local
The lingering war: Vietnam vets’ battle over Agent Orange
By Kristin Crowley, Jason Crow at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 26, 2026
· 5 min read
(Aging Untold)— Fifty years have passed since the end of the Vietnam War, but for countless veterans, the fight never truly ended.It’s a battle that has moved from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the quiet rooms of VA hospitals and the cold, sterile pages of government paperwork. For these men, ...
Key takeaway It’s a battle that has moved from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the quiet rooms of VA hospitals and the cold, sterile pages of government paperwork.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , where many veterans call home, the struggle of Art Gentry and others like him resonates deeply. The city's VA hospitals and healthcare facilities are likely to be familiar with the devastating health effects of Agent Orange, having treated numerous veterans suffering from related illnesses. As the federal government continues to grapple with the legacy of this toxic herbicide, local veterans' organizations and advocacy groups will play a crucial role in supporting those affected and pushing for greater recognition and benefits. The strict rules governing presumptive exposure locations may leave some Atlanta-area veterans, like Gentry, without the benefits they deserve, making it essential for local communities to rally around them and demand more flexible and compassionate policies. By sharing stories like Gentry's, Atlantans can better understand the ongoing impact of Agent Orange and work towards a more just outcome for those who served.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold)— Fifty years have passed since the end of the Vietnam War, but for countless veterans, the fight never truly ended.It’s a battle that has moved from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the quiet rooms of VA hospitals and the cold, sterile pages of government paperwork. For these men, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristin Crowley, Jason Crow at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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