Random Thoughts Lojwa Animals Enewetak Veteran Healthcare Parity
Introducing a series of narrative articles about the Atomic Cleanup Veterans of Enewetak Atoll.
The following are first-hand accounts told by comparatively few survivors of the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission, Marshall Islands; a mission that took place from 1977-1980. Their stories appear as told to T-M Fitzgerald(published author, veteran, veteran advocate) because theirs are tales needing to be known.
Read - H.R. 5980: Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act
Introduction: “Where in the World is Enewetak?”
Enewetak is just one of many atolls and islands in the Pacific Ocean’s Marshall Island chain. Located about 2,365 nautical miles SW of Hawaii (just north of the equator), the Marshall Islands were once a major testing ground for nuclear weapons post WWII. This island chain is also home to the project called Cactus Dome, a 350’- wide blast crater located at the northern end of Runit Island that has become known as the ‘Nuclear Trashcan of the Pacific.’
Between 1948-58, forty-three nuclear weapons were detonated over Enewetak and its sister islands. Among these tests were ‘Ivy Mike’ and ‘Castle Bravo’ (a device 1000X as powerful as the bomb ‘Little Boy’ which was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan post Pearl Harbor.)
In 1977, a coalition of United States military forces and civilian support teams were sanctioned to ‘clean’ the islands of residual radioactive fallout. Men, many who were mere teenagers back in the day, were tasked with cleaning the contaminated fallout from the nuclear testing that occurred throughout the previous three decades. Keep in mind, that as recent as 2012, the United Nations reported that the cumulative effects from all that nuclear testing had effectively caused near-irreversible environmental contamination. There was a problem beginning in 1977 and currently, effects from that exposure have begun to manifest, taking toll on many surviving Enewetak vets and contractors today. Four decades later, survivors are telling their stories because the world needs to know.
Lojwa Animals – Random Contacts - First Thoughts
I was stationed on Lojwa from Aug. '78 to Feb. '79 with the 84th Engineer Battalion from Schofield barracks, Hawaii. I was volunteered 8 months before my departure from active duty. Had no choice in the matter, go and do my duty.
I lived on the Island of Lojwa, with all the other "Animals", but took a boat ride to Runit every morning. On Runit I worked as a debagger, Mike "the debagger" Dager. Busted my ass for 6 months, actually 5 months then got a double hernia and spent the last month resting, spent a wonderful Christmas and New Year with a bunch of good guys, partying our butts off.
If any of you remember the Engineer Bar, Steve McKee and I were the driving force in building this oasis away from civilization. Spent many nights hanging out and telling stories.
I have been experiencing some strange ailments as of late, Osteopenia, bone density loss, thin skin among other more serious problems. Wondering if anyone else has had similar problems. Looking into trying to get disability rating from the VA. We will see how that goes. Hope to hear from some of the hardworking guys that were there before, during and after my stay.
By – Mike Dager - "Sharkman"
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I lived and worked on Lojwa Island as a civilian employee of the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) managing the exchange. Since we were surrounded by radioactive debris, we were subject to radiation exposure 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There was no shade, compounding the radiation exposure with intense daily exposure to sun and heat. We were not made to wear protective gear nor cautioned against sunbathing or swimming in the surrounding ocean.
We wore radiation monitoring badges which recorded our radiation exposure levels. These badges were checked every few months and then recalibrated. The data from individuals’ badges was averaged for reporting purposes. As a result, even though our individual exposure was monitored, the test results for those of us subject to extreme radiation levels were “lost” in the averaging.
I began to develop skin lesions almost immediately upon returning home from my first assignment there (1978) and have undergone innumerable skin cancer treatments. Within a 90-day period last year (2013), I underwent 47 biopsies and 34 surgeries to remove cancerous lesions on my face, arms, legs and back. These surgeries required over 300 stitches to close. Based on my on-going history of skin problems, I am sure there will be more to come.
AAFES recently covered the costs of my latest treatments as part of a legal settlement. However, in the process of pursuing and reaching this settlement, I became aware of many other workers of the Enewetak Atoll Radiological Cleanup Project who developed cancers, tumors and skin lesions, or who died of skin-related conditions, who deserve the attention and care of the U.S. Government. There is even evidence that the offspring of these workers have developed cancers. Unlike me, who chose to accept an assignment on Lojwa Atoll, the servicemen had no choice in their assignments. Yet, their efforts to seek compensation or care for serious health conditions resulting from their non-voluntary job assignments have been ignored.
