National Military Appreciation Month—celebrated every May—serves as a reminder of Americans’ commitment to honoring the sacrifices and contributions of troops and their families in Santa Barbara County, California, and beyond. Through an array of events, communities come together to express gratitude to those who willingly devoted their lives to safeguard the nation.
But what has often been overlooked is that such appreciation must also be reflected in the level of attention for critical issues affecting veterans long after their retirement. Such an urgent need is best underscored by the experiences of countless personnel facing long-term health conditions linked to toxic exposure.
Fortunately, this growing concern has begun to receive renewed traction in Congress—leading to the advancement of legislative efforts such as the proposed bipartisan Veterans Exposed to Toxic (VET) PFAS Act, which aims to ease barriers to health care and benefits for retirees affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure.
The bill seeks to alleviate the ongoing struggle for veterans who must individually prove that their health issues are a direct result of their service, even as scientific evidence increasingly highlights the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
For the approximately 15,000 veterans in Santa Barbara County, life after service is often marked by the long-term health consequences of their frequent contact with hazardous substances, such as Lewisite, mustard gas, asbestos, volatile organic compounds, Agent Orange, burn pit fumes, lead, and radiation.
The country must recognize that its commitment to ensuring adequate support for veterans remains incomplete.
Asbestos, in particular, has been pervasively entrenched in numerous World War II naval vessels and installations like Point Mugu. And while this natural mineral has facilitated excellent insulation and fireproofing for Navy ships and equipment across military branches, its microscopic fibers have unfortunately placed exposed veterans at risk of chronic illnesses.
Consistent with this, national data indicate that this population currently comprises around 30 percent of the 3,000 mesothelioma cases reported annually. Furthermore, in the broader Santa Barbara County area, asbestos-related diseases have likewise taken a tragic toll, with more than 400 lives lost between 1999 and 2017.
Similarly, over the past decades, attention has turned to the enduring presence of PFAS, artificial chemicals engineered to resist heat and repel water and grease. Because of these properties, such compounds have easily found their way into military operations, primarily through the widespread use of a specialized firefighting agent called aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). However, as with asbestos, PFAS are notorious for their ability to defy natural degradation, making them exceptionally dangerous to humans.
Consistent with this, researchers revealed that consuming them may lead to drastic health effects—most notably various types of cancer. Even the Environmental Protection Agency has underlined this peril, stating that trace amounts can also be detrimental to the public’s well-being. Prior to this guidance, high concentrations of PFAS had already been discharged in the environment, contaminating more than 700 military bases nationwide—including Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Science and public health consensus have already emphasized that toxic exposure is an inherent risk of military service. However, recognition of this danger has not always translated into timely or consistent delivery of care and benefits, mainly since many veterans are still required to undergo an often complicated process to access the assistance they direly need.
To date, the Honoring Our PACT Act of the Department of Veterans Affairs has already made significant strides by extending presumptive status to more than 20 conditions related to toxic exposure—including cases linked to Agent Orange and burn pits. At its core, such an initiative has lessened the evidentiary burden for affected veterans, which is a commendable step forward.
However, despite this progress, the country must recognize that its commitment to ensuring adequate support for veterans remains incomplete, as other conditions—specifically those tied to PFAS exposure—still lack the same recognition.
The VET PFAS Act would strengthen how the Department of Veterans Affairs responds to illnesses associated with PFAS exposure by, among other provisions, establishing presumptive service connection for certain PFAS-related conditions and expanding eligibility for health care and benefits for veterans exposed in military environments where these chemicals were extensively used.
Now, as National Military Appreciation Month continues, the legislation also serves as a reminder that the long-term consequences of military service extend far beyond active duty. For veterans in Northern Santa Barbara County and across the country, the continued advancement of measures such as the VET PFAS Act may shape how effectively scientific understanding is translated into meaningful institutional support for those living with the enduring effects of toxic exposure.
Cristina Johnson is a veteran advocate with the Asbestos Ships Organization, which raises awareness of veterans’ exposure to toxic substances. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 21 – May 28, 2026.