It was not until the 1970’s when the US Armed Forces refrained from using materials containing asbestos. Because of its widespread use in the military, asbestos was patronized for several decades by the men in uniform for their needs. Naval ships and other military facilities were the dominant recipients of materials made to contain asbestos. Today, thousands of those men and women who were in contact with asbestos –contained products are crying out that they have been carrying the ill-effects of asbestos on their health.

Veterans exposed to asbestos have been diagnosed to have been infected with mesothelioma, a type of cancer developed as a result of asbestos exposure. The numbers of veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma continue to increase annually and could certainly reach a more alarming level considering the numbers of the military personnel who worked for the government in the span of those years.

Mesothelioma is acquired when inhaled fibers starts to buildup in the body eventually clogging up functions of the affected body parts. Most affected internal body parts include the chest, abdomen, lungs, and can even reach the heart. Making things worse, symptoms of the cancer do not emerge until few years of exposure to asbestos.

Treatment for mesothelioma depends upon the severity of the infection. Mild cases of the cancer can be cured by constant medications such as chemotherapy and other approved medical procedures. According to the findings by medical experts, Pleural Mesothelioma holds the largest number of cases in connection with the infection.

The US government has allocated funds to aid veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The US government has allocated funds to aid veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, not all of those who worked for the military and were exposed to asbestos can enjoy the benefits provided by the government. Veterans have to undergo several tests and provide sufficient evidence that the disease is acquired as a result of asbestos exposure while on service before compensation is afforded.

While the government compensation for veterans diagnosed with Mesothelioma is limited only to some, other mesothelioma patients can file cases against asbestos manufacturers to receive compensation. On the other hand, veterans seeking to apply for VA assistance concerning mesothelioma may visit the agency’s online resources for easy and immediate assistance.

Among the herbicides used during the war was the defoliant with code name Agent Orange. Though this action proved to be of great impact to the war in advancing American troops, veterans, their offspring and innocent civilians had to pay the prize years later. The Agent Orange Act of 1991 became the passport of war veterans towards their uncertainties about the long term effects of their exposure to the herbicide.

Herbicides used during the war were thought to cause no adverse effects to humans until studies showed that Agent Orange brought several terrible diseases to those exposed to the chemical. Effects of the herbicide include: several skin diseases, cancers, nerve disorders, Type 2 Diabetes, miscarriages among pregnant women, deformities among babies whose mothers were exposed, respiratory problems, and neurological disorder, among others. From a recent study conducted by the Institute of Medicine, ailments such as Ischemic Heart Disease, B-cell leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease arising in Vietnam veterans may be due to their exposure to the herbicide.

For many war veterans, the real struggle did not stop the day the war ended. Today, thousands of Vietnam veterans continue to seek shelter from the American government blaming their exposure to the herbicide as the root cause of the diseases they continue to battle as they age. Tens of thousands of American soldiers who served in Vietnam during the war have already claimed disabilities benefits from the government which the VA willing catered. Apart from those who served in Vietnam, military personnel involved in the transport, preparation and other forms of involvement in the project have also taken their share of the benefits.

Human agent orange effects of exposure are widespread and can be evidenced by the turnout of veterans claiming to have been infected with harmful conditions as a result of their participation in the events. Several measures have already been taken by the VA to determine the depth of the effects of Agent Orange exposure. The VA, in coordination with the Institute of Medicine, continues to conduct studies in connection to the effects of the chemical and create programs to help veterans as they struggle for their health.

Historically, the Japanese people have always looked upon their swords at par with personal and family pride. Even the basic etiquette regimen in just carrying such a sword is so demanding that it takes years for one to master it. It is believed that the Samurai warriors were so obsessed with protecting their swords that they would try to breathe at a certain distance away from the top blade, ensuring that no moisture would touch upon it. Therefore, it only seems fair that contemporary collectors of Japanese swords are familiar with the basics of such revered objects, considering that these aren’t artifacts but remnants of a proud heritage.

Japanese Sword Care Basics: Handling the Nipponto

Often called the Nipponto, every Japanese sword has a scabbard, called the saya. Swords are often presented in wooden sayas and many of them are adorned with handcrafted embellishments. Collectors should ensure that the head of the saya, called the kojiri, should always be the first to enter the casing. Though regarded as a way to prevent damage from accident falls, it is also a mannerism that was endorsed by generations of Samurai warriors. The scabbard should tightly fit around the sword, particularly around the opening. If this is not so, chances are that the sword under consideration has been excessively tampered with. Around the opening of the scabbard, is the collar or the Habaki of the Nipponto. When pulling out the sword, ensure that first it is drawn, just about the length of the Habaki, before being pulled out completely. A single, forceful pulling can be extremely damaging and it can harm the collar configuration beyond redemption.

Once the sword has been partially pulled, the blade has to be held firmly, ensuring that the slicing edge should not face either sideways or downwards. This is not only the preferred method of pulling the sword from a preservation perspective, but also a manner of respecting the sword. This is the ideal, forward-holding position for drawing out the Nipponto. When placing back the sword into its scabbard, the tip of sword, with its cutting edge pointing up, has to be rested gently on the scabbard’s opening for a moment before being pushed-in. When doing so, feeling an obstruction around the collar is natural — a small, firm nudge is needed to make the sword edge past the collar and slide inside its casing.

Afganistan is replacing Iraq as the center on the war on terror. Saudi Bin Laden and al Qaeda No. 2 Egyptian doctor Ayman al-Zawahiri are still in hiding somewhere in the tribal areas of Afganistain and Pakistain border. The terrain is tough and highly mobile units like the US Army Rangers are leading the hunt for Bin Laden and the Taliban.

The US Rangers are organized into a higly mobile and rapidly deployable light infantry force. Ranger training is tough but that what it takes to build an elite force.

U.S. Army Rangers Prepare to Jump into Afghanistan

At Army basic training at Fort Benning Georgia, the first thing your drill instructor will tell you is don’t mess with Jake the Snake. Did you know that Rangers not only don’t fear snakes, they eat them.

Snakes. All poisonous and nonpoisonous fresh water and land snakes are edible. CAUTION: Take extreme care in securing snakes as the bite of some poisonous snakes can be fatal. Even after a snake’s head is cut off, its reflex action can cause it to bite, injecting poison. The best time to capture snakes is in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are low and they move slow. Kill or use a long stick to pin down its head and capture it. To pick up a snake, place the index finger on the top rear of its head with your thumb and middle finger on either side of the head behind the jaws. Keep your index finger on top of snake’s head to prevent it from turning inside its skin and biting you. To prepare snakes for eating use the following steps (figure 11-9): (a) Grip the snake firmly behind the head and cut off the head with a knife. (b) Slit the belly and remove the innards. (You can use the innards for baiting traps and snares). (c) Skin the snake. (You can use the skin for improvising, belts, straps, or similar items).

The best way to learn more about the US Army Rangers is to read or download the U.S. Army Ranger Handbook SH 21-76 here:

U.S. Army Ranger Handbook SH 21-76