Balad Burn Pits-A Families Tragic Reality
This is my deceased husband, Major Kevin E. Wilkins, RN, whom was with the 920th ASTS Reserve Unit at Patrick AFB, Florida. He went on his first tour to Balad, Iraq, May 2006 to August 2006 where he cared for our critically injured soldiers and civilians at the Balad Air Force Base Hospital while being assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron. His second tour was January 2007 through April 2007 where he was assigned to the CCAT team flying missions in and out of various areas transporting our soldiers to various hospitals. Kevin’s headaches started approximately 6 to 7 months after his first tour. In the beginning, he just treated his headaches with medication until the medication no longer responded. He had a CAT scan on March 26, 2008 and he died on April 1, 2008 from a brain tumor. The emergency room physician, who did the original CAT scan, asked Kevin if he had been exposed to any chemicals while on tour in Iraq, and Kevin told him about the “burn pit”. The physician told Kevin that the chemicals from the burn pit may have caused the brain mass, and should be investigated. Major Wilkins died within 1 year of his last deployment. Major Wilkins has received many service awards over the years with his last award being, “The Meritorious Service Medal” (First Oak Leaf Cluster) 1January 2005 to April 2008.
Proud Wife of deceased USAF Major Kevin E. Wilkins, RN
Jill R. Wilkins
Here is a link to Special Commentary about USAF Major Kevin E. Wilkins, RN in Angel Wings Magazine, March/April 2008 edition, Page 4 “Not Every Hero Gets A Parade”
If you have any information about the Balad Burn Pits or any burn pits in Iraq, or know someone who has died of or developed tumors or other unusual medical conditions please leave a comment on this post or contact me using my “Contact Us” tab at the top of my page.
Ms Sparky
Friday, December 5th 2008 at 7:34 am |
Thanks for serving!! Our country is safer because of soldiers like you. You would be proud of your wife. She is determined to find answers so other families might not have to endure what yours has.
Rest In Peace
Friday, December 5th 2008 at 5:42 pm |
It is true “Only the Good Die Young” Rest in peace my brother in service.
Saturday, December 6th 2008 at 7:01 pm |
WE had a KBR Convoy Commander, Cedar II.
Diagnosed with inoperable brain tumor and sent home end of 2005 beginning of 2006 (I
can’t remember the exact dates). He was told he had less than 6 months to live and
supposedly the cause was numerous IED blasts to his truck, basically “shaken brain
syndrome”, but as drivers we traveled to all bases and were exposed to all the
different active burn pits, not just Balad, so who really knows what caused the
tumor. I am trying to remember where he lived and I am drawing a blank right now.
Will ask around and see if someone remembers.
Keep up the good work on the website.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
This is sad. KBR behaves as if their employees are disposable. Just send more.
Monday, December 8th 2008 at 2:43 pm |
Kitty, if you find the information on the Convoy Commander with the brain tumor, please,please, send it my way. Thank you, Jill Wilkins
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I will try to get you in touch.
Wednesday, December 10th 2008 at 5:04 am |
I like many others went to Iraq started in Anaconda being new to the area did not realize at first the bad enviromental conditions subjected to took it for granted that it was safe inside the wire but always wondered why bathing water was unsafe food we ate gave me the runs and late at night and early in the morning it usually seemed difficult to breath being a convoy truck driver this was standard at most bases it was said that they were burning off the trash I came home for good yes they burned off my trash all rite
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The water I showered in everyday was non-potable. Don’t drink it. Don’t brush your teeth in it. But showering in it is OK. BS. Got pics?
Tuesday, December 30th 2008 at 7:52 am |
They use that same non-potable water in the coffee shop It’s on the form that they put in your medical records when you leave. I could have used that information before I drank that crap for 6 months and got the runs all the time.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
That’s just disgusting. Those are the things that just piss people off. NOT TELLING THEM THE TRUTH! I showered and brushed my teeth in Baghdad City water for almost six weeks until I was told it wasn’t potable! I was furious!
Friday, June 26th 2009 at 6:15 pm |
Jill Wilkins joins suit over Iraq burn pits. You go girl. Good luck to you.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-lklake-wife-soldier-burn-pits-062709jun27,0,5863786.story