Rep. Mark Green has reached out to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for an update on a study concerning toxic exposure experienced by veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad, also known as Camp Stronghold Freedom or K2. This inquiry follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, mandating recognition of toxic exposure as combat-related for these veterans.
Green, a veteran himself, expressed concern over the lack of progress on this issue. “The first K2 veterans stepped foot on base in 2001,” he said. “Since then, these men and women have battled severe illnesses, and some have died, waiting for answers and medical care.” He emphasized the need for continued support for those affected.
The study was ordered following Green’s amendment to the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and investigative reporting by CBS’ Catherine Herridge. However, Green claims that there is no evidence that the Biden administration has completed this assessment or any related epidemiological study.
In letters to DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth and VA Secretary Doug Collins, Green posed several questions regarding the health impacts on K2 veterans. He asked about the number of deaths from illnesses related to toxic exposure since their withdrawal from K2.
Green urged action from both secretaries to complete the study initiated by Trump’s executive order. “With President Trump back in office,” he wrote to Secretary Hegseth, “I’d like to encourage you to complete the study he ordered.”
Background information reveals that between 2001 and 2005, U.S. forces used Karshi-Khanabad Air Base during operations in Afghanistan. Servicemembers have reported hazardous conditions at the base leading to cancer and other health issues.
In recent years, efforts have been made through legislation such as Rep. Green’s K2 Veterans Toxic Exposure Accountability Act of 2020 and subsequent initiatives like the K2 Veterans Care Act introduced in February 2021.
The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain as Congress awaits confirmation on whether studies mandated under Trump’s executive order were ever conducted or completed.
