A Call for Justice: The Unseen Sacriface of the Enewetak Atoll Veterans

A Call for Justice: The Unseen Sacrifice of Enewetak Atoll Veterans

In the late 1970s, I answered the call to duty, embarking on a humanitarian mission that would forever shape my life. Alongside thousands of fellow service members, I joined the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Mission, a noble effort to remediate the aftermath of decades of atomic testing in the South Pacific. The task before us was monumental: clearing away atomic waste, debris, and contamination to restore the affected islands and safeguard the environment.

From 1977 to 1980, over 8,000 of us, representing various branches of the U.S. military and civilian workers, worked tirelessly under Operation Plan 600-77. I was part of the U.S. Air Force Element, stationed at the air terminal on Enewetak from March 1978 to March 1979. Driven by a sense of duty, we were committed to righting the wrongs of the past and providing a safe future for the Marshallese people and our environment.

Our mission, however, was fraught with challenges. While guidelines were outlined by the Energy Research and Development Administration for those exposed to ionizing radiation, nothing could prepare us for the harsh reality we faced. Armed with only basic protective gear, and sometimes working in shorts and T-shirts under the intense tropical sun, we labored tirelessly. The toll on our bodies was evident even then—but the true consequences of our service would become clear much later.

The cleanup operation exposed us to levels of radiation and contaminants beyond what we could have imagined. We worked to restore islands rendered uninhabitable by atomic testing, all while battling heat, humidity, and the silent threat of harmful radioactive particles. The toll was immense—not only on our immediate health but on our futures as well.

Years later, the effects of our service came back to haunt us. Shockingly, more than half of the known participants have been afflicted by life-threatening illnesses, chronic health issues, cancer, and disabilities. The very mission we undertook with honor and commitment has, for many, led to suffering and loss of health and livelihood.

Despite our dedicated service and sacrifices, the recognition and support we deserve have been elusive. We have been classified as having only "occupational exposure," a term that fails to acknowledge the gravity of our mission. We are Atomic Veterans, exposed to extreme hazards, yet we find ourselves caught in a battle for healthcare parity and proper recognition.

Over the years, we have tirelessly advocated for change. With the support of organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, we have pushed for legislation in Congress. Bills have been introduced to recognize our service and provide us with the care we need, but these bills remain stalled in committee, denying us the justice we seek. Meanwhile, many of our fellow veterans have succumbed to their illnesses, while our cries for recognition continue to go unheard.

The urgency of our cause has only increased. The Runit Dome, a structure containing radioactive waste, now faces the threat of contamination as rising ocean levels pose a new danger. As environmental risks escalate, so does the urgency of our call for healthcare support.

In our pursuit of justice, we have encountered bureaucratic resistance and often feel abandoned by the institutions we served. Our health continues to deteriorate, and we implore our government, Congress, and the VA to recognize our sacrifices and provide the care we desperately need.

Our fight is far from over. We need compassionate hearts, determined voices, and swift action to change the trajectory of our lives. We yearn for the day when our sacrifice is fully acknowledged, and our healthcare needs are met. Time is running out for many of our fellow veterans, and the clock is ticking.

Our message is simple: justice delayed is justice denied. It’s time to rewrite the narrative for Enewetak Atoll veterans—to give us the recognition, care, and support we have earned through our selfless service.