Dan Hollander sent this email about his duty during Operation Dominic.
From: Dan Hollander danno@iag.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: New member
Dear Sirs,
I was in contact with a gentleman in Texas (I think the name was
Richardson...) about a year ago, and submitted my application and $15
fee to the NAAV about a month ago.... never heard anything back....
My story begins in April 1962, when I participated in operation Dominic
on Christmas Island as a maintenance crew member on 3 B57 research
Aircraft painted white. These aircraft flew 2 at a time during every shot, doing oval patterns
on either side of the detonating point, at the detonating altitude,
taking measurements of heat, light, and pressure at the exact detonation
time.
I was an Instrument technician but always paricipated in the general
wash down and maintenence of the aircraft with all other crew members.
We had no protective clothing to speak of and were pretty much on our
own.... the whole crew, including pilots was maybe 20-25 people....from
various bases.
We were there till July 1962 and saw (and felt!) 19 A-Bomb detonations.
I was there with 3 other men from Patrick AFB...(don't remember their
names any more....). The 4 of us were from the 6550th Maintenance Group.
(Squadron).
Having lived a long and eventfull life since then... compeleted College
and flight training, worked as a pilot for about 10 years, then in
Mraketing for a large overseas Business aircraft manufacturer, then in
my own aircraft parts business overseas and here in the States, I had 4
beautifull kids who are all doing well and living overseas (Twin boys
28, girl 24 and girl 20), divorced and came back to the States in 1996.
In mid 1998 I was diagnosed with Lymphopma cancer, was treated with
Chemo therapy, was well for almost a year and had a recurrence about a
month ago.... I am now undergoing treatment again and will hopefully
kill this damn disease this time. Although the Doctors are giving me a
year to 5 years of life....and have written me a detailed letter to that
effect....
After having been rejected for Service Connected disablity by the VA
once, (I didn't have any "proof"...) I re-applied based on proof that I
managed to get from the air force that I was indeed there, was indeed
exposed to Ionizing Radiation and doctors' statements that this
radiation is indeed the cause of my cancer, and this condition is
terminal. I am now awaiting the VA's approval.
I need your help with the following:
1. I am trying to locate anyone of the 20-25 guys who were members of
our crew during operation Dominic in 1962, especially the 3 other men
from Patrick AFB.
2. I am trying to find precedents of Atomic Veterans (especially those
who also have the Lymphoma Cancer disease) who sued the US Government
for damages in addition to receiving the normal disability benefits from
the VA. (Or any similar cases).
3. Any attorneys who have experience with similar cases and are willing
to help me get justice from the US Government.
In short, I feel that a terrible injustice has been done to me, and to
many other Atomic Veterans, and since my days are in effect numbered, I
would like to leave this earth knowing that justice has been done for my
kids and other men's kids and families.
Your help will be deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dan Hollander
563 Little River Loop #246
Altamonte Springs, FL. 32714
Tel: 407-299-6811
Fax: 407-299-5779
Email danno@iag.net
Keith Whittle
November 3, 1999
[ Operation Dominic 1 ]