Forgotten Hero: Local veteran says he's left out after serving on atomic cleanup tour
Forgotten Hero: Unrecognized Sacrifices of an Atomic Cleanup Veteran
By Max LindseyPublished: Dec. 13, 2018
In the quiet parishes of Avoyelles and St. Landry, Louisiana, Aaron Ducote found solace in an unexpected passion—crafting his own barbecue sauces and seasonings. This modest venture brought him joy and connected him with communities both local and distant, from Hawaii to Spain. But behind his culinary journey lies a story of sacrifice, one deeply rooted in his service as an atomic cleanup veteran, a story that had been long overlooked by the nation he served.
Ducote's health began to decline in 2015, leading him to a heart surgery that surprised even the medical professionals treating him. His heart had suffered damage typically seen in those exposed to chemotherapy or radiation. When asked about his exposure to such treatments, Ducote was baffled. He had never undergone chemotherapy, yet his heart’s condition spoke of a deeper, unseen damage. It was then that his past, shrouded in the secrecy of a forgotten mission, caught up with him.
In the late 1970s, Ducote was part of a group of roughly 4,000 U.S. soldiers sent to Enewetak Atoll, a remote island in the Marshall Islands. This location had been the testing ground for nuclear bombs, leaving behind a radioactive wasteland. Ducote, along with other soldiers, was tasked with cleaning up the island to make it habitable for its displaced population. Known as the “Lojwa Animals,” these men rotated in six-month cycles over the span of three years, enduring grueling conditions and, as they would later learn, significant radiation exposure.
At the time, they were assured that their exposure was minimal. However, as the years passed, many began suffering from cancers and other severe illnesses. Ducote, like so many of his fellow veterans, found himself battling not just his health but also a system that refused to acknowledge the connection between their ailments and their service on the radiated island.
Ducote’s frustration mirrored the experiences of countless atomic