CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Twenty years ago, families living on base at Camp Lejeune claim they were unknowingly drinking contaminated well water. Now, they want justice.

Families claim they have suffered serious illnesses and their children have been born with deformities.

"The Marine Corps has a motto and it's Semper Fidelis and I want the Marine Corps to live up to their own motto. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people affected by this," retired U.S. Marine Jerry Ensminger said.

An independent panel is now looking into the case. Members admitted at a news conference Monday, their fact-finding mission is limited.

The affected families will be invited to a public hearing in June. The panel hopes to issue its report a few months later.