28. Agent Orange and the Vietnam War Legacy
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As we embark on a journey into the heart of Southeast Asia, our guide is Susan Hammond, the founder of the War Legacies Project. Her decades-long dedication to understanding the enduring impacts of the Vietnam War paints a vivid and often distressing picture of the lasting effects of Agent Orange and explosive remnants of war. From the chilling realities of dioxin contamination to the ongoing health hazards, this podcast episode explores the hidden dangers of war and the pressing need for advocacy and action.
We start with an overview of the Vietnam War's aftermath, the long-term effects of Agent Orange and explosive remnants of war. Hammond's insights stem from her extensive experience in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, fostering understanding and addressing the war's impacts. She highlights the devastating health hazards discovered after the war and discusses her organization's role in providing aid and support to those affected.
The conversation then turns to the alarming effects of dioxin, a toxic compound present in Agent Orange, on the environment and human health. We delve into the depths of containment strategies, shedding light on the collaborative efforts of Hammond's organization and the US government in mitigating the contamination. The discussion takes a sobering turn towards the human dimension, emphasizing the profound impacts of Agent Orange on health and the pressing need for advocacy for those affected by the war.
The episode also explores the US government's role in providing services and shaping policy for the affected populations. It brings to light the successes and challenges faced by the Vietnamese people, and how the US has provided over $400 million in funding for projects since 2007. The discussion also touches on the VA's recognition of 19 presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange and Dioxin, and the lack of support for the children of male veterans.
Lastly, the conversation steers towards the often overlooked issue of cluster munitions, particularly their use in Ukraine by the US government. Hammond shares her research findings from Laos, where unexploded bombs continue to pose a deadly threat. As we approach the end of this enlightening episode, we discuss the importance of raising awareness about the enduring impacts of war and the critical role we all play in preventing future generations from experiencing similar suffering.
The Vietnam War may be part of our history, but its effects linger on, affecting countless lives and shaping the world we live in today. As we strive to understand our past, let us also remember the crucial role we play in shaping our future. It's through understanding, advocacy, and action that we can help prevent the horrors of war from repeating and work towards a better, more peaceful world.
Who is Susan Hammond?
Susan Hammond, the daughter of a U.S. Vietnam veteran, became interested in post-war Southeast Asia after traveling to Viet Nam, and Cambodia in 1991. In 1996, after earning her MA in International Education from NYU, Susan returned to Viet Nam to study Vietnamese. She became involved in fostering mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia and addressing the long-term impacts of war while working as the Deputy Director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development from 1996 to 2007. During this time she lived in New, York, Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos coordinating programs for FRD. In 2007, Susan returned to her home state of Vermont and founded War Legacies Project. In 2019, she received the Vietnam Order of Friendship medal for her more than two decades of work in Viet Nam.