Welcome To My Blog

About Me

Thank you for reading my Ranting Vet Blog. I am a 6-year US Navy veteran having served in both the submarine and surface Navy, first aboard the USS Proteus (AS-19) and then completing my service aboard the USS Turner Joy (DD-951).
In 2016, more than 30 years after receiving my honorable discharge, I found that the Island of Guam, where I served aboard the USS Proteus from 1978 thru 1980 (the Proteus was in the Long Beach shipyards between December 1978 and January 1980), had been heavily contaminated with several agent herbicides, including the infamous Agent Orange, DDTs, PCB, TCEs and PFOS to name a few hazardous chemicals as indicated by the EPA.
Records show Agent Orange was used on Guam through the late 1980s, long after the risks of using this chemical were well known. While researching online about my other injury from my service, I found a Facebook page full of first-hand testimonies from service members who sprayed the Agent herbicides on the Island as well as those who served on Guam and have been suffering from several forms of cancer and other herbicide related illnesses and consequent first and second generation birth defects.
While trying to maneuver my way though the Veterans Affair system I quickly became disillusioned with their apathy and lack of care, and eventually had to get my US Representative involved before the doors started to open. Since then I have continued to find dealing with the VA overall a difficult process, but one that was made easier once you realize you have to b the one to care, because most of them will not.
Being a writer in my past life covering professional, junior and youth hockey around the Great Lakes region I recently decided to try blogging as a way to get information out to others who may be dealing wit the same things I am or those who just want to increase their awareness.
While this will be mainly a blog for ranting and writing about veteran related issues, it will also include other general interest topics as well. In addition to this blog you can check out my Photography Facebook page @LarryNaderPhotography. Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoy it.