A retired Wisconsin marine is fighting for thousands of troops and their families exposed to toxic tap water at a North Carolina base.

He's pushing for a new federal bill designed to help victims of Camp LeJeune.

Allen Menard knows a thing or two about combat. He served as a marine, and fought a deadly cancer into remission.

But his toughest war may be against those who readied him for battle.

When we served we were faithful. Where's their faithfulness to us because we're suffering?"

It's a question Allen's been asking ever since last year when the military sent him a letter saying he and his family may have been exposed to harmful chemicals during his time at Camp LeJeune. Toxins that were reportedly in the North Carolina base's water supply for decades.

"We both were shocked that this could possibly be what caused his cancer."

A doctor confirmed his Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer was most likely from chemicals in the camp's water. Allen petitioned the VA for disability and was turned down.

"They acknowledged the cancer is from Camp LeJeune but would not pay for his past medical bills."

After months of paperwork they threw him a bone.

"If it comes back, I'll be taken care of."

The Menard's say it's not enough. For them or the thousands of other service people and their families who are dealing with deadly diseases, deformities and cancers, thought to be from the toxic water.

"Down the line we don't know if something will come up with my daughter. I was pregnant with at the time."

It's why they're pushing for a new bill called the 'Caring for Camp LeJeune Veterans Act.'

It's co-sponsored by Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, who helped Allen get VA benefits.

He says the bill is to quote, "Ensure veterans and their families who become ill as the likely result of exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp LeJeune receive the care they deserve from the VA."

We're making a lot of progress on it and I'm confident that we're gonna win out.

The marine says there are more than 2,500 people in Wisconsin registered for VA benefits because of health problems stemming from Camp LeJeune.