Gulf War Syndrome: Killing Our Own (2007)
In the aftermath of the Gulf War, a silent battle raged—one that didn’t make headlines or adorn military medals. Gary Null’s documentary, Gulf War Syndrome: Killing Our Own, peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding the suffering of U.S. veterans. These men and women returned home not as heroes, but as casualties of a different kind.
The Toxic Legacy: The film begins by revisiting the Vietnam War era, where the defoliant Agent Orange left a trail of destruction—neurological damage, rare cancers, and toxic reactions among U.S. veterans. But history repeated itself. The Gulf War introduced a new chapter in chemical warfare, and the consequences were dire. Soldiers and civilians alike faced exposure to deadly toxins, their bodies unwitting battlegrounds.
The Hidden Truths: Dr. Gary Null, our guide through this harrowing journey, unearths the suppressed realities. He relies on compelling testimonies from eyewitnesses—those who served on the front lines. Their voices echo the pain etched into their very cells. We meet leading doctors and scientists who specialize in chemical exposure, their expertise illuminating the darkness.
The Ailments: Gulf War veterans bore the brunt of this chemical assault. Their illnesses defy easy categorization. Rare cancers, neurological diseases, cardiac ailments—they became part of a grim lexicon. Genetic mutations and autoimmune conditions haunted them, from chronic fatigue syndrome to lupus and scleroderma. The term “Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome” felt glib—a mere label for profound suffering.
Armor-Piercing Radioactive Depleted Uranium: Dr. Null delves into the insidious effects of armor-piercing radioactive depleted uranium. The same material that pierced tanks also pierced lives. Its legacy lingered, leaving a trail of suffering that defied borders. The film doesn’t shy away from the truth: war’s aftermath is not confined to battlefields; it seeps into bodies and homes.
Vaccines and Chemical Contamination: Over 1,100,000 U.S. troops received experimental vaccines. The military’s gamble with their health had devastating consequences. And then there’s the indescribable chemical contamination—the poisoned air, water, and soil. The Persian Gulf Wars left scars that defy easy healing.
Accountability and Cover-Up: The U.S. government’s response? Denial. Trivialization. Cover-up. Veterans and their families grappled with the fallout while officialdom looked away. But this film refuses to let the truth remain buried. It holds the government accountable for its role in the Gulf War Syndrome saga.
A Cautionary Tale: Gulf War Syndrome: Killing Our Own isn’t just a documentary; it’s a cautionary tale. It warns us about the cost of war beyond the battlefield. It challenges us to see beyond the medals and parades, to recognize the invisible wounds. As the credits roll, we’re left with a solemn duty—to remember, to advocate, and to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
This film stands as a testament to the resilience of those who fought not only in combat but against the shadows that followed them home. Their sacrifice deserves more than silence; it demands our attention and action.
