Delano woman organizes Agent Orange event in memory of father

Delano woman organizes Agent Orange event in memory of father
Delano resident Jen Bakken is organizing an Agent Awareness Event in memory of her father, Steve Emery, who served in Vietnam and then lost his battle with Agent Orange related cancer on July 23.

The event will take place during Agent Orange Awareness Month at noon, Friday, Oct. 23, near the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, in front of the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center. Veterans, their families and the public are invited to attend Steve Emery Agent Orange Day.

Those affected by Agent Orange will be encouraged to share their stories. Orange balloons will be given out to the first 60 people in attendance, along with orange ribbon pins. The balloons are to be released and will include a message about Agent Orange. Those who attend are encouraged to come in uniform or wear orange.

The purpose of the event is to inform Vietnam veterans about the related disease and health risks to themselves, their post-war children and families. All veterans are encouraged to obtain health examinations for Agent Orange related diseases and health risks. Event organizers also want to promote public awareness and recognize the victims of Agent Orange and their families..

Bakken, of Delano, lost her father and "best friend" to Agent Orange related cancer "at the young age of 60 years old."

"The battle with Agent Orange doesn't end with the Vietnam veterans," she said. "It affects families, and friends. There are many victims."

Bakken hopes this event will promote awareness about Agent Orange and offer support to others affected by it, in memory of her father. She hopes to share with others how Agent Orange "broke her heart."

Agent Orange was one of the weed-killing chemicals used by the U.S. military in the Vietnam War. It was sprayed to remove leaves from trees that enemy troops hid behind. Agent Orange and similar chemicals were known as "herbicides." Agent Orange was applied by airplanes, helicopters, trucks and backpack sprayers. There is a large list of diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure.

For more information regarding Agent Orange visit www.va.gov. For information about the Agent Orange Awareness event, contact Bakken at jlynnb70@yahoo.com





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