[20210902]IF11813_假定服务连接：Karshi Khanabad（K2）空军基地营地据点自由前军人.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated September 2, 2021Presumptive Service Connection: Former Servicemembers of Camp Stronghold Freedom at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) AirbaseIn recent years, exposure to potentially toxic hazards, like open-air burn pits, has gained congressional attention. In the 117th Congress, the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees have indicated ongoing interest in examining the association of illnesses with exposure to certain toxic hazards during military service. Congress has debated multiple legislative proposals to establish presumptive service connection for veterans potentially exposed to toxic hazards while conducting military operations or while stationed at specific military installations. One proposal specifically includes those formerly stationed at Camp Stronghold Freedom and who have since developed certain health issues or disabilities. What is Camp Stronghold Freedom? In October 2001, the U.S. military established Camp Stronghold Freedom at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Airbase in Uzbekistan (see Figure 1). Located on a former Soviet-era air base, Camp Stronghold Freedom served as an intermediate staging base to support logistics and air base require