Letter – Chris Gallacher: Soldiers Pay A High Price

Dear Editor,

As we are being reminded today that it is twenty five years since the first gulf war and the subsequent freeing of Kuwait from the dominating occupation by Saddam Hussein and Iraq.  What we are also reminded of is the very high price our servicemen and women are still paying with “Gulf War Syndrome”.

It is a great shame that the MOD still is not doing all it can for these damaged individuals that served their country when called upon to do so.  This syndrome has many forms which unfortunately the MOD uses to get out of its responsibilities and duty to uphold the Military Covenant; and this must stop.

The lawyers in the service of the MOD are trying to abrogate their clients cost and obligation and all the while the servicemen are left to struggle on. Many of these illnesses are totally destroying the individuals and their families whom they rely on.

Why did it happen?

Essentially in this conflict the chances of a chemical attack resulted in the soldiers being used as experimental guinea pigs for a range of drugs and preventive chemicals that had diverse effects on those required to take them.  Our government used them and now should protect and support them.

However it seems that money is less available after the war is won; unless it is to pay lawyers who never went.

Regards,

Major Chris Gallacher TD VR