Lieutenant Colonel James Gentry, Indiana National Guard
(See Funeral Notice update below)
Sadly, I have learned Lt. Col James “Jim” Gentry has lost his battle with cancer and has died in Indiana at the young age of 52. Gentry was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. A cancer he felt was caused by his exposure to the deadly carcinogen known as sodium dichromate at the Qarmat Ali water plant in Southern Iraq in 2003.
A retired Indiana National Guard lieutenant colonel, Gentry was the commander of the 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry, which, at about 600 soldiers strong, was in Iraq from February 2003 to February 2004.
This Indian National Guard unit was responsible for protecting US civilians working for KBR at the Qarmat Ali water plant in Southern Iraq. Returning this water plant to full operation was essential to restoring Iraqi oil production and KBR had the contract to do that.
Unfortunately, upon retreat, Saddam loyalists sabotaged the plant by cutting open bags of sodium dichromate, a yellow-orange powered rust inhibitor, and spread it everywhere. Not being informed by KBR management what this powder was, soldiers and civilians alike took few precautions to protect themselves. People started experiencing symptoms of chronic nose bleeds, headaches, skins lesions. Even after countless complaints KBR did not test the substance and inform anyone as to the hazards. Click HERE for five short (18 min total) deposition testimony videos of KBR management putting their spin on why soldiers and civilians weren’t informed of the inherent health risks of this “yellow-orange” powder.
Gentry, even after being retired and diagnosed with cancer, led his soldiers with strength and dignity. He became an outspoken advocate demanding investigations and VA coverage for illnesses believed to have been caused by the toxic exposure.
Jo Frederiksen is a construction manager who worked with Gentry during his second tour in Iraq. She said,
“He was the consummate leader and professional who always put others first before himself.”
“Jim’s courage and selflessness continued even after he was diagnosed with a devastating disease and given a terminal prognosis.”
Because of Lt. Col. Gentry hundreds if not thousands of US National Guard soldiers from the states of Indiana, Oregon, West Virginia, British troops and US and Iraqi civilians are now aware of their potential exposure. Congressional Hearings have been held, Department of Defense Inspector General Investigations have been initiated. Lawsuits have been filed. Click HERE for everything I have on the sodium dichromate exposures at Qarmat Ali.
Senator Bayh (D-IN) said,
“I promised Lt. Col. Gentry I would use my position to get them the care they deserve and to make sure we protect our soldiers from preventable risks like this in the future.”
Frederiksen said,
“Jim came forward to speak out on behalf of the troops he commanded. … I hope that his country and its people will give Lt. Col. Gentry and his troops the honor and respect they deserve for their sacrifices, while serving our country with valor.”
My most sincere condolences to Lt. Col. Gentry’s family and friends, both in the private sector and military.
As for KBR, I would think in this case, they could be charged with treason. They knowingly exposed out soldiers to a chemical that is killing them.
Updated Nov 30, 2009 - The original article in the Times Mail stated that Lt. Col Gentry was not a part of the suit against KBR. He in fact did join the other litigants earlier this year after he saw more of the documentation and testimony about what KBR’s managers knew and when they knew it.
Ms Sparky
UPDATED Nov 30, 2009 Funeral Notice:
Lt. Col. James Gentry
52; Iraq War veteran
Funeral service for Lt. Col. James Gentry, 52, of Williams, will be at noon Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Kraft Spring St. Chapel with burial with Full Military Honors in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Starlight.
He was retried from the Indiana Army National Guard after serving as commander of the 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry and two tours of duty in Iraq. He was a former resident of Indianapolis and was a native of Mitchell.
Survivors include his wife LouAnn Grube Gentry; children Sarah Clark (Will), of New Albany, Jason Newman, of Indianapolis, Emily Gentry, Bloomington, Jennafer Newman, of Santa Anna, Calif., Ellen Gentry, of Georgetown; parents George and Brenda Sue Gentry, of Mitchell; brother Sanford Gentry (Valerie) of Williams; and sister Carolyn Hodges (Franks), of Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his brother Randy Gentry.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Kraft Funeral Service, New Albany.
Expressions of Sympathy can be made to Uplands Hospice, 1500 West Main St. P.O. Box No. 9, Mitchell, Ind., 47496.
Here are two great articles by reporter Roger Moon of the Times-Mail in Indiana. Roger broke the original story of Lt. Col Gentry’s passing.
http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2009/11/26/news.291128.tms
http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2009/11/27/news.340080.tms
This is a subscription only paper, but it is worth it to read the article.
I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the family of LTC Gentry. Thank You does not seem to be enough for what your whole family has gone through. I would like to thank your family for his service and his devotion to his soldiers and his country. These will never be forgotten!!
May he now rest in peace
To the family I hope that peace will find you. You will be in my heart. Thank you for being a strong soul may it find its way to a place full enjoyment.
Rest in peace
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of this Fallen Hero. He died in the line of duty in a combat situation (although it was delayed) just like my late older brother who died of Agent Orange years after his exposure while on a River Boat in Vietnam for 2 years.
Lt. Col. Gentry is a Hero to me and I am proud of the men and women who serve our country to keep us free.
KBR – Isn’t it time You Step Up to the Plate and do the Right Thing for a Change? Start becoming an IMAGE CHANGER – accept your past regressions, admit your wrong doings, pay the price – aren’t you willing to pay the price like our young men and women and civilians are paying each day that serve in the fight against terror? I am truly sorry that this Hero and so many others have and will pay the price for what KBR allows to happen on a daily basis.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Gentry family. It is because of men like this that we live in a free country. A warm thank you for serving your country and paying the ultimate price. It is shameful that a company operating in what should be the best interest of our troops and country caused the needless illness that resulted in his death. Hopefully his actions in making others aware of the dangers that they were exposed. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
This post has been updated with current Funeral information. See above.
I asked for a clarification from Mike Doyle of Doyle Raizner about whether Col Gentry was apart of the suit against KBR. His response was:
“Jim did join in the suit earlier this year (he was not one of the original plaintiffs and when he gave his first deposition last December he was not a party) after he saw more of the documentation and testimony about what KBR’s managers knew and when they knew it.”
Rest in peace brother. You are a true American Hero. My condolences to his family and friends. He will not be forgotten and we will continue his fight to help our other brothers that have also been exposed to the chemicals.