The Cost of Burn Pits, Part Two: Healthcare for Veterans by Marisa De La Villa  On the battlefield, soldiers are trained to identify any outward threats, whether that be enemy combatants or incoming fire– they should be able to recognize them with no problem. But, what happens when the biggest threat to their health and safety comes from right under their noses? The thick, toxic smoke that came from the massive burn pits used in the wars in the Middle East exposed thousands of veterans to life-threatening illnesses and chronic health issues that still affect them today. 1 After years of being silenced and this struggle going almost unnoticed, the true cost of burn pits is finally gaining attention throughout the world. With advocacy groups and affected veterans fighting for recognition, proper medical care, and overall accountability, people are finally understanding the dangers posed through this practice of using burn pits on foreign and wartorn ground. 2  The impact ...