Do not have much sadly add to this post- except to say, documentation wise, it makes one think of the role and usefulness of Unit Historians, in matters such as this whose sole job is in fact to collect and compile Unit Combat Action Reports, LOG Books, Pictures, Video Clips, etc... and compile them for future generations of war fighter's..... if for nothing else Lessons Learned....?????
In cases such as this would, obviously, assist tremendously....
Had to look up location of FOB Hammer, and brought back not so good memories.... but we submitted almost all reports time in Iraq electronically, and this makes one simply wonder how much- items/documentation that may assist veterans of OEF/OIF, exposure related- was simply lost forever to the "ionosphere" so to speak.....
Simply remember talking a guy, whom claims once saw a beyond "awesome" PPT Presentation (someone really earned their PPT Tab kind of thing)- electronic copy only- on human terrain of Region Assigned- all tribes, religious sects, clans, etc... (simply more than anyone would want to know in this particular regard) and simply allegedly tasked, another officer, to get a copy a very short while after, but it- "poof"- supposedly disappeared that quickly to the "ionosphere" as was in format digital only and could not allegedly be recovered.....
Wonder what other's think about Unit Historians and their usefulness in regards issues such as this Thread......?????
PS: In movie "Patton" starring George C. Scott, film-makers keep going back German Wehrmacht Historian at German High Command HQ Bunker in Berlin or somewhere, called in to "profile" Patton so to speak.... most likely was a Historian, utilized this purpose if film true on this issue, as "psychology-psychiatry" at time still still in fledgling stages of development......
I would also highly recommend taking a look a the "Veterans Benefit's Manual-2015" pages 210-213 where talking about Exposure Iraq and Afghanistan... and certain cases veterans "lay" statement of exposure is valid to fully support a Positive a claim finding....might hopefully prove useful, especially those with cancer no explainable reason....?????