A former Marine and his family have been left with severe health issues linked to “toxic” drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
Elbridge Cleveland, 64, served in the United States Marine Corps between 1979 and 1988.
From 1980, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for six years, alongside his then-wife and their three children.
In 1982, the Marine Corps discovered toxic volatile organic compounds in the base’s drinking water, which served around 34,000 people.
Elbridge says his health problems began in 1985, when he started experiencing constant headaches and leg pain.
Since then, he has been diagnosed with 61 different health conditions – including kidney disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, skin cancer, mitochondrial disease, cysts throughout his body, and has suffered multiple strokes.
He also lost his wife to cancer, his daughter has stage four cancer, and his sons have also developed health issues, which Elbridge believes are linked to the contaminated water.
Elbridge, from Lacona, New York, said: “We didn’t know anything about the water being contaminated.
“Nobody did until 1987, when they sent out a survey to people who had lived there.
“It asked if we had experienced any type of illness, where we lived, and where we drank the water from.
“At the time, they didn’t say the survey was due to the contamination, but I knew there was something else behind it.”
During his time in the United States Marine Corps, Elbridge was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for six years.
He lived there with his ex-wife, and the couple welcomed their three children during that time.
“I started experiencing constant headaches, prostate issues, and discomfort in both of my legs,” Elbridge said.
“I didn’t know anything about the water being poisoned; nobody did.”
Water contamination at Camp Lejeune dates back to August 1953, when the Hadnot Point water system began supplying contaminated water to base residents.
By 1981, laboratory testing revealed the water was highly contaminated. However, residents were not formally notified until years later.
Since leaving the Marines, Elbridge says he has experienced “all kinds of health issues.”
He has been diagnosed with kidney disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, skin cancer, mitochondrial disease, cysts throughout his body, and has suffered multiple strokes.
He said his wife died from cancer in 2024, and that all three of his children have experienced health issues, which he believes are linked to the contaminated water.
Speaking to Sell Us Your Story, Elbridge said, “I can’t do a lot of things that I used to. I still get lightheaded all the time.
“I get muscle spasms throughout my whole body; they are in my throat, so sometimes I struggle to breathe.
“My daughter has stage four cancer. My two sons, who were born on the base, also have health issues.
“My sons were born in the Navy hospital there. When they were born, they were washed with that toxic water and then wound up drinking it.”
On the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are encouraged to apply for disability benefits and healthcare.
Elbridge says he receives both, but feels abandoned by the government and claims he is not being supported in accessing further treatment.
He said he had to start flying to the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, for treatment as the hospitals in New York, as recommended by the Veterans Affairs, were “putting plasters” over his health issues.
“I started going to the Cleveland Clinic for treatment, as no hospital in New York would treat me,” he said.
“The clinic recommended that the VA install an infrared sauna and a hydrotherapy unit in my home, as it would help with the pain and my sleep.
“But the VA kept saying no, and I am losing feeling in my hands and legs.”
He described his treatment as “horrific” and said he feels it would be easier for the department if he died, so “they wouldn’t have to foot the bill.”
“I am fighting them for everything,” he said.
“I can’t help but feel like it would be easier for them if I died.
“This is no way to treat a veteran.”
Veteran Affairs press secretary, Quinn Slaven, said: “Federal law prohibits the purchase or installation of therapeutic or wellness equipment for in-home use under the VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program.
“This program may only be used for home modifications, such as accessibility improvements to bathrooms, entrances, and mobility-related home functions.”
