Eniwetok Clean-up
1977-1980
U.S. Atomic Veterans
Harry (Active duty)
Harry sent us email about his service at Eniwetok.
December 4, 1997
From: Harry
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Yes, I was at Enewetok
Thank goodness,
An organization that might help vets and active duty folk (like myself) who
were at the PPG. What do you know about the exposure to Sailors and Seabees
who took part in the clean up of Enewetok. I contracted cancer 10 years after
being there, and have been fighting the battle ever since.
I just want to know,
Thanks,
Harry
From: Harry
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Re: Atomic Veteran (Enewetok Clean-Up)
Thanks for the timely reply,
Actually, my time at Enewetok was short, only a week. But during that time we
were onloading all the heavy earth-moving equipment used in the cleanup. Dirt
and sand were blowing everywhere and falling on us as the equipment was lifted
to the flight deck of the ship.
Of course, no one was taking any radiologic readings and no protective
clothing was offered. But since being diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago,
I've wondered if anyone was monitoring any of the Seabees and other military
folk that were there.
When I was first diagnosed, I mentioned it to my military doctor, who in turn,
recommended a medical investigation.
Although I have no record of this, he told me that he received a very stern
warning not to pry into this matter, and that it was classified. Apparently,
many of the records are at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center and cannot be
reviewed. But like I said, I have no proof, and since I'm still active duty
Navy, I'm a bit apprehensive about bringing this up until I retire in a year
or so.
Of course, I could never prove that my cancer was caused by any exposure at
Enewetok, however, I would think that the government would have least taken
the precautions to safeguard their military personnel. Apparently, that
didn't happen.
I do remember years ago seeing a 60 minutes piece on the Atoll, the concrete
dome and efforts to move the natives back there. It would be interesting to
see it again, I distinctly remember some video of Seabees moving the soil,
wearing only shorts, no shirts, and paper respirators.
Do you know of any freedom of information requests on file? Someone really
should be looking into this.
Anyway, I'm concerned for a lot of my fellow shipmates and service members.
By the way...here's a story about my visit. A buddy and I had to take a LCM
into the beach to drop off and pick up mail. Of course, it was hot as the
blazes, so wanting to cool off, we stripped off our dungarees (down to what
nature provided) and took a swim while we waited to be picked up. Later that
evening on the ship, we realized to our dismay, that the tropical sun really
took a toll on our unprotected areas...where the sun doesn't normally shine.
As a souvenir of our Enewetok visit, we all had third and second degree
sunburns in very sensitive areas. We learned a very valuable lesson that
day.
All in all, I remember Enewetok as being one of the most beautiful places on
the earth. The spectacular sunsets, the crystal-clear water...a would be
paradise if mankind hadn't ruined it.
Again, thanks for the reply. Hope to hear from you again soon.
Warmest regards,
Harry
Mail will be forwarded through the webmaster:
pdxavets@aracnet.com
------------------
Keith Whittle
July 29, 1998
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