Operation Tumbler-Snapper
1952
US Atomic Veterans
Isaac Riches
Isaac Riches sent us email requesting information about his duty at Tumbler Snapper. We have exchanged many emails regarding his search for his records. All of this work he has to do to satisfy the Veterans Administration requirements for service. This is a very burdensome and familiar experience for the Atomic Veterans and their families. He also sent his recollection of Charlie Shot during Operation Tumbler-Snapper.
From: BRICHES2004@peoplepc.com
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject:
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003
I'm checking to see if I still have the right address for you, and to let you know that my husband Isaac Lynn Riches passed away on July 12th. The government got one more.
Barbara Riches
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
From: BRICHES2004@peoplepc.com
Subject: Re: Desert Rock 1952
Keith,
Thank you for the information, it's going to be helpful.
I have already started the process to file a clain, to no avail. I was
turned down by the VA on April 2nd of this year___no records, no proof. Have
written for dosimetry records, or just plain records of any kind to Dept. of
Air Force, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. The National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis,
Missouri, Dept. of Energy, Las Vegas, Nevada, Bechtel Nevada, c/o CIC No. Las
Vegas, Nevada, they have found nothing.
Am waiting to hear back from the
Defense Special Weapons Agency in Alexandria, Virginia but I'm not very
hopeful. I don't remember if I was wearing a film badge, if not does that take
away any hope of finding my records?
Janet Fogg in Las Vegas, said I should send my
discharge paper, medical reports, VA claim denial and futile searches for my
records to the Dept. of Justice in Washington D.C. to file my claim. Do you
agree since I have so little proof? Myelofibrosis is not listed under the
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. It is not Leukemia yet, but may turn into
it, or I may die before it does.
How do I get the video? Where in the U.S. are you? We are in a suburb of
Salt Lake City, Utah, called South Jordan.
Thanks for all your help,
Isaac
From:BRICHES2004@peoplepc.com
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Atomic Veteran (Operation Tumbler\Snapper - Charlie Shot
Keith:
I have written to Bechtel and they have found no records. Also a couple of
other places, but the same results. I have received conformation from the Defense
Special Weapons Agency, in Alexandria, Va. that they have identified me as a
participant in a nuclear test.
I am not sure I can give you much of a story, as my memory is not that good.
I did have an opportunity while on a business trip in the area to visit
Mercury, Nevada a few years back, but I could not get past security, and
nothing there rang any bells.
My outfit was 140th
Motor Vehicle Sqd. Clovis AFB, Clovis, New Mexico.
I do remember we flew from Clovis, New Mexico, to Frenchman flats, where we
were trucked to our area and housed in tents. We had pretty primative
accomodations, slit trench latrines, etc.
As I recall we were in trenches at the time of the blast, and told to kneel
down. At the blast time the ground at the bottom of the trenches turned white.
We were then advised to rise to see the cloud. The blast first hit us from
the front, then a return from behind. As the cloud ascended to an elevation
high enough, a beautiful white ice cap formed on the top which was quite
impressive.
Recieved the tape and enjoyed it very much, I am now sure the test I witnessed
was the 22nd of April. I destinctly remember the ice cap that formed at the
top. As I recall contrary to the video, we walked through ground zero, and
witnessed the destruction of the equipment there. A jeep parked at ground
zero was flattened, fires were everywhere, the sage brush, the wooden
buildings that were constructed, etc.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have been there, it has been
good hearing from Bruce.
Any more I can give you just ask.
Isaac Riches
BRICHES2004@peoplepc.com
Keith Whittle
August 7, 1998
[ Operation Tumbler-Snapper ]