SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24
(By Senators Hunter, McCabe, Jenkins, Dempsey, Minard, Love and
Foster)
Designating January 17 annually as "Gulf War Illness Recognition
Day".
Whereas,
Thousands of Gulf War veterans have experienced
undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, loss
of muscle control, diarrhea, memory problems and loss of balance;
and
Whereas,
Studies have shown that Gulf War veterans have higher
rates of testicular cancer and are twice as likely to develop Lou
Gehrig's disease than soldiers who were not deployed; and
Whereas,
The federal government initially denied a link
between the illnesses of Gulf War veterans and the Gulf War, but
has since initiated studies to pinpoint the cause of Gulf War
illness. Those studies focus on toxic substances veterans
encountered during the war; and
Whereas,
The Gulf War began on January 17, 1991, so it is only
fitting that each year on that date Gulf War veterans be
remembered; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That The Legislature hereby designates
January 17 annually as
"Gulf War Illness Recognition Day"; and, be it
Further Resolved,
That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor.