Operation Mindstorm

When SSG. James Sparks Jr. joined the Army in 1982 he didn't second guess his decision to join. He found a sense of peace and direction. His job was to protect and serve the United States, it was his purpose and he was good at it. He was proud of his service and career that he chose to provide for his wife and two daughters. He wanted to be a "lifer." This changed after his tour of duty in desert Storm. January 20,1991, while in Iraq he received one injection of the Anthrax vaccine. The date is seared in his memory. He didn't know at the time that date would mark the day his war began. His Mind Storm-the battle with the US Government, VA hospital, VA doctors, VA administration, and his battle to stay alive. After thirteen years of begging the VA doctors to help him find the answers to his failing health he was finally given an MRI of the brain at a civilian hospital. His brain was full of innumerable brain lesions. His neurologist today believes the brain damage is a result of a vaccine injury from the Anthrax vaccine. There are approximately 250,000 Gulf War Veterans that are sick. He never forgot this and hopes his fight, research and this memoir will help them too.