Video

Video by Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger

Ohio National Guard Soldier’s mission to help fellow veterans was driving force behind PACT Act

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

May 27, 2024 | 6:48

Ten years after an overseas deployment, Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, a combat medic in the Ohio Army National Guard, developed a rare autoimmune disease and lung cancer from toxic burn pit exposure. While enduring his own illness, Robinson and his family helped lead advocacy efforts for veterans who suffered similar conditions and were not receiving adequate health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Three years after being diagnosed, Robinson died at age 39, leaving behind his wife, Danielle, and daughter, Brielle. His efforts and legacy continue to live on. On Aug. 2, 2022, Congress passed the Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which enables veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits to receive health care through the VA. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)