by Roxane Bates

My husband, Major Sonnie Bates, reported for duty at Dover AFB, DE in August 1999. Within a few weeks of his arrival he learned of people in his squadron becoming seriously ill after taking the anthrax vaccine. The list is as follows:

Michelle P. suffered from thyroid damage, an autoimmune disorder, chronic fatigue, and dizziness. She was grounded for several months and recently separated from the Air Force.

Bill L. was grounded for several months. After the vaccine, he developed cysts on numerous places on the inside and outside of his body, to include his heart. He has undergone surgery to remove some of the cysts and was hooked up to an IV for six weeks.

Jean T. suffered from a widespread rash over most of her body after receiving the vaccine.

Jim G. suffered from severe chronic joint pain, thyroid damage, and has an autoimmune disorder. At times he had both of his arms in braces due to the severe joint pain.

John S. has an autoimmune disorder, diagnosed after taking the anthrax vaccine.

Jay M. has been grounded for several months. He suffered from crippling bone/joint pain, ringing in the ears, and memory lapses. He battled various infections continuously for several months and developed 27 new allergies.

Dave H. experienced diverse symptoms, which included chronic bone/joint pain, chronic fatigue, and a loss of ability to concentrate. He has been cross-trained into another, less physically demanding career field.

Mike M. was grounded for eight months after receiving the vaccine. He has experienced seizures, crippling bone/joint pain, memory lapses, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and an inability to concentrate.

Ted D. suffered recurring infections after the vaccine and sustained thyroid damage and acute short-term memory loss.

Jerry K. became chronically ill and was grounded during his last months of service before retirement.

Brian B. suffered from severe bone and joint pain. Subsequent bone scans revealed lesions on his spin, pelvis, and ribs.

Jim R. experienced chronic bone/joint pain. He said his arms frequently go numb. He was grounded for so long the medical group questioned him about a medical discharge. However, he is not interested in a medical discharge because he has been in the military for over 17 years and does not want to lose his pension.

Nathan P., after receiving the vaccine, suffered from lesions in his throat and X-rays have revealed spots on his lungs.

Cindy C. started experiencing episodes of vertigo, ringing of the ears, and memory lapses. She has had five vertigo episodes, described as being so severe that she couldn’t walk. The vertigo has ceased since the vaccine has stopped and she is on a waiver to not receive any more anthrax vaccine until her health improves. She said that the anthrax issue is one reason why she plans on not re-enlisting.

Michael Mc. - Became paralyzed and was placed on a ventilator after taking the vaccine with a condition described as Guillian Barre Syndrome. The military doctors say his condition is the result of the flu vaccine. However, he received the flu and the anthrax vaccine on the same day.

These people represent roughly 5% of his squadron. There are credible reports of other people in his squadron and other squadrons that are suffering after receiving the vaccine.

My husband took his findings to the squadron commander, who agreed that the people were ill, but did not attribute it to the vaccine, because he said it couldn’t be proven. My husband disagreed with him and was threatened with a court martial for not accepting the vaccine. What a way to end 13 years of exemplary service.

My husband has always been recognized as a leader and top performer. He stands for what is right.

The GAO has reported that the safety of this vaccine is in jeopardy due to the manufacturer’s inability to conform to standards.

The reserve unit at Dover AFB lost 50% of its pilots over this issue, after several people in their unit became ill. The health and readiness of our armed forces is suffering, and the Department of Defense responds by punishing people like my husband.

Lieutenant Colonel Jay Lacklen, Chief pilot of the reserve unit at Dover, verified the losses of his unit due to this issue. In fact, he also has sustained injuries after taking the vaccine. This man now suffers from severe joint pain and an autoimmune disorder. His shoulder is immobilized and arthritic knots have grown on his hands.

My husband is not alone. Numerous military members from the active duty, reserve, and guard have testified before Congress about the adverse effects of the anthrax vaccine, but the DoD will not listen.

Many members of Congress want to put the anthrax vaccine program in check by an independent agency. Please help by contacting your representative in support of HR 2548. Roxane Bates 302-430-0279/sonandrox@aol.com

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