'We aren't going anywhere': Camp Lejeune Justice Act leaders stand firm, hold rally this weekend

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will help many who seek damages for health issues related to toxic water contamination in the mid-late 20th century.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will help many who seek damages for health issues related to toxic water contamination in the mid-late 20th century.

Samantha Sinclair-Via has been surrounded by health problems for much of her life, and is determined to get a bill passed for those she's been fighting for since 2008.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has already passed through the House, but advocates are still in need of Senate support. If passed, the bill would allow people exposed to contaminated drinking water at MCB Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station from 1953 to 1987 to sue the government and potentially recover damages for harm caused by the water.

"This is my calling," Sinclair-Via said. "We are a family, the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water survivors, and I will not quit fighting until I am six feet under."

Related coverage: Camp Lejeune Justice Act introduced in U.S. Senate by N.C. Republicans, two Democrats

Related coverage: As Camp Lejeune water bill gains support, House committee wants to hear from toxic-exposed vets

As reported by the Daily News in January, more than 125 U.S. representatives have signed on as cosponsors, and in November, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a similar bill by the same name in the Senate.

Sinclair-Via and former Marine reservist Curtis Crawford have coordinated an event for this Saturday, April 30 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at The Sunset Inn located at the intersection of North Marine Blvd and Western Blvd.

The rally for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will take place Saturday, April 30.
The rally for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will take place Saturday, April 30.

According to a release from Crawford, the rally will be the third time that their group will be gathering in Jacksonville to continue to spread the word about Camp Lejeune.

"This event could possibly be one of celebration, as we are expecting the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to soon pass and be signed into law," the release said. "We are hoping this will be the case."

The release said once the bill passes, they will have two years to file suit in the eastern North Carolina court system.

"We're just trying to, once again, be like, 'Hey look, we need this passed,'" Crawford said. "It just gets it out there in front of the public's eye to let them know that, hey, it's still being worked on, it's not a dead issue."

Curtis Crawford poses with commissioner Robin Knapp.
Curtis Crawford poses with commissioner Robin Knapp.

During the rally, Congressman Greg Murphy will speak to help push the importance of the legislation, and Crawford said there will also be a live podcast on location.

Crawford said he lost a lot due to health issues caused by the toxic water.

"I lost a business and a job, my ability to work full time, my house went in the same process," Crawford said. "So, yeah, I've seen everything kind of disappear from my life because of it. But hey, you take what you're given and you use it for the best."

Sinclair-Via is also familiar with health issues, as she lived on base from 1976 to 1987, and has been fighting this issue since 2008.

Not only has she suffered cancer twice, but her son was born missing both kidney flaps, her mother died from multiple myeloma at age 69, her father died from Agent Orange chemicals, and her nephew was born with his aorta and pulmonary arteries flip flopped.

"I have also lost a fetus and have suffered ovarian tumors, uterine fibroid tumor and clavicle tumor and autoimmune skin hypersensitivity (allergic to everything)," Sinclair Via said. "I am here fighting because I promised my 24-year veteran father, and to help other sick veterans and dependents."

Onslow County Commissioner Robin Knapp is also passionate about the cause.

"These folks who have suffered throughout the years because of decontaminated water deserve to be heard and receive full compensation," Knapp said. "Many have suffered needlessly."

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has made it through the House, but still needs support in the Senate.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has made it through the House, but still needs support in the Senate.

More: Camp Lejeune toxic water survivors to hold outreach event

More: Camp Lejeune Justice Act key for toxic water survivors, ‘Be patient’ says leading advocate

Sinclair-Via said she's watched so many die since she started with longtime Lejeune water advocate Mike Partain and the movement's leading figure Jerry Ensminger.

She said she feels Marine leaders are waiting for the disabled, sick, cancer-ridden veterans to die off, not realizing dependents are sick too.

"We aren't going anywhere," Sinclair-Via said. "It's upsetting to see some of the Republicans vote against the PACT act when they were supposed to support our military veterans. I appreciate Tillis as he helped me with my case and also appreciate Greg Murphey."

Crawford said he wants to let people know that this isn't just a military issue and that they're standing for everyone: the children, the family members, the husbands and wives.

"There have been too many lost lives because of this," Crawford said.

Plaques were presented to commissioners who came out to the rally; Vice Chairman Tim Foster accepts his.
Plaques were presented to commissioners who came out to the rally; Vice Chairman Tim Foster accepts his.

He said this is the largest mass contamination of people in the history of the U.S., and that he wants to see everyone embrace the issue, instead of sweeping it under the rug.

"My father said in an article in 2009, that he loved being a Marine, but the thing he loved so much has killed his family, and he called it genocide," Sinclair-Via said. "I got cancer at 29, and proved not genetic, and then again at 43. I am 47 now, I'm doing this for the people I love, our veterans. We are the true meaning of Semper Fi."

More: A Survivor’s Fight: NC woman shares story of life ravaged by toxic water at Camp Lejeune

Sinclair-Via said there will also be a countrywide outreach on May 19, and people should also check out the documentary Semper Fi: Always Faithful.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Rally for Camp Lejeune Justice Act bill this weekend in Jacksonville