NIS Agents serving in RVN, 1965-1975

[Dan Arnes]

Seawolf Bob Cathcart asked that I circulate this information.

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Subject: NIS Agents serving in RVN, 1965-1975
From: Robert Cathcart ([e-mail])
To: [e-mail];
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2017 5:44 PM

Dan,  Thanks for the information about Scramble the Seawolves.  I consider my year “in country" one of the best.  I was a 1635 Intelligence Officer assigned to HAL-3, arriving the week after Tet-1968. While I spent a much of my time at Vung Tau,  providing briefings and training to new pilots and air crew, I convinced the Ops boss and CO that I needed to travel through out the IV Corps area on a frequent basis in order to do my job properly.  In that regard, I flew as a fifth crew member on many occasions and every  once in a while as the fourth crew with an M-60 in my lap.   I also spent time on the PBRs, usually when operating off the LSTs.  

In 2015, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer as  result of Agent Orange exposure and am now rated as 100% disabled, fortunately I am not handicapped.
I am writing you as it is that I hope you will circulate this message.  After serving with the Seawolves I became an Officer Agent and subsequently a civilian Special Agent with NIS/ NCIS.  I recall in 1968/69, from time to time NIS agents flew with HAL-3 to the more remote spots served by CTF116.  I don’t recall any names or dates, however, the only way to get to some of the more remote spots in the delta was on a Seawolf Huey.  I recently learned that one or more civilian Special Agents who served time “in country” have been diagnosed with prostate cancer as a result of Agent Orange exposure, however, because they were civilians even though serving on official orders just like the rest of us, they get no treatment, consideration, or compensation from the Navy or the VA for their medical condition.

The retired Special Agents association is looking for documentation to confirm  that agents served “in country” and were exposed to Agent Orange in the course of their assigned duties.  If any one has photographs, logs, personal recollections about meeting NIS agents in country from the mid sixties until we pulled out in the mid seventies it might be helpful in supporting claims of service connected injury/illness.  I would appreciate it if anyone who might recall meeting NIS agents or has photos, flight logs or other information  or who might know of where such information might be located would be willing to share it with me so that I can pass it along to the retired agents association.

Thanks. And please keep all of us posted on the Scramble the Seawolves presentation. I look forward to seeing it on TV and/or buying a copy of the presentation.

Bob
Robert Cathcart, Former Seawolf, Retired NCIS Special Agent
[e-mail]

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Dan