September 14–15, 2026 | Washington, DC

In September 2026, widows connected through LEAWS returned to Washington, DC, for another gathering of Camp Lejeune veterans, surviving spouses and families seeking justice for those affected by contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

The two-day visit, held on September 14–15, marked the second time that year LEAWS widows had travelled to the nation’s capital to participate in advocacy activities.

The rally was organised by Lejeune Veterans for Justice, with LEAWS helping to bring widows together and supporting their participation.

For many of the women, the journey represented far more than a trip to Washington. It was an opportunity to honour their husbands, reconnect with other widows and share their experiences with those involved in the legislative process.

Recognising that travelling to Washington can place a financial burden on families, LEAWS organised a popcorn fundraiser to help widows attend.

Funds raised enabled LEAWS to reimburse participating widows for one night’s hotel accommodation, helping reduce the cost of taking part.

The initiative reflected an important part of LEAWS’ mission: supporting widows not only through words, but also through practical assistance and opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences.

Outside the formal advocacy activities, the women spent time together, sharing meals, conversations and moments of friendship.

These opportunities to reconnect were an important part of the visit, strengthening the relationships and sense of community that LEAWS continues to foster.

During the visit, LEAWS widows spent time in congressional offices and corridors, continuing discussions surrounding H.R. 4145 and S. 907, legislation intended to address aspects of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims process.

The group visited congressional offices, including that of Representative Andrew Garbarino, and engaged with congressional representatives and staff.

The visit also included contact with Congresswoman Deborah Ross and members of her staff.

These encounters provided opportunities to share the experiences of surviving spouses and discuss the continuing challenges faced by families pursuing Camp Lejeune claims.

For the widows, being present in Washington meant that their stories could be shared directly, rather than remaining simply names and numbers within a legal process.

On September 14th & 15th, veterans, widows, family members and supporters gathered near the Russell Senate Office Building for the rally organised by Lejeune Veterans for Justice.

Widows formed a significant proportion of those attending, a particularly meaningful moment for LEAWS.

Many carried signs and banners representing their husbands and the families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

LEAWS founder and president Michelle James also addressed the gathering, speaking as a surviving spouse and advocate for widows affected by Camp Lejeune.

The event provided another opportunity for veterans and surviving families to share their experiences publicly and highlight the continuing impact of the contamination.

Members of the wider veterans’ advocacy community, including VFW supporters, were also present.

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Alongside the congressional visits and rally, the September journey also included a deeply personal moment of remembrance.

During a visit to a military memorial, LEAWS founder Michelle James saw the name of her late husband, Marine veteran Eric Leland Holford.

For widows, advocacy and remembrance are often closely connected. Behind the legislation, court proceedings and public discussions are husbands whose lives and service remain central to their families’ stories.

The memorial visit offered a moment away from the activity of Capitol Hill to reflect on the people whose memories continue to inspire the widows’ involvement.

One of the most memorable aspects of the September gathering was the strong presence of widows.

Women who had connected through shared experiences came together again, offering companionship and encouragement while participating in activities that mattered deeply to them.

Whether travelling together, sharing a meal, walking the halls of Congress or standing outside the Capitol, their time in Washington reflected the value of having a supportive community.

For LEAWS, these connections are just as important as the formal meetings and public events.

The September visit built upon the relationships and advocacy activities established during the earlier June gathering.

LEAWS is grateful to Lejeune Veterans for Justice for organising the event and bringing the wider Camp Lejeune community together.

The trip demonstrated the continued involvement of surviving spouses in discussions surrounding Camp Lejeune, while also providing opportunities for friendship, remembrance and mutual support.