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act established special funds to help servicemen and civilians who contracted certain cancers due to radiation exposure related to above-ground nuclear weapons testing. Unfortunately, there are restrictions in this Act that do not allow the workers of the Enewetak Atoll Radiation Cleanup Project to collect from its fund(s). Civilians who lived downwind from other nuclear test sites (New Mexico and Nevada) during atomic testing are compensated for developing certain cancers yet servicemen who were forced to live and work, day and night, in direct contact with radioactive debris, are not. This is unjust.
When I learned last year that more cancers were added to the list of eligible conditions for 9-11 first responders (who certainly deserve help, but could not have experienced the intense levels and duration of radiation exposure that our servicemen did on this cleanup project), I felt that justice would not be served until the Enewetak cleanup workers were recognized and helped in a similar way. Since then, I have been trying to raise awareness of their plight with congressmen, legislators, veterans’ affairs officials and the news media. It has been time consuming and discouraging at times, but it is something I feel obligated to do.
I am grateful for your interest in helping on this issue and look forward to hearing some positive news that a bill will be introduced in Congress to help them.
By – Ken Kasik
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MEDICAL NEEDS OF ATOMIC VETERANS OF THE ENEWETAK ATOLL RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP PROJECT (1977-1980)
Summary of Key Points
The Issue: Servicemen and civilians who worked on this project have developed cancers, tumors, skin lesions and other illnesses due to radiation exposure. Their illnesses are not recognized by the U.S. Government as being associated with their exposure to these extreme conditions. Consequently, there is no mechanism to help them or their families with the health problems they have developed.
The Cleanup Project: Occupied by Japan after WWI, Enewetak Atoll came under the trusteeship of the U.S. after WWII (1947). The U.S. Government established military bases there and began to use the islands of Enewetak Atoll for nuclear testing as the Pacific Proving Ground. The people inhabiting these islands were moved to neighboring Marshallese islands. Nuclear tests were conducted on the “controlled” islands of Enewetak Atoll from 1946 to 1958 (see map). The Enewetak Atoll Radiological Cleanup Project was an attempt to make the islands of Enewetak Atoll safe for re-inhabitation. The cleanup effort failed and the islands remain uninhabitable to this day. However, unlike the atomic veterans of the cleanup, the Marshallese people have been compensated monetarily for their losses and illnesses. Their health care needs will also be covered by the U.S. Government for the remainder of their lives.
Radiation Exposure of Cleanup Workers: During the cleanup project, servicemen and civilians were subject to around-the-clock radiation exposure, intense sun, heat and humidity and exposure to chemicals used in the desalination process. As a result, many survivors have developed cancers, tumors, skin lesions and other illnesses. There is also some evidence that offspring have been affected.
Who worked on the Cleanup Project: Servicemen from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard, and civilian contractors with Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Holmes & Narvar. Women were prohibited from participating in the cleanup due to potential harm to their reproductive systems.
Where: All islands along the northeastern rim of Enewetak Atoll from Enjebi to Runit (see map).
Additional Information: Excerpts from various publications and websites provide some additional disturbing and incriminating facts, including:
“Tons of concrete and metal debris remained. Conditions that were not readily visible included contaminated soil on many islands of the atoll and contaminated sediments on the bottom of the lagoon.” (Defense Nuclear Agency. The Radiological Cleanup of Enewetak Atoll. 1981.)
“From 1946 until 1958, military scientists tested 67 nuclear devices with the equivalent explosive yield of 1.6 Hiroshima bombs per day for those twelve years. The testing program exposed the people of the Marshall Islands to radioactive fallout and contaminated nearby atolls, rendering them uninhabitable.” (Harvard Law Students Advocates for Human Rights. "Keeping the Promise – An Evaluation of Continuing U.S. Obligations Arising Out of the U.S. Nuclear Testing program in the Marshall Islands." April 2006.)
"In 1954, the U.S., in nuclear arms race with the USSR, tested a hydrogen bomb that alone was equal in megatonnage to 1,000 Hiroshima bombs." (MidWeek. "Researching Nuclear Exposure." 12/12/12.)
