From: jemckenzie@prodigy.net.mx
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Re: info
Date: 11 November 07
Hi Keith
I was at the test site for the Jan. and Feb. 1951 tests...There were 5 in all and I was in Indian Springs which was about 20 mi. from ground zero.
We were close enough to be blown out of bed for the first test..After that we knew when they were going to happen..I was in the USAF. We were on TDY from Brooks AFB which was in San Antonio,TX. We monitored all the site communications stations during the tests to find out if anyone was giving out info of what was going on at the test site. I have not been able to locate any personnel who were with me during the test.
I am living in Mexico and when I go to the VA for check ups, I go to Houston where I have family...I just came back from the Houston VA clinic and they do not know much about nuclear problems. I did have the nuclear physical last year, but I did not get any comments from the doctor that administered the exam. It was like "you have had your test now go home" and that is how I felt..During this last visit I did see someone in addition to the doctor. This doctor was not the same one that administered the physical and this other person was called a Doctors Assistant. what ever that is. I asked him about PTSD and he said that I would have to have been in combat to have PTSD. I told him about my experience with the atomic bombs and he said that I would not qualify because I was in the bomb area. So much for what he knows. He did give me a prescription for depression but I don't know if that is a start or not. Every time I go to the VA I get more depressed. The people in the VA do not seem to care about anything but their job.
Thanks for the help
James H McKenzie
Email:jemckenzie@prodigy.net.mx
Keith Whittle
November 29, 2007.
Operation Ranger