Ron is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served from 1969 to 1973 as an aircraft maintenance specialist. During the final years of his service, while in Thailand as a C-130 aircraft mechanic, Ron was exposed to Agent Orange—a chemical herbicide used by the military at the time which can cause cancer and other illnesses.
After his service, Ron was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and went on to develop Glaucoma and other health issues as a result of his exposure. When he initially applied for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) he was not eligible to receive cost-free treatment for these conditions through the VA healthcare system.
Because Democrats and President Biden passed the PACT Act in August 2022, millions of veterans, including Ron, began receiving life-changing benefits and improved healthcare thanks to the PACT Act’s expanded eligibility guidelines for disability as a result of exposure to toxic substances and burn pits.
I'm incredibly honored to have Ron joining me tonight, and thankful for his service to our nation. I could not think of a guest more deserving of this opportunity.
