A DESPERATE VETERAN OR A GULF WAR SYNDROME MARTYR ?
As of midnight May 1st 2004 Mr Alex Izett a former soldier and veteran of the 1990-91 Gulf War has commenced a personal protest at the treatment of Gulf War Syndrome veterans by the UK Ministry of Defence by going on hunger strike.
In an unprecedented move Mr Izett followed his action by telling Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group that he is now prepared to jeopardise his own health and safety and possibly his life in order to bring attention to the plight and suffering of all Gulf War Syndrome veterans.
Although Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group does not condone the actions now being taken by Mr Izett we do hold empathy with all who have been affected by their Gulf War service. Many Gulf era veterans now feel betrayed by the country they once gave loyal service to.
Mr Izett gave his service in a standby role during the Gulf War of 1990-91 and now considers that he suffers with health related problems associated with Gulf War Syndrome. Mr Izett now believes that not enough has been done to address the issues of Gulf War Syndrome and feels that the only way to bring attention to the outstanding issues is by embarking on a hunger strike.
Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group is very concerned about the action being taken by Mr Izett and feels that more should be done in an effort to address the issues raised. When Mr Izett was asked to give service to his country he agreed to serve without question, he was given preparation for war service and was subsequently held in reserve, surely this individual and the many hundreds if not thousands of sick and disabled veterans now deserve the right to redress.
Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group now calls upon the British Government and the UK Ministry of Defence to instigate a full public inquiry into Gulf War Syndrome. We would also like to see full and proper medial assessment, treatment and compensation for all affected Gulf War Syndrome veterans.
This is requested in order to protect the health of past, present and future veterans of the Gulf theatre of Operations.
*** Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group does not condone any action in relation to the deliberate self harm of veterans but we do acknowledge the frustrations in relation to the lack of proper medical assessment, treatment and compensation of sick and disabled veterans. We hope and pray that the issues raised by Mr Izett can be addressed and that Alex feels able to cease his campaign in relation to the hunger strike as soon as possible. We would urge all Gulf Veterans not to use a hunger strike as a form of protest.
For further details, please visit Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group
http://www.gwsuk.org.uk/
Please also see:
Gulf War soldier on hunger strike
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3682525.stm
As of midnight May 1st 2004 Mr Alex Izett a former soldier and veteran of the 1990-91 Gulf War has commenced a personal protest at the treatment of Gulf War Syndrome veterans by the UK Ministry of Defence by going on hunger strike.
In an unprecedented move Mr Izett followed his action by telling Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group that he is now prepared to jeopardise his own health and safety and possibly his life in order to bring attention to the plight and suffering of all Gulf War Syndrome veterans.
Although Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group does not condone the actions now being taken by Mr Izett we do hold empathy with all who have been affected by their Gulf War service. Many Gulf era veterans now feel betrayed by the country they once gave loyal service to.
Mr Izett gave his service in a standby role during the Gulf War of 1990-91 and now considers that he suffers with health related problems associated with Gulf War Syndrome. Mr Izett now believes that not enough has been done to address the issues of Gulf War Syndrome and feels that the only way to bring attention to the outstanding issues is by embarking on a hunger strike.
Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group is very concerned about the action being taken by Mr Izett and feels that more should be done in an effort to address the issues raised. When Mr Izett was asked to give service to his country he agreed to serve without question, he was given preparation for war service and was subsequently held in reserve, surely this individual and the many hundreds if not thousands of sick and disabled veterans now deserve the right to redress.
Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group now calls upon the British Government and the UK Ministry of Defence to instigate a full public inquiry into Gulf War Syndrome. We would also like to see full and proper medial assessment, treatment and compensation for all affected Gulf War Syndrome veterans.
This is requested in order to protect the health of past, present and future veterans of the Gulf theatre of Operations.
*** Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group does not condone any action in relation to the deliberate self harm of veterans but we do acknowledge the frustrations in relation to the lack of proper medical assessment, treatment and compensation of sick and disabled veterans. We hope and pray that the issues raised by Mr Izett can be addressed and that Alex feels able to cease his campaign in relation to the hunger strike as soon as possible. We would urge all Gulf Veterans not to use a hunger strike as a form of protest.
For further details, please visit Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group
http://www.gwsuk.org.uk/
Please also see:
Gulf War soldier on hunger strike
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3682525.stm