Column by Cpl. Richard Andrew Farrer
U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War

As an Iraq veteran, there are certain things I have come to accept as potential triggers of the horrors of war: fireworks on the Fourth of July, construction blasting, even the occasional slam of a car door. Still, I feel at home in Murfreesboro, accompanied by nearly 30,000 brothers-in-arms. The sense of comradery and community mirrors the times in service I hold dear. One thing I did not expect to relive, however, is the rotten smell of hot garbage sticking to my shirt, a constant reminder of decomposition and chemicals. Thanks to Middle Point Landfill, every trip to the local Veterans’ Administration Medical Center holds the potential for that foul memory—and the health hazards that accompany it.

In Iraq, there was only one way to deal with trash: burn it. The smell of burnt plastic, electronics, food, even waste, was stuck in the air and in our noses. The air quality was horrible and damaged many fellow soldiers’ lungs through things like burn pit syndrome. I’m lucky enough to say I didn’t experience the severity of that, but my nose is still permanently damaged from that time.

I mentioned fireworks and construction, sounds that can cause triggers for combat vets. Most people think that’s the worst kind of trigger. The truth is, smell is far more powerful for bringing back memories. A toxic landfill will never remind me of the good ones. That’s not an opinion; studies prove this.

For vets like me, the VA is a safe haven. It’s a place we go to get treatment not only for the physical toll war has taken on us, but for the mental toll, too. Many of us have PTSD and go there to seek care for horrors that I hope none of my civilian loved ones will have to experience.

In Murfreesboro, especially in recent weeks, that haven has become compromised. The smell coming from Middle Point Landfill can get out of control, and it’s only three miles from the VA. Imagine having burn pit syndrome or another respiratory disease and, on your way to get care, the smell of methane pulls you right back to Ramadi, or Karmah. Or worse, imagine having PTSD and trying to get help when each visit to the doctor is a trigger for the reason you have it in the first place. I got a Purple Heart for my service in Ramadi. You don’t get those for no reason. Seventeen of my guys died there. You’re telling me every time I go to the VA hospital I have to remember those moments?

I get the risks of moving near a landfill; obviously it is going to smell sometimes. I’ve seen landfills before; Middle Point is a whole other beast. It’s one of the largest landfills in the country and takes a million tons of trash every year. That trash is coming from all over Tennessee. It’s one thing to live near a landfill, but this one was built three miles from a veterans’ hospital. It’s irresponsible and, at this point, overwhelming. My fellow warriors deserve better.

The operators, Republic, are being sued for Clean Air Act violations right now. The City of Murfreesboro just rejected their settlement. I can put two and two together: there’s poison in our air, the air we all breathe. Veterans suffer from both from the toxic air and intense smells reminiscent of carnage.

We can all help hold Republic accountable. Report odors to the Murfreesboro Odor Management Portal. The more people who submit complaints, the more proof we have that Middle Point is actively damaging lives and needs to be contained. You can also let Commissioner Phil Dodd know that enough is enough, Middle Point Landfill should not be allowed to expand.

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Cpl. Richard Andrew Farrer enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in June of 2004, serving for four years as a member of the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines India Company, including tours in Karmah and Ramadi, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the 22nd MEU in 2007. Medals and commendations include: Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Iraq) and Humanitarian Service Medal Affiliated Organizations: Irreverent Warriors (Nashville Lead Coordinator, District Coordinator, and Regional Coordinator), Marine Corps League (State Sgt. at Arms and State Judge Advocate), American Legion, and Military Order of the Purple Heart (TN Chief of Staff), VFW State Chaplain (3 years), All State and All American Post Commander (2 years), VFW District 5 Commander, VFW Southern Conference Chaplain (current, 4 years).