need any assistance during this crazy time,

please reach out to NERA and let us know what is happening
Geno Koelker
Executive Counselor and what is on your mind at [email protected]

I am having a problem and I bet you are too with regard Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
to being able to reach anyone in the Navy (and military This is a bone marrow cancer. The above listed compo-
in general) on the phone. The policy of doing more with nents are what is in the military’s firefighting foam and
less has reached the saturation point. Attempts to reach aviation fuels. H.R. 5637 lists 16 different ailments (dis-
midlevel supervisors has been frustrating for us at NERA eases) associated with these and one of them is multiple
HQ. Unless you have a personal connection with the per- myeloma. The house bill is referring to this and has already
son in the position that can advise or assist you, it seems as been referred to the committee for Veteran’s Affairs. This
if a voice mail connection is what is available. In speaking bill is dealing with current military firefighters and those
with a few counterparts concerning this situation, I have separated in the last 15 years. That leaves one big ques-
been advised that they are so busy with day to day ops tion: what about us previously exposed veterans, myself
that phone messages are left for later or the end of the day. included? We all know how the system works, just ask
After a frustrating and/or exhausting day, many are left those who have fought the Agent Orange battle.
for the next work day. That gets repeated until non-ur-
gent messages leave the phone message bank full. It is then Everyone should check the house bill and give it your sup-
deleted to start over. That leaves us at NERA to continu- port as we support our fellow vets. Let your representatives
ously having to call the same people/office over and over know. Additionally, get the word out to fellow vets. When
again. Let me know if you have any insight or solutions you do, encourage them to join NERA. What I hear, all
because I think this is a problem everyone is dealing with too often, what is joining going to do for me? Remind
in all organizations. them that it is through organizations like NERA, that this
information is what assists or protects them. Otherwise,
Onto my next point: Perflurooctane sulfonic acid. they are on their own to fight their battles. If anyone out
Perflurooctanoic acid (proa/pfos). Benzene. Why and there is researching or fighting any of these battles, let me,
what are these referring to or mean? My reaction also. and others, know. Stay posted.
Then House Bill (116 congress) H.R. 5637 introduced
in congress on Jan. 16th, 2020. This is what I have dis- Wishing all of you the best of health.
covered while dealing with my second round of cancer. Geno

All military families can speak

to a trained professional 24/7

for free by contacting:

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 5