“(Operation Ivy at Pacific Proving Ground) inaugurated the thermonuclear age with the first 'true' thermonuclear test (code name Mike), which was considerably more powerful than all the high explosives used in two World Wars put together. Ivy also tested the highest yield pure fission weapon ever exploded." (http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/Ivy.html)
“Veterans Administration now identifies Enewetak Atoll clean-up duty as ‘Atomic Veterans.’” (http://www.voy.com/403/414.html)
Lojwa Animals – blog and chats of atomic veterans who worked on Enewetak Cleanup Project and have suffered various illnesses due to radiation contamination. (logjwaanimals.blogspot.com)
National Association of Atomic Veterans (http://www.naav.com/)
Enewetak-Trash Can of the Pacific - website showing photos of Enewetak Atoll islands and Runit dome. (http://www.utaot.com/2013/01/25/the-nuclear-trash-can-of-the-pacific-on-enewetak-atoll/)
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My father was a civilian working on Enewetak Atoll in 1979. His name was Sheldon Wunder. He died in 1988 due to multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that is typically caused by exposure to radiation. While he was there, he ran into a guy I knew in Ventura. His name was Darryl "Mike" Driggins, an African-American cook who was also working on the Atoll. My email address is weavingtheweb@yahoo.com
By – Barbara
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My name is Bill Keller, some called me "Billy Bulldozer" while I was on Enewetak Jan 79 to Jan 80. I was on Lojwa until Oct 79 (I think) and then went to air conditioned! Barracks on Enewetak. I did get to take part in the demobilization of Lojwa. It was almost sad. While on Runit I ran the 5 yd loader for a short time, in the full banana suit, and then went to D-8 dozer and the quarry. The blasts were always interesting. And yes, I am one of the strange ones that stayed a full year. I would have stayed until the end, but Apr 80 was my ETS date...wasn't going to miss another one, and I was beginning to wonder about the real world.
I sometimes wonder where everyone I met there have gone. In the past 2 or 3 years I have heard from Norm Sova (and yes Norm, I do remember you...the rolled up hat brim jogged a brain cell or 2) and Dennis Alexander. I lost (or shall I say, the Army lost) almost all of my photos from the tour. I have found a few and I will try to get them posted in the near future.
Thanks for starting this blog, I really appreciate it. I wish everyone the best, and it would be great to hear from you animals. wok@beer.com
By Bill Keller
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My father was in Enewetak from 78 to 79.Jim Armitage cwo ret. With the 84th Engineer Battalion. Larc 60 team. He has no sign of any cancer at this time...Thank God, cause i was so worried about him getting some kind of cancer from being over there...My Prayers to the families who have lost loved ones for their service during the clean-up....my main reason for leaving a message is about the grey color t shirts with the Lojwa animal (monster) on them. I have one of my fathers. It is in poor shape. I would love to make some new ones with better quality grey t shirts. Maybe personalized with the year and the person’s name and with what group, or Battalion. My father was told the grey t's you guys wore were leftovers from WWII or the Korean war....maybe someone has already done this, but would love to get this project going if not done yet for all that have served during the 77 to 80 clean up. I can make a stencil of the Lojwa animal from my old t shirt...if any of you would like to start placing orders, and have ideas for how you would like them done, i will get making them. I will start to find out what my cost would be, and let all know who are interested...those t shirts were so COOL that i will make a new one for my self as well. my email is w8lessm@aol.com
By - Anonymous
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Hi! My name is Doreen Vollbrecht and my husband, Steve, was the IMDT (AF medic) on Lowja. He passed away from mesothelioma (asbestos cancer). I remember one of the guys that he "hung out" with was called Grape Ape. Anyone know how to reach him? He was also great friends with Ken Kasik, the PX manager. I remember that he kept our boys entertained with stories of "rat stomping in flip flops" at the dump, and the time he was "bitten" by a shark he caught while it had been landed and was on the pier, and the story of the octopus that bit him on the shoulder, and the time the camp doc went sailing and never came back. Would like to communicate with anyone that wishes to do the same... dvollbrecht@satx.rr.com
By – Doreen Vollbrecht
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Lojwa Animal...now that's a term I've not heard in years. I was an Air Force SSGT stationed on the atoll from September 1978 to Febraury 1979. I ran the post office on Enewetak and guess I had it easier than the guys at Lojwa...lived in the concrete barracks. Got to Lojwa several times a week to deliver mail via Army helicopter. While I was there, Paul Crandall was the Air Force Commander...he died some years ago from a type of cancer. I survived two typhoons on the island with the last one being Alice in January 1979. Just prior to that storm's arrival, Captain Flores, an Air Force Doctor, disappeared while sailing in the lagoon. As I recall, speculation was that he was washed out over the western reef and no one could see his small sunfish due to the high waves associated with the approaching storm. I've a photo of me after Alice along with one of the atoll I took from a helicopter. Those usually sit on my desk at work reminding me that no matter how bad this day is, I have been worse. Good to hear from others who endured this remote location.
By - Anonymous
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Hey to all my fellow ANIMALS, I am Aaron Ducote, I was voluntold and hit the Atoll from Jan - July 1979.
I drove a 20 Ton Dump truck and stayed on Lojwa also. It's all like a blur now to remember much about that place but once I read all of your mail it brought back so many memories. You know, rat stomping at the dump pit, shell collecting oh yes and the damn banana suits. But I have to say. The outdoor movies and the steak and endless alcohol was at the top of the list.
