Larry Craig sent email regarding his duty during Operation Dominic and the RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act).
Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2001
Subject: Update
From: wellred-dog@softcom.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
This is from Larry Craig, SOG 2,
USS Preston DD795, Operation Dominic,
(non hodgkins lymphoma).
On Jan. 02, 2001 the $75,000 RECA claim
money was electronicly posted to my
checking account. This ends my claim
"Journey" that began in September of
1999. It took a while, but is now worth
the wait....
Those planning to apply, as well as those
already in the process need to take heart
that the system (sometimes) does work.
As for us, we continue to undergo chemo
therapy. There are lots of hi's and some lo's,
but overall we consider ourselves fortunate
to have access to the treatments that are
avilable, AND to have been able to pay our
house off.
Thanks to all the folks at The Atomic Vets
site and to Ms. Broudy. Without you all, my little
success story would NEVER have been possible.
Larry Craig
Email: wellred-dog@softcom.net
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000
Subject: It worked ! ! !
From:wellred-dog@softcom.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
This is from Larry Craig, SOG 2 USS Preston
DD 795.
I participated in Operation Dominic, 1962
at Johnston Island.
Last year, through this site, I learned about RECA.
Having Lymphoma Cancer, I had often wondered
about any correlation between my cancer and
participation in the Atomic tests.
After doing some research I decided that the type
Cancer I have and my participation in the Atomic
tests made me eligible for the RECA (Radiation
Exposure Compensation Act) compensation.
So, based on the information obtained on this site,
in September 1999, I made contact with the
US Department of Justice, obtained the proper
forms, completed the forms, supplied the proper
support documentation and for the past 9 months
have been awaiting their decision.
Yesterday, May 29, 2000 I received notice from
Mr. Gerard W. Fischer, Assistant Director, Torts
Branch, Civil Division, US Department of Justice,
that MY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION HAD BEEN APPROVED
in the amount of $75,000.00 ! This amount is being
electronicly transferred to my personal bank account.
With this money, I am able to pay off the mortgage on my
house, and leave my wife Debt free ! What a GREAT feeling.
I am very gratefull for the information your site provided,
for without it, I would not have even know about RECA.
Please pass this success story on to "All Hands".
Thanks again for this site and all the hard work you all have
put into it.
If I can be of any help to anyone else going through this process
please contact me.....
Larry Craig
13450 Ivie Rd
Galt Ca. 95632
209 748 2442
Email: wellred-dog@softcom.net
Date: Mon, 03 May 1999
Subject: Re: Nuclear test info.
From: wellred-dog@softcom.net
To: Keith pdxavets@aracnet.com
Keith.
Larry Craig Sog2, Uss Preston, DD 795, 2100 Class Destroyer, operating in the Yorktowns ASW squadron.
I Participated in Operation Dominic 1, Swordfish, in 1962. Our ship was
"close" to the actual detonation. I don't know exactly how close, but it
seems to me that it was less that 10,000 yards.
I was operating the Sonar "stack" during the detonation of an ASROC Nuclear
device. We had been told that, in addition to our normal plane guard and
ASW duties, we were to operate as a Photograpy ship for the event.
Regarding the actual explosion, I recall the ship shaking violently for
several seconds. I thought that was it, and it was not so bad. Then the ship
REALLY began to shake. I have never experienced anything like is since.
Living in California, i have been through several earthquakes. They are little
bitty things compared to the nuclear quaking I felt.
I remember steaming in the area for a day or so after, and seeing many many
dead fish. I also remember there being a "wash down" system installed, but
don't remember it ever being activated.
In 1996 I retired after 31 years with the California Youth Authority. In
late 1997, I was diagnosed with non hodgkins Lymphoma and have been
undergoing regular chemo therapy. Prior to learing about the Atomic
Veterans, I had no clue as to where my cancer could possibly have come from.
No one on either side of my family can recall any type of cancer.
The origin of my illness makes sense now.
Larry Craig
Email: wellred-dog@softcom.net
Keith Whittle
May 4, 1999
[ Operation Dominic 1 ]