Expedition Orange
Donation protected
My Dad had a saying, “When life hands you manure make fertilizer.”
That’s why on May 1, 2017, I’ll begin the 3000 mile journey from Santa Monica CA to Washington DC on my horse Teddy to raise support and awareness for Vietnam Veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange exposure.
My Dad was a Vietnam Veteran. He was also my best friend and instilled in me his deep love and life-long passion for horses. On September 24, 2015 he succumbed to a brain disease caused by exposure to the chemical Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. Before he passed, I promised him I would do something for his fellow brothers in arms, in hopes that I could ease their pain for having to fight the war again many years later.
As an Iraq War Veteran myself, I feel a bond with all veterans both past and present. We all served under the same flag so for me this is something I have to do, not just for my dad, but for every service member like him.
What is Agent Orange? If you never heard of it, you’re not alone.
Agent Orange was a toxic chemical defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to remove foliage, which made it easier for the troops to see through the dense jungle canopy. The VA has come to recognize certain cancers, brain disorders and other health problems as diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange during their military service.
How will your support be used?
My family and I know better than most the devastating toll Agent Orange related diseases can take on veterans and their families. For many of these vets, their health lies in ruin, yet, they receive no recognition for their chemically induced wounds brought on from service during the war.
That is why it’s my goal to start a non-profit dedicated to helping these ailing veterans on a personal level, as a way to recognize their sacrifice and say thank you for their service. Be it a weekend getaway with family, a new mattress to relieve pain, or tickets to see their favorite football team, I want them to know their countrymen care and more importantly finally get the recognition they deserve.
But first, the ride. Most Americans never heard of Agent Orange let alone the diseases brought on by it. The ride serves as a way to launch this topic into the public sphere so we can address these effects, not only for Vietnam Veterans, but for those who will suffer from future toxic exposures.
In addition, I’ve teamed up with a film production crew who will document my six month journey from coast to coast. Bayou Productions will help me produce a documentary not only about my experiences along the way but most importantly to interview Agent Orange effected veterans to shed light on the challenges they faced then and the challenges they face now.
It’s important for you, the donor, to know that my goal in producing this film is to allow veterans a platform to shed as much light on this topic as possible. Any proceeds made from this film will be used to fund the non-profit I start, so essentially the stories these veterans so graciously share will go toward helping their fellow brothers. Your donations will also go toward expenses for Teddy and other logistical support.
$30k is a lofty goal. But, together, I know it’s a goal we’ll achieve. Because it’s time this silent issue gets the attention it deserves and we show our ailing vets how much we recognize their sacrifice.
I won’t rest until I cover every mile. I’ll be riding Teddy, but your support will be what carries me from coast to coast.
Thank you for helping me turn manure into fertilizer.
That’s why on May 1, 2017, I’ll begin the 3000 mile journey from Santa Monica CA to Washington DC on my horse Teddy to raise support and awareness for Vietnam Veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange exposure.
My Dad was a Vietnam Veteran. He was also my best friend and instilled in me his deep love and life-long passion for horses. On September 24, 2015 he succumbed to a brain disease caused by exposure to the chemical Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. Before he passed, I promised him I would do something for his fellow brothers in arms, in hopes that I could ease their pain for having to fight the war again many years later.
As an Iraq War Veteran myself, I feel a bond with all veterans both past and present. We all served under the same flag so for me this is something I have to do, not just for my dad, but for every service member like him.
What is Agent Orange? If you never heard of it, you’re not alone.
Agent Orange was a toxic chemical defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to remove foliage, which made it easier for the troops to see through the dense jungle canopy. The VA has come to recognize certain cancers, brain disorders and other health problems as diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange during their military service.
How will your support be used?
My family and I know better than most the devastating toll Agent Orange related diseases can take on veterans and their families. For many of these vets, their health lies in ruin, yet, they receive no recognition for their chemically induced wounds brought on from service during the war.
That is why it’s my goal to start a non-profit dedicated to helping these ailing veterans on a personal level, as a way to recognize their sacrifice and say thank you for their service. Be it a weekend getaway with family, a new mattress to relieve pain, or tickets to see their favorite football team, I want them to know their countrymen care and more importantly finally get the recognition they deserve.
But first, the ride. Most Americans never heard of Agent Orange let alone the diseases brought on by it. The ride serves as a way to launch this topic into the public sphere so we can address these effects, not only for Vietnam Veterans, but for those who will suffer from future toxic exposures.
In addition, I’ve teamed up with a film production crew who will document my six month journey from coast to coast. Bayou Productions will help me produce a documentary not only about my experiences along the way but most importantly to interview Agent Orange effected veterans to shed light on the challenges they faced then and the challenges they face now.
It’s important for you, the donor, to know that my goal in producing this film is to allow veterans a platform to shed as much light on this topic as possible. Any proceeds made from this film will be used to fund the non-profit I start, so essentially the stories these veterans so graciously share will go toward helping their fellow brothers. Your donations will also go toward expenses for Teddy and other logistical support.
$30k is a lofty goal. But, together, I know it’s a goal we’ll achieve. Because it’s time this silent issue gets the attention it deserves and we show our ailing vets how much we recognize their sacrifice.
I won’t rest until I cover every mile. I’ll be riding Teddy, but your support will be what carries me from coast to coast.
Thank you for helping me turn manure into fertilizer.
Organizer
Colt Romberger
Organizer
Silver Spring, MD
