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NERA CONFERENCE

63rd National NERA Conference

By Yvette Purtill

The 63nd National NERA Conference was held this past Past National President Steve Sandy spoke of how NERA
fall outside of Washington, DC. As usual, NERA mem- is funding all the scholarships and expenses of the orga-
bers meet the first night to swap war stories, have a few too nization. NERA previously had donors, such as USAA.
many drinks and eat delicious pretzels from Pennsylvania Discussions of the future of NERA and fundraising ideas
(thanks Dennis!). were discussed. Also discussed was how NERA is part-
nering with the Appalachian Veterans Memorial Park. For
Meetings were held in the morning, allowing sight- more information, check out the article regarding this
seeing in the afternoons. After some technical glitches park on page 18 in The Mariner Summer 2023 Edition,
were fixed, we had a Zoom speaker: Jason E. Johns, Volume 66, Issue 2.
Attorney from Johns Law Office, LLC. Jason, a vet-
eran himself, spoke of the Camp Lejeune Justice The new NERA National Executive Council (NEC) was
Act. According to Section 804 of this law, the Camp sworn in, and NERA’s President Joanne Elliott was gra-
Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022, allows people, cious enough to be the president for another year. All
including Veterans, previously exposed to contami- NEC agreed to hold their offices for one more year, and
nated water at Camp Lejeune to file a new claim with we are appreciative of their hard work and dedication.

Anyone who served, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and
December 31, 1987 may have been exposed to dangerous chemicals linked to serious illnesses.

Contact either NERA or [email protected] if you need further information.

the Department of the Navy. Anyone who served, On Friday night, a beautiful dinner was held at the Irish
lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, restaurant Four Providences in charming downtown Falls
1953, and December 31, 1987 may have been exposed Church, VA (about 3 miles from the hotel). We had a
to dangerous chemicals linked to serious illnesses. wonderful dinner with dessert and drinks. The conference
Contact either NERA or [email protected] if you wrapped up after Saturday morning meetings, and many
need further information. members were able to site see Saturday afternoon.

Stay tuned for information on our next conference.

8 The Mariner • 2023/2024 WINTER Edition • Volume 66 • Issue 3