Seventeen years after the First Gulf War a congressionally mandated report released this week concluded that Gulf War illness is indeed real and confirmed. The report finds that one quarter of the 700,000 returning veterans are afflicted by the illness. The symptoms are varied and can include memory loss, concentration problems, rashes, digestive problems, and widespread pain. The report states clearly that two chemical exposures were direct causes of the disorder: the drug pyridostigmine bromide, handed out to troops to protect them against nerve agents, and pesticides that were widely used in the war arena to protect against sand flies and other pests. Many vets say that this is a "bittersweet" moment as this study confirms that the disease exists but offers no treatment or cure. Quotes "What this report has been able to do is to separate out which ones were truly causes as opposed to others which turn out not to be." - James Binns, Research Advisory Committee Chairman "I heard one of the veterans yesterday call this a bittersweet moment for them, because in large measure all of this work simply confirms what they know, that they are ill and have been for 17 years."-James Binns, Research Advisory Committee Chairman "There are important consequences that we think should come out of this report. One is to review and revise the instructions that V.A. doctors are given and how to treat Gulf War veterans."-James Binns, Research Advisory Committee Chairman Warm Up Questions 1. When was the first Gulf War? 2. Who was involved in the conflict? 3. What was the cause of the war? Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think there has been so little research into a cure for the illness? 2. Some veterans have been suffering for 17 years how do you think they should be compensated? Where should the money come from? 3. Imagine you suffered from Gulf War illness, what significance do you think this report would have to you? Additional Resources Read this transcript War Vets Suffer Intensified Mental Distress Over Time