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 The Laredo
In Laredo , where many veterans call home, the struggle of Art Gentry and others like him resonates deeply. The city's own VA hospital and outreach services are likely familiar with the challenges of navigating benefits for Agent Orange exposure. As the local veteran community continues to grow, with many having served in Vietnam, the importance of recognizing the long-term effects of this toxic herbicide cannot be overstated. The strict rules governing benefits, including the requirement to prove service in a "presumptive exposure location," can be particularly daunting for those who, like Gentry, have complex stories of exposure. Laredo's congressional representatives and local veterans' organizations may need to reexamine their support for these veterans, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve, and advocating for a more nuanced approach to addressing the legacy of Agent Orange.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristin Crowley, Jason Crow at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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