Joseph J. Parrock sent email about his duty on board the Belle Grove.
Update: August 12, 1999.
From: "Joseph J. Parrock" parrockj@wcoil.com
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Update
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999
I appreciate your updates on the radiation problems. I have attached a copy of information that I have sent to Senator Hatch. Have you heard that the V.A. Hospital may not be available to veterans with a little savings after December, 1999? Also as I mentioned to Senator Hatch I have names and service numbers of shipmates that served during Operation Castle. Do you have any ideas on how this information could be helpful?
Thank you again for all your efforts.
Jim Parrock
From: "Joseph J. Parrock" parrockj@wcoil.com
To: senator_hatch@hatch.senate.gov
Subject: Radiation Exposure Act & Atomic Veterans Info
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 16:18:14 -0400
Thank you so much for your efforts and concern for the radiation victims. I have been going to the Dayton Ohio V.A. Hospital since 1994 for treatment of skin problems that are connected to my participation in Operation Castle. I have applied for service connection and to this point with no success. My file number is # 19363858/00. I now understand that I will not be able to get treatment at the V.A. after December 1999 because my income is such that I will not qualify. I am by no means wealthy and the prescription program has been a big help to me. The article that made me aware of this change was in the Dayton Daily News on August 9 by Tom Beyerlein. Do you have any information on this change and if so do you have any suggestions?
I have located information on 200 of my shipmates that served with me on Operation Castle. I have their service numbers and some additional information. 57 have passed away, many from some cancer that could have resulted from Operation Castle. Over 20 that I know of are fighting some sort of cancer today. It would seem to me that if some real follow-up of the affects of radiation is sincerely desired, a complete evaluation of these 200 sailors would be very helpful. I will not bore you with their names and numbers at this time but I will supply them if you think it would help our cause.
My short term request is to get assistance in continuing my treatment at the V.A. Hospital.
My long term goal is to do my part in obtaining V.A. recognition for all the personnel that have served their country with honor in the development of nuclear devices that have kept our nation strong. I am proud of my evolvement and would gladly do it again.
If I can be of any assistance fell free to contact me.
Joseph J. (Jim) Parrock
8583 St. Rt. 219
Celina, Ohio 45822
Email: parrockj@wcoil.com
August 12, 1999
From: "Joseph J. Parrock" parrockj@wcoil.com
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Atomic Veteran (Operation Castle)
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999
I was a 2nd Class Radarman on board the Belle Grove and was on board from April 51 until September 54. I witnessed all the Operation Castle Tests. I was on deck when the sound wave from Bravo passed. My hat was blown from my head and was never seen again as far as I know. When the contamination came, we were sealed inside the ship for several hours. I remember some discontented sailors opened a hatch to allow much needed fresh air in. I also remember radiation readings could be taken from inside the overhead in our compartment. Outside, the radiation could be washed away only to reappear again later on.
I have applied for disability due to a squamous cell carcinoma that was removed from my right ear. Of course it has been denied and I am now waiting for my turn at the appeal board. The first appeal was screwed up by the schedulers. They sent my records to Cleveland and they sent me to Cincinnati. Doesn't that sound familiar. I had six pages of notes to discuss with them and they did make them a part of my case, but I don't think they read them. When I go back, I want to take them and have some new ones.
Thank you for your prompt response.
In Christ
Jim Parrock
Email: parrockj@wcoil.com
Keith Whittle
April 20, 1999.
[ Operation Castle ]