We called it the "Karshi crud"
Between 2001 and 2005, more than 15,000 service members deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan in support of military operations into northern Afghanistan following 9/11.
DAV member and Air Force veteran Andrea LaForce deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in 2003, more than a decade into what would become her 29-year military career. Known as K2, the former Soviet air base contained residuals of chemical weapons, radioactive depleted uranium and jet fuel, among nearly 400 other chemical compounds.
It was common for service members to experience unexplained symptoms while at K2, including coughs, headaches, rashes and fatigue.
“We called it the ‘Karshi crud,’” Andrea said.
K2’s toxicity wasn’t a secret. Signs warned of chemical agents and radiation hazards.
A pond ominously changed colors, earning the moniker “Skittles Pond.” In some places, black goo emerged from the ground. And, as if transported into a sci-fi movie, Andrea remembers when workers dressed in hazmat suits and carrying Geiger counters visited the base.
Six months after leaving K2, Andrea suffered severe abdominal pain caused by a large ovarian cyst that burst. Nearly 20 years later, she continues to develop cysts and experience chronic pain. Her condition is manageable but takes constant care and monitoring. Andrea is also keenly aware that it could one day develop into ovarian cancer.
In the years since the U.S. ceased operations at K2, much has been learned about the toxic exposures there, but little has been done.
“While the recently-enacted Honoring our PACT Act includes K2 veterans in the burn pit presumptive diseases, the Department of Veterans Affairs still has not recognized the other toxic exposures and potential diseases unique to K2,” said DAV Deputy National Legislative Director Shane Liermann.
“That’s why DAV, veterans and their survivors will continue to fight for recognition and meaningful action.”
Many of our nation’s heroes have been made ill due to toxic exposure. Your gift today helps them have access to the life-changing health care and benefits they deserve.
