Contact: Keith Whittle
Phone: 503-289-2720
http://www.aracnet.com/~pdxavets
email: pdxavets@aracnet.com
On a day recognized as Atomic Veterans Day, the Portland, Oregon area National Association of Atomic Veterans [NAAV] will hold its third meeting. The meeting place: the American Legion Post #158 in Tigard. Time: 1100--1400, Monday July 16, 2001
"It was time to call another meeting to further our goals," said Keith Whittle, Portland Area Commander for NAAV and web author of the Atomic Veterans History Project. "I'd like regular meetings established and to get to know each other a little better. There are important national issues to discuss and local atomic veterans to assist. We want to share the personal histories and create some public projects."
Through the efforts of NAAV and the internet these veterans have become better
known and their stories are being told because of email and the
network of web sites dedicated to telling their history. Whittle runs the
Atomic Veterans History Project which has about 500 personal narratives sent to him by
veterans who were at the atomic tests. There are hundreds of photos throughout the website. Often veterans send him their personal momentos to reproduce on the website. There are many pictures from the recently declassified military and AEC video programs of the atomospheric tests.
Two previous meetings had drawn more people, the first had about 30 people show up, most of them atomic veterans and a few family members. The second meeting
had 80 people, again most of them atomic veterans. Due to the lifting of
their oath of secrecy made during their military assignments, veterans can
now tell their stories.
Please RSVP by phone 503-289-2720 before July 12th. A modest lunch for $5
will be available. The American Legion Post #158 is located at 8635 SW
Scoffins in Tigard.
Governor John Kitzhaber Proclaims Atomic Veterans Day in Oregon