Keith Smith's wish was to help other Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange.
The Independence native served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam until July 1, 1970. He returned to Iowa and married his wife, Linda.
Together, they made their home in rural Independence where Keith farmed, and the couple raised three sons, according to his obituary.
Keith, 73, died in August of 2021 from glioblastoma, an aggressive and fast-growing brain tumor, presumed to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.
Federal legislation signed into law in 2022 expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. But while the PACT Act includes glioblastoma as a presumptive condition related to burn pit exposure, it's not included for Agent Orange exposure.
Currently, veterans who served in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or other locations during the war -- or in certain related jobs -- who may have had contact with Agent Orange are eligible for disability compensation based on presumptive conditions that include certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes and other illnesses.
Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson recently joined Florida Democratic U.S. Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to introduce legislation named in Keith's honor that would add glioblastoma to the list of presumptive conditions covered under the PACT Act related to Agent Orange exposure to ensure that Vietnam War veterans exposed to the toxic compound and diagnosed with the cancerous brain tumor also can access benefits.
"Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith ... served our country with pride and honor, but under the current PACT Act, he was still unable to receive the health care he deserved," Hinson posted on social media. "I'm humbled to co-lead this bipartisan effort to update the law and ensure all veterans have access to the highest quality care."
Hinson, who was unavailable for comment, said in a statement she was inspired to introduce the legislation after receiving a letter from Smith's widow.
Linda Smith, of Independence, declined to speak with The Gazette about her husband and the legislation.
In a statement provided by Hinson's office, Linda Smith said: "This was Keith's wish ─ to help other Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange. Adding glioblastoma to the list of presumptive conditions as part of the PACT Act would help fulfill that wish."
What Is Agent Orange?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified Agent Orange as a potential carcinogen due to its primary contaminant, dioxin, which is a known human carcinogen. The EPA's classification is based on studies linking dioxin to various cancers, including soft-tissue sarcoma, leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, lung and prostate cancer.
The chemical herbicide was used by the U.S. Military to clear plants and trees that enemy troops hid behind in the jungles of Vietnam and to clear out areas around U.S. positions. It was named for the orange band around the storage barrel.
What Is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act covers veterans who participated in toxic exposure risk activities, were stationed in certain locations during specific periods, or have served in wars and conflict zones.
Hinson's bill would make it easier for veterans to receive disability benefits. By adding glioblastoma to other medical conditions the federal government presumes to have been caused by military service, veterans who meet the service requirements for a presumptive condition will no longer have to provide evidence showing a direct connection between their condition and their time in service. The VA would automatically assume the service connection.
Veterans would still have to provide medical records showing their diagnosis and severity of the condition, and military records to show they served in Vietnam or other locations during the period of Agent Orange use.
The PACT Act also provides benefits to survivors of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities, including monthly compensation and one-time payments.
The bill is supported by veteran advocacy groups.
"Ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they have earned remains a top priority for me," Hinson said in a statement. "I was proud to support the PACT Act to expand access to care for those exposed to toxic substances, but more work remains. ... Naming this bill in SP4 Smith's honor is a deserving tribute to his life and service, and an opportunity for Iowans and all Americans to help save lives while honoring one of our own."
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