Echoes of Sacrifice: The Digital Legacy of Enewetak Atoll Clean-up Veterans
Echoes of Sacrifice: The Digital Legacy of Enewetak Atoll Clean-up Veterans
By: Girard Frank Bolton III
Amidst the vast expanse of the internet, a network of veterans and supporters has united, bound by a common cause: the Enewetak Atoll Clean-up. These individuals, driven by duty, honor, and unwavering service, have forged a digital alliance to ensure that the stories and struggles of those who participated in the cleanup mission are not forgotten.
At the forefront is the "Military & Dependent Environmental Hazard Group," a community with over 1,100 members on Facebook. Here, they've created a haven where vital information resides in their "Files" section, from benefits details to the intricacies of filing compensation and pension claims. They harbor data on contaminated bases, chemical exposures, and VA and TRICARE healthcare regulations. In their midst, mental health support threads the fabric of camaraderie. This group extends its hand globally, inviting those who may have been exposed on any of the over 130 contaminated bases, echoing across the United States and the world.
The "National Association of Atomic Veterans, Inc." stands tall as a non-profit beacon, dedicated to aiding Atomic Veterans from 1944 to 1977 and, more recently, Atomic Cleanup Veterans from 1977 to 1980. Founded by the late Orville E. Kelly, their mission remains steadfast: giving a single voice to the U.S. Atomic Veteran Community.
They tackle the unfairness of unacknowledged radiogenic health issues, possibly sparked by exposure to ionizing radiation during nuclear tests. The NAAV's online presence, with a Facebook group and a Yahoo Group, fosters discussions that have become wellsprings of knowledge.
The "Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Veterans Facebook Fan Page" serves as a digital museum, publicly sharing the history of the 1977-1980 Enewetak Atoll Atomic Cleanup Mission. Their mission is to ensure that the stories etched in the mission's legacy are preserved and disseminated.
The "Atomic Radiation Veteran’s Clean-Up Veteran’s Facebook Group" was born on a symbolic day, the 4th of July, with a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of ionizing radiation, depleted uranium, and other hazardous substances among military and DOD contractors. They embrace all who've been exposed, leaving no one behind.
"Enewetak Atoll Clean-up Project Vets" may be a closed group, but it was founded with a heart open wide. For veterans, their families, and civilians who joined hands in the Enewetak Atoll cleanup, it's a haven. Here, they share their stories and pictures, the artifacts of their experiences, and exchange crucial information. A steadfast rule governs this digital space: no political discourse that doesn't directly contribute to the pursuit of benefits.
Lastly, the "Lojwa Animals Blog," though its last update date remains uncertain, offers a glimpse into life on the Enewetak Atoll. In this digital time capsule, the memories of the past are frozen, waiting to be explored.
In the vast realm of the internet, these communities and resources are like beacons of hope and support, ensuring that the duty, honor, and service of the Enewetak Atoll Clean-up Veterans continue to shine bright.
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