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.