FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Author Of Anthrax Vaccine Book, Veteran, Deplores Cancellation Of Human Rights For Troops As DOD Re-Starts Anthrax Vaccine

Lexington, KY/EWORLDWIRE/July 1, 2002 --- Declaring it particularly ironic that the country is preparing to celebrate Independence Day, Lt. Col. Thomas S. Heemstra (ret. U.S.A.F.), author of “Anthrax: A Deadly Shot in the Dark,” says that with the June 28th announcement that the Dept. of Defense will resume a scaled-down program to administer the anthrax vaccine to its troops, “military troops will be deprived once again of their basic human rights, mistreated as second class citizens."

Referring to the fact that the anthrax vaccine has a high rate of adverse reactions – up to 35% according to its new label; has caused six dates to death – more than were killed by last year’s anthrax attacks; and has long been on file with the FDA as an Investigational New Drug, a status which legally requires informed consent, Heemstra expressed his outrage and frustration over the current turn of events. “Now,” he says, “essential trust in military leadership has effectively been pierced, perhaps dealt a final deadly blow.”

In addition, Heemstra noted that in its announcement the DOD referenced an “FDA approved vaccine for civilians,” as if there were a second safer vaccine designed especially for civilians. “Not only is this false, but it implies that the original, faulty vaccine used on the troops is acceptable, and civilians deserve something better,” he said.

Heemstra’s concerns about the anthrax vaccine, developed after extensive research when he found he would have to order it for the pilots under his command, eventually led to his forced early retirement from the Air Force. The vaccine’s extremely high reactogenicity has led a growing chorus of active-duty troops and veterans to speak out against the vaccine, voices which now may be joined by civilians. Health problems attributed to the vaccine include grand mal seizures, tumors and cysts, heart problems, severe bone and joint pain, deep skin rashes and infections, loss of testosterone in some men, severe hemorrhaging in some women, autoimmune illnesses, and, to date, six fatalities. Throughout his book, Heemstra combines research and historical narrative with the personal stories of many who have become ill from the vaccine, and with his own painful decision to risk a career he loved in order to save the pilots under his command. 

On May 6th of this year, Heemstra filed his second “Whistle Blower” complaint, this one directed to the Office of the President . The complaint addresses the Defense Department’s failure to respond to his first IG complaint 2-1/2 years after filing, despite numerous congressional inquiries. 

“You may have to face the same decision, whether to take the shot and risk your and your family’s health, based on U.S. Department of Defense recommendations,” notes Heemstra, “or whether to speak out and demand safety, accountability, and a quality vaccine...It’s vital to know what they are about to inject into your body.” 

The book’s website is www.anthraxadeadlyshotinthedark.com. More information about the anthrax vaccine can be found at www.anthraxvaccine.net; www.anthraxvaccine.org; www.house.gov/reform/ns/reports/anthraxreport.pdf, and at www.dallasnw.quik.com/cyberella.

CONTACT: 
Crystal Communications
2009 Family Circle, #3 • Lexington, KY 40505
PH: (859) 255-0076 • FAX: (859) 255-0938 

Ed Puterbaugh
PHONE: 859.255.0076 ext. 7# 
EMAIL: ed@crystalcommunications.biz 

LT. Col. Thomas S. Heemstra (Ret. U.S.A.F.) 
PHONE: 859.621.8982

URLs: www.anthraxadeadlyshotinthedark.com, www.anthraxvaccine.org; www.house.gov/reform/ns/reports/anthraxreport.pdf,  www.dallasnw.quik.com/cyberella