The National Gulf War Resource Center
The National Gulf War Resource Center (NGWRC) is here to help veterans of recent and current wars and operations. We are an international coalition of advocates and organizations providing information, support and referrals for all those affected by the complexities of current and recent combat operations (1990 to current). We are focused on providing information about the following:
• Gulf War Illness
• Other toxin-induced illnesses
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
If we may assist you or your organization, please browse our resources here or contact us.
NGWRC Background
The NGWRC is the leading international organization providing advocacy for Gulf War veterans. Founded in 1995, the NGWRC is a non-profit organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; donations to the NGWRC are tax deductible.
The NGWRC was organized by veterans of the 1991 Gulf War who began to experience an unexplained illness after returning from the war. Troops were exposed to low levels of Sarin Gas from chemical munitions destroyed by allied forces, and to related chemicals in the pesticides and anti-nerve agents they used. They were also exposed to oil well fire pollution, depleted uranium, vaccines, other chemicals, and indigenous parasites and diseases.
Over 150,000 Gulf War veterans are now ill, most as a result of their military duty, and many report effects in their spouses and children. The NGWRC began its work as the central resource for the grassroots groups formed by these veterans and their family and supporters around the country.
In an atmosphere of mutual support and teamwork, the member organizations of the NGWRC joined together to provide advocacy for health care and self help to those affected by the Gulf War and those who have served the United States and it allies since then, expanding its focus from Gulf War Illness to also include other toxin-induced illnesses, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Our History
1991
When tens of thousands of Gulf War veterans began reporting mysterious illnesses in 1991, dozens of grass-roots support groups spontaneously formed all across the United States, demanding healthcare and research into the illnesses. Servicemen and women who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm demanded to know why we were ill, who would cover our health care costs, and who would provide benefits to those of us unable to work.
During the Gulf War, veterans serving in Southwest Asia were exposed to harmful levels of oil well fire pollution, chemical warfare agents, pesticides, radioactive and toxic depleted uranium from spent ammunition, and ordered to receive experimental vaccines and other drugs.
1991 - 1995
Tragically, the concerns of the growing number of ill Gulf War veterans fell on deaf ears at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In the U.S. and the United Kingdom, local groups of veterans joined together to compare stories about toxic exposures and unusual illnesses, and investigative reporters began writing news articles describing serious problems among tens of thousands of veterans.
The most poignant investigative article was published in LIFE magazine, and it featured both ill veterans and children of veterans with serious birth defects. In the most bizarre public relations disaster related to the Gulf War, DoD and VA responded to the article by claiming Gulf War illnesses was a creation of the press.
Contact:
1403 Southwest Blvd, Ste 2B
Kansas City, KS 66103
913-831-7183
toll free 866-531-7183
fax 913-831-7184
Source: http://www.ngwrc.org