Almost 250 veterans ailing from cancer and respiratory issues are filing lawsuits against military contractors that exposed them to harmful chemicals while serving overseas. If the lawsuits gain momentum, veterans can prove that military contractors cut corners to improve their profit margins at the expense of the troops they were meant to support.

During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, military contractors such as KBR, Inc. and Halliburton Co. operated large burn pits nearby American camps to dispose of waste. These pits were used to dispose of everything from jet fuel and ammo to pesticides and human remains. Flames were often green or blue in color, and their noxious fumes spread throughout the camp and into the barracks where active duty personnel would sleep and eat.

Once returning home, servicemen developed long-term medical conditions as a result of chemical exposure. When confronted for their negligence, military contractors argued that they were simply following orders.

Army National Guard 1st Sgt. David Montoya is terminally ill with colon cancer as a result of inhaling burn pit fumes and drinking poisoned water. He filed a lawsuit against Halliburton and KBR last week.

“You just kind of feel betrayed by corporate America, you know?” Montoya said. “Regardless of your beliefs on the war, when it comes down to corporate America profiting so much and the amount of money they make, they can take the time and right steps to ensure the safety of the service member.”

A federal burn pit registry was founded in 2013 to keep track of servicemen harmed by the poisonous smoke between Aug. 2, 1990 and Sept. 1, 2001. The amount of servicemen who served in the Middle East during that time included 3.5 million veterans.

(Photo Credit: Reuters)