Campus News

Media Contact: Director of Communications, Rita Elliott, 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill. – The Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Rockford University and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 984 will be hosting a town hall meeting addressing the birth defects, diseases, and learning disabilities affecting the children and grandchildren of our nation’s veterans on Saturday, April 23. Registration for the meeting will begin at 12 p.m., with the discussion taking place from 1 – 4 p.m. in Regents Hall, 2nd floor of the Burpee Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford.

Affected veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, OIF, and OEF as well as military personnel who were at Camp LeJeune and Fort McClellan will be sharing their stories. Discussions will focus on health conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure, toxic substance exposure at Camp LeJeune and Fort McClellan, conditions associated with burning oil wells during the Gulf War, and more. Speakers will also be addressing the most recent medical research regarding exposure to toxic substances. A Veterans Service Officer will be on site to assist with any claim issues.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Professor Colleen Kennedy at ckennedy@rockford.edu or 815-226-4115.