Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
Base Background
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, located in Montgomery, Alabama, was initially established as Maxwell Field in 1918, in the historic area of the first civilian flying school founded by the Wright brother. The Gunter Annex opened as a separate station and was consolidated under Maxwell in 1992. Currently, Maxwell-Gunter is home to the 42nd Air Base Wing and plays an important role in educating and training aviation officers.
Toxic Exposure at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
The contamination issues at Maxwell Air Force Base primarily stem from the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting operations dating back to the early 1960s. Military firefighters and trainees routinely used AFFF to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires on the military base. While highly effective as a fire suppressant, this foam releases large amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment during use.
Maxwell-Gunter’s PFAS Contamination
In 2019, training areas 1 and 2 at Maxwell Air Force Base were identified as being heavily contaminated with PFAS. According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2019, the contamination levels measured at Maxwell AFB were tens of thousands of times higher than the safety limits later established by the EPA in 2024. This means that all personnel, residents, and visitors may potentially develop health problems associated with PFAS exposure. The contamination has also affected nearby private drinking water, raising concerns about long-term exposure for surrounding communities.
If you developed a medical condition related to PFAS contamination from Maxwell-Gunter AFB, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your legal options.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.
| Toxin | Potential Effects | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects | - | - | Testicular cancer, Renal (kidney) cancer, Prostate cancer |
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
Getting Compensation for Toxic Exposure
Veterans and civilians who lived or worked at Maxwell-Gunter AFB may be able to receive compensation if they developed health conditions associated with toxic contamination. This would require:
Documenting the time spent at the base using service records and other documentation
Gathering comprehensive medical evidence
Obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a link between the diagnosed medical conditions and the toxic exposure
Making a VA disability claim or pursuing a lawsuit
To win your case, you will likely need assistance from an experienced veterans disability lawyer who can fight on your behalf and maximize compensation.
For a free case evaluation, please call us on 1-888-477-2363. We specialize in disability law and work on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees.