local
The lingering war: Vietnam vets’ battle over Agent Orange
By Kristin Crowley, Jason Crow at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
In Laredo , where many veterans have called home after their service, the struggle of Art Gentry and others like him resonates deeply. The city's own veterans' community has likely seen its share of Agent Orange-related health issues, given the significant number of locals who served in Vietnam. As these veterans age, the importance of recognizing their exposure to toxic substances and providing them with adequate benefits becomes more pressing. The strict rules governing benefits eligibility can be particularly challenging for those who, like Gentry, may not have served in a "presumptive exposure location" but still believe they were exposed to Agent Orange. Laredo's congressional representatives and local veterans' organizations may need to advocate for more flexible guidelines and increased support for veterans navigating the complex benefits system, ensuring that those who have sacrificed for their country receive the care and recognition they deserve.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristin Crowley, Jason Crow at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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