Many members of the Super Sabre Society have been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Gary Parent was the 29th in a long line of F-100 flyers. There is a direct correlation to this disease with toxic Mil-std 7808 oil mist bleed-air leaks from the J-57 engine. A study by the Arizona State University shows that F-100 pilots are 17% to 30% more susceptible than the general population, despite the fact that pilots in general are in better health.
B. V. Johnson, and Gary Parent did significant work trying to publicize the VA disability service connection prior to their deaths from IPF in 2013 and 2014.
Four USAF General’s have written to members of the Armed Services, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on this issue, including SSS member General Tony McPeak. Mcpeak IPF
If you know of others in our ranks are suffering from IPF, contact Win Reither CIO of the Super Sabre Society who understands the VA disability process including VA Widows Indemnity Compensation (DIC) ($1,707.35/MO).