Peter Welch: “Vermonters have done their full measure of service throughout our history, and that is true in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two…”

“Vermonters have done their full measure of service throughout our history, and that is true in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of our great soldiers, Sergeant Major Michael Cram and Brigadier General Michael Heston, both died of cancers that we believe were related to their exposures to burn pits. Their wonderful widows, Pat Cram and June Heston, have been so vigilant and energetic in putting a focus on the devastation of these burn pits and played a major role in encouraging the VA to, A, get a registry; B, the Defense Department to stop exposing people to burn pits; and then, C, to have us presume that those who have been exposed to burn pits and developed a disease as a result of that are entitled to VA benefits. We must get this done. ____________________”