CARTHAGE â Sgt. Ryan G. Mason had a hard time obtaining benefits after he was exposed to burn pits while on deployment in Iraq. He died of cancer in January, and now his family is taking some comfort in many lawmakers proposing legislation to make the benefits more accessible.
After Mr. Mason died at age 36 on Jan. 28, state Sen. Patty Ritchie sent his wife, Claudia, a letter.
âI would like to express not only my most sincere condolences on his passing, but my gratitude for his selfless service to our nation,â the letter reads in part. â. It is my hope that you find comfort in knowing that through his life of service he made a difference that will endure for many years to come.â