Atomic Veterans Have New Voice on Advisory Board

Roadman is New Chair for Dose Reconstruction

WASHINGTON – Dr. Charles H. Roadman II, a retired Air Force lieutenant general and professor of military and emergency medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, assumed duties as the chairman of the Veterans’ Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction last month.

“General Roadman brings years of medical expertise and leadership experience, a passion for helping his fellow Veterans and a profound sense of urgency to reach all those who may have been exposed to ionizing radiation during their military service,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are committed to supporting his efforts.”

Roadman, who previously served as the surgeon general of the Air Force, succeeded retired Vice Adm. James A. Zimble, physician who served as chairman of the advisory board.  Roadman sits on the board of directors of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc., and Air Force Village.  He is a member of various non-profit and for-profit scientific advisory boards.

As its second chairman, Roadman provides leadership to the board, a federal advisory committee that works with VA and the Department of Defense through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency on issues of importance to the nation’s atomic Veterans.

Atomic Veterans include service members who participated in the 1945-1946 occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki in Japan, and in atmospheric nuclear testing sponsored by the United States between 1945 and 1962.  As part of its charter, the board conducts periodic, random audits of dose reconstructions and decisions on claims for radiogenic diseases and assists VA and DoD in communicating information on the mission, procedures, and evidentiary requirements of the dose reconstruction program to Veterans.

VA examines and treats atomic Veterans, or other Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation in service.  It also evaluates disability claims and pays compensation to Veterans whose health has been adversely affected by exposure.

Roadman retired in 1999 as the Air Force Surgeon General. Since his retirement, he served as president and CEO of the American Health Care Association in Washington, D.C., from 1999-2004.

Please visit www.VBDR.org for more information on advisory board activities and

Click for information on VA services for exposed Veterans.