Baltimore Marine Veteran Seeks Justice After Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Camp Lejeune Contamination

BALTIMORE — James Moore, a veteran of the Marine Corps, reflects on his service from 1968 to 1987 with pride, particularly recalling his time at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. However, his fond memories are overshadowed by a recent cancer diagnosis that he believes may be linked to contaminated water at the base.

Moore, who served multiple stints at Camp Lejeune, expressed his deep affection for the base, stating, "I love Camp Lejeune. I love it. I just didn’t know what was going on." Unfortunately, he was unaware that the water he consumed, cooked with, and bathed in was tainted.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the contamination of drinking water at Camp Lejeune began in the early 1950s, with the most polluted wells being closed in 1985. Moore noted, "We drank water every single day. We ate food every single day. And we had no idea that the water was like that."

It was only years later, after receiving a letter from a deceased friend who served as a corpsman, that Moore learned of the water issues at the base. By that time, his health had already deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.

Although no medical professional has definitively linked his cancer to the Camp Lejeune water, Moore is pursuing a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows veterans and their families to seek compensation for health issues related to the contamination.

As of March, approximately 2,531 settlement offers had been approved out of over 546,500 claims filed under the Act. Moore is still awaiting a resolution, stating, "I’m praying that I’ll see a settlement. But I don’t think I’ll see a settlement before I pass."

Recently, Moore joined other affected individuals in Washington, D.C., advocating for quicker responses and broader recognition for everyone impacted, including families and civilians. He emphasized the need for compensation, saying, "What we’re asking for is compensation for drinking contaminated water at our stay at Camp Lejeune."

The Department of Justice reported that settlements related to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act have surpassed $876 million. However, Moore feels that the monetary figures do not reflect the emotional toll of waiting for justice while battling cancer. "We are 70-something years old. We’re gonna die," he remarked.

For Moore, receiving compensation would not change his diagnosis or the years spent seeking answers, but he believes it is essential to achieve acknowledgment of the situation. He stated, "It doesn’t make it better, but it makes it right."

Despite the challenges he faces, Moore maintains that serving his country is an honor. He calls for accountability for all those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, urging veterans and families to check their records and remain persistent in their claims.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).