There's a lot of animosity on this subject. While my wife was a medical student in Germany, she did a short practical stint in the Military Hospital in Wuerzburg. The doctor she was working with was doing a study and compiling data on Saudi Syndrome. He had to go down to Vilseck and give a speech and presentation to an auditorium full of Joes who thought they had been affected. My wife and I figured we would drive down to see how it went since we (mainly she) were interested and involved to some small degree.
The Doc's presentation didn't go over too well. Joe didn't want to hear it. Joe wanted to hear that he had some weird ailment. I mean, I'm a layman. But come on- A thousand different non related symptoms but all part of the same disease? And we're talking symptoms ranging from baldness to trouble sleeping to general feelings of unease, moodiness, "always sick" (I loved that one personally- we had guys that were always sick in the Platoon and we called 'em shammers). It just don't add up. My experience with human nature tells me the more likely cause of Saudi Syndrome is the prospect of a lifetime gov't ride.
I agree with your assessment. There are no doubt a small number of soldiers who actually were sickened by something over there- but this Saudi Syndrome has gotten blown out of all proportion. What are the numbers up to now? Something like 25% of the vets that were there have it now?
Hats off to you for your integrity.
Hats off to you as well for seving with the vets.