I am sorry to hear about all of the illness we face in these days. I regret I don't remember Antibes name that I served time with too. I wish we could somehow compile all of our assorted photos and make a CD available to our brothers.
We need more memories to pass along to our families who probably are like mine, doubtful that this could have existed at all.
Respectfully, Aaron Ducote, EODK9@aol.com
By – Aaron Ducote
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I’m mark huppman as was on Lowja from aug.78 to jan.79 with b company 84th engineers. Doreen, ur husband treated me for ring worm, whatever the hell that was. And yes the doc did sail away, but not alone. I remember his face but no name. he also was in the af. moody was killed on sally by sexton who was running a dozer trying to jump a 20 ton. And baby hughey went off and ran a 5ton into a hooch trying to wack someone. hit the wrong rack though. lol. and the c4 chewers died after they shipped out. i've only had a case of melanoma that was caught in time and am otherwise healthy. I wish all my fellow animals the best.it was something i know all of us will never forget. if u like, my e-mail is jesttme@yahoo.com. take care my brothers
By - Anonymous
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My name is Kim Evers and I also served on Enewetak Atoll from Oct. 1979 till March 1980. We were part of the last group to leave the rock. I have been trying to get in touch with anyone who was there and found this site. I would like to hear from anyone who was there and how they are doing. I now have some health problems and wonder if it or all of it is from Enewetak. Please email me at kimmarye@hotmail.com
By – Kim Evers
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Hey All Lojwa Animals! It is just great to see all the blogs from a past with so many memories! I was on Lojwa (77-78) We were the second group to show up. I was a crane operator and we built the water tank and installed telephone poles and of course many other tasks. We lived in hooch 13 with the picket fence and the skeleton head cross above the entrance to our (yard with the rock bbq built-in it) I hope some of you remember that! I have a bunch of pics that I hope to post on here soon to jog all our memories, which at times I struggle with! I do remember some of the names I've seen on here -Patty Green from Chicago was a good friend Ed Drappla ect. Anyone remember a first lieutenant we called the Pillsbury dough boy that was younger than us? And when we threw him off the cause way? I could go on forever on the stories but we'll do that later I Hope to here from anyone from hooch 13! Oh and sandbagging on xmas eve from the typhoon and going across the lagoon at night trying to get to Enewetak to be flown out to Guam! Oh Guam what a fun time! My email is spaul56@directv.net if you want to contact me!
By – Scott Paul
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I was on Enewetak from December '78 to May '79, serving as a medic with the Body Snatchers dust-off unit.
I remember our visits to Lowja and the other islands with some fondness, Lowja and the crew there were always interesting and I can't help but laugh when I remember that they took away the silverware and glasses from the mess hall.
I also remember the searching we did looking for that Air Force Doctor and the medic that was with him on that Sunfish. We searched all the islands thoroughly and even chanced losing sight of the islands by taking three choppers out beyond the reef where one stayed in view of the islands, the second and third ones flew on until the second chopper was keeping visual with the 1st and the third flew out as far as we dared while keeping an eye on the 2nd bird. With those winds, flat islands and relatively low altitudes we had to search from, it was more than a bit risky should one crew lose sight of the other. We were VFW only.
We believed that the airmen were swept out in the deep channel which, we had been told, moved about 90% of the water out of the atoll.
IIRC, the hull of the sailboat was found sometime latter way the heck away from the islands.
On the health issues, I have psoriasis which started out there, as well as permanent fatigue, hot flashes and supposedly do not process oxygen properly and various other problems related to my service there.
And yes, rat stomping was a real good time;-)
By- Eli Griggs
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This is Jim Proffitt again. I was at LOJWA BASE April 15 1978 - September 1978. We all made the best of a bad tour. I remember the 6 day work weeks, hot sun 120 degree plus temperatures. Our guys worked on Janet, we worked with demolition C4 mainly. We would set the charges on different concrete structures, get on a boat, leave the island, blow the charges then return to the island and pick up the ruble and throw it on a 20 ton dump. We would drive the dump trucks on a Maggie boats. The boats would take them out to the lagoon and the crane would unload them. The high spots were good friends, good food, and lots of beer. With an occasional doobie. I’ve got plenty of pictures. You can reach me at pljproffitt@aol.com some people knew me as the Cincinnati kid.
By – Jim Proffitt
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Hi all. My name is Jim Patterson I spent some time on Lowja in 79. Worked in the heavy equipment maintenance shop on Runit. Boy does this blog bring back some memories. Remember the Saturday night toga parties. Watching Animal house night after night rain or not. Would love to hear from anyone that remember. Email address is jjpiii@comcast.net
Hi guys I'm Jim Patterson lived on Lojwa and work on Runit June 79 to November 79. Sorry to hear so many are not doing well. It does however explain to me why have probably had some of the weird illnesses that I have had. Seems like every time I get an illness it is something very rare or abnormal. Currently had a nodule in my left lung that was found a year ago. Non-cancerous so far. Just joined NAAV. Hopefully one of these days soon we will get the government recognition that we deserve more. I am currently in the process of trying to get reclassified by the VA. As some of you have said it just seems like things keep going in circles. Time will tell. I do hope to continue to hear from people via this blog and also hope many others will find it and post.
By – Jim Patterson
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I was on the islands 77-78. Worked on enjebi , runit and a couple of others I think. Blew the elements out of 3 geiger counters in a row coming out of a hot zone on Runit one day! I recall the xmas eve evacuation to Guam due to tropical storm and the following storm, which we did not evacuate for. That one washed all the Navys' lcms up on shore and put us out of commission for a month. Also recall witching the crane buckle when the lt. ordered the crane operator to use a 3 ton wrecking ball on a crane that was only designed for a 1 ton ball. This was in spite of the operators' warning. Was that you operating Scott Paul? I don't recall a lot of names, but I hung around with Dan Kroemmelbein, Serge Deselex, Dave Choate and others. I do remember Ken Kasik , as well. On our last night on Lojwa, one of the new guys ran a 5 ton dump truck through the side of our barracks trying to kill one of the other guys. Wish everyone the best. Would love to hear from others and pray for those of you who have ended up sick. randy roberts roberts.rr@pg.com
By – Randy Roberts
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WOW, I cannot believe I ran across this web page, I worked the motor pool as dispatcher, parts clerk. I was on Lojwa I believe thru the summer of 79. I also called bingo in the club. I use to get so drunk I couldn’t read the numbers on the balls LOL. Of course I had to drink fast cause I only got free drinks while I was calling bingo lol God does that bring back some memories.. I will leave my email address for anyone who might have been there with me. So far no medical problems, of course when I see what was going on I took the dispatch job so I didn’t have to leave Lowja, might have been a smart move on my part ??? chriskoker.ck@gmail.com I am going to look at the pics now..
By – Chris Koker
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My name is Jeff Mesenger, I was on Lojwa in 1978.I was from the 84th engr from Oahu Hi. I worked with a civilian carpenter named Shelly. We repaired the barracks from all the wild parties that would go on. Remember Hotel California, it was the islands own after hours joint. I even repaired and got the putt-putt course going. Would like to hear from others. email is jmesenger@yahoo.com
By – Jeff Mesenger
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Hi this is Tom Smithwick also called shark man. I was there from April 79 to Sept 79. Operated one of the LARC 60's. I have plenty of pictures of that place and actually miss the time spent there. No tv, no cell phone, no rush, crystal clear blue water, all the Olympia beer you could drink along with other assorted liquor. I guess I am one of the strange ones. Lost touch with so many people over the years. Sorry to hear about those suffering illness. tsmithwick13@gmail.com
By Tom Smithwick
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I did love the atoll. However, I was not a fan of how things were covered up. I worked in S-1 on Enewetak and used to log in all the documents medical and otherwise that came in. There were many that were sent there with psychological problems especially from the Navy. Then there were the Army soldiers who came there under a lie...so many were caught up in that. However, I was with 84th Eng in Hawaii (came to garrison from 82d Abn) and it was "established" that I would do a stint on the rock. Well, I actually stayed for 9 months and would have stayed longer if I hadn't gotten in trouble! But, we should all come together. From what I am hearing and seeing there are some health issues arising that the VA is not trying to hear. Hit me up at edavis4@eastern.edu and prodigalsrest@aol.com
Still fighting with the VA. I truly despise the "what are you crying for" attitude. If you all don't have this on your "records" you will NOT get treatment needed and deserved. In addition in order to GET it on your records, you must first file a claim that seems to go in circles. Thus far, I have at least gotten out of the compound and ended up in Jackson, MS where I have to send additional records. Thus far I have problems that the VA is trying seriously to link other places. But, I am only in my 50s and this stuff ain't happening to others
By Ernest Davis
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Source: http://lojwaanimals.blogspot.com/2006/05/first-thoughts.html
By: Mike “debagger” Dager
The primary focus for this group is to urge Congress to change legislation and recognize soldiers of this seemingly forgotten cleanup mission as “veterans who participated in radiation-risk activities during active service.”
Follow our cause: Atomic Veterans of Enewetak Atoll
