Unsafe work environment claims at Keesler Air Force Base

Choosing to serve in the military is one of the most courageous things you can do. After serving in active duty, Larry McDonald began fabrication work at the Keesler Air Force Base. Since then, his life has been flipped upside down.

“My whole family is military. Uncles, grandfathers, my father just recently retired, brothers. I respect it to the fullest, and you know that’s why I joined, thinking you can be a part of a family. But you know, it’s very disheartening when you find out family is a determining factor on not helping you at all or, you know, got a hand in destroying you.”

Scared, nervous, uncertain, these are the constant feelings that weigh on Larry McDonald’s mind. McDonald is a sheet metal mechanic at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. For the past five years, McDonald has dealt with an auto-immune disease, loss of vision, and countless other critical medical conditions. “I’m being monitored because I actually have a spot on my brain. I’ve had episodes where I’ve passed out. So, my life is impacted, but when people see me physically, I don’t look that way, but inside I’m slowly breaking down.”

McDonald claims that his medical issues are a direct result of his job. McDonald says that the work environment in the fabrication building that he works in is unsafe and is not compliant with occupational health standards. McDonald says that the building has no washers or dryers or safety showers which are a must in any toxic work environment. “It’s even in writing that these things can cause adverse health effects if we don’t do something about it. Now, we’re looking at nine years and it’s still the same process.”

As McDonald’s issues worsened, he was moved to a desk position with hopes of his health improving. However, McDonald’s issues are still lingering which comes with hefty medical bills. McDonald says these bills are a burden to him and his family due to his lack of benefits. “And with not being active duty, you don’t get any benefits from that. So, that’s been a mental challenge. I even see mental health because they actually want to keep an eye because of all the things that I do have going on.”

For McDonald it’s not just about him anymore, but about the countless other employees who are battling similar medical issues. “At this point I know it’s even bigger than myself. Even the people that have passed on, we’ve had one that has passed on. What does his family get? They didn’t get anything, just talked it up as ‘he was a good guy.’”

With no major changes being made, Kevin Cuttill and the Crusaders for Veterans joined in, hoping to rectify the situation for the employees who need it. “They need someone else at their side because when you go to a fight by yourself, you’re outnumbered,” said Cuttill. “With his situation being reserve and everything, well he still fell under the thumb of the federal government.”

McDonald says despite the pushback he receives, he’s still not after the military, but that he’s just fighting for what he believes to be right. “By all means, I’m not bashing the military or anything, I love it. On the same token, what is wrong is wrong. You got people who, what happens after this? A lot of people are scared right now.”

In response to the claims, Keesler sent News 25 this official statement. “The Air Force’s most valuable asset is our people. We are committed to keeping all of our employees and service members safe and healthy in order to answer our nation’s call. All our units continually labor to ensure safe working environments by educating our members on safety procedures and processes, providing personal protective equipment, and conducting safety and environmental inspections.”