LEAWS Widows Take Their Fight for Camp Lejeune Justice to Capitol Hill
June 2026 | Washington, DC
In June 2026, widows from LEAWS (Life After the Expected Widowhood Struggle) travelled to Washington, DC, to stand alongside sick veterans, surviving spouses and family members affected by the contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
The Capitol Hill rally, organised by Lejeune Veterans for Justice, brought together people whose lives had been forever changed by the contamination. For many, the journey was not simply about attending an event. It was an opportunity to share their experiences, honour loved ones and make their voices heard.
Approximately 11 widows came together during the visit. Some travelled with family members, including one widow accompanied by her son and another by her daughter, highlighting how the impact of Camp Lejeune reaches across generations.
Standing Together on Capitol Hill
Against the backdrop of the United States Capitol, veterans, widows and families gathered with signs and banners to raise awareness of the continuing challenges facing those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Speakers shared their personal experiences, including the health consequences, loss and difficulties families have faced while pursuing claims.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross also attended and spoke with those gathered, providing an opportunity for veterans and surviving families to share their concerns with a member of Congress.
For LEAWS, the rally was an opportunity to stand alongside the wider Camp Lejeune community while ensuring that the experiences of widows remained part of the conversation.
National VFW Representatives Show Solidarity
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also stood alongside Camp Lejeune veterans and their families during the Capitol Hill gathering.
In a public statement following the event, the national organisation expressed its support for action on H.R. 4145, the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025.
The VFW identified three representatives who contributed to the gathering: General Counsel John Muckelbauer, Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci and National Legislative Committee Chairman Jason Johns.
Their contributions included personal stories, professional insights and experiences relating to the challenges facing Camp Lejeune veterans and their families.
The VFW also highlighted the legislation’s proposed changes to the claims process, its clarification of congressional intent and its aim of improving access to justice.
For those attending, the organisation’s presence demonstrated that concerns surrounding Camp Lejeune were being recognised beyond the individuals and families directly affected.
Over 1,000 Voices Represented in a Petition
Alongside participation in the rally, LEAWS undertook its own congressional outreach.
A petition supporting H.R. 4145 had gathered more than 1,000 supporters, including individuals who could not personally travel to Washington.
During the visit, copies of the petition were delivered to Representative Jim Jordan’s office and the House Judiciary Committee office.
The petition provided a tangible record of the support expressed by those following the legislation and the ongoing Camp Lejeune claims process.
For LEAWS, delivering the petition was an important opportunity to ensure that the concerns of widows, veterans and families were represented beyond those physically present at the rally.
Continuing the Conversation With Congressional Offices
The advocacy continued on the second day of the visit, when LEAWS widows met with a member of Senator Ashley Moody’s staff.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Camp Lejeune-related concerns and the experiences of surviving spouses.
Together with the petition deliveries, the visit formed part of LEAWS’ wider effort to engage congressional offices and document the concerns of families affected by the contamination.
Every Family Has a Story
Behind the banners, speeches and legislative discussions were people living with the consequences of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
Some were veterans facing serious illnesses. Others were widows grieving the loss of their husbands. Family members attended in support of loved ones, carrying their own experiences of the tragedy.
The gathering was a reminder that Camp Lejeune is not simply a legal or legislative issue. It is also a deeply personal story for thousands of families.
Conclusion
LEAWS is grateful to Lejeune Veterans for Justice for organising the Capitol Hill gathering and bringing affected veterans and families together.
For LEAWS, participating in the June visit was another opportunity to strengthen connections between widows, take part in congressional outreach and ensure that the experiences of surviving families remained visible.
The visit reflected LEAWS’ continuing commitment to supporting widows, preserving their loved ones’ stories and providing opportunities for their voices to be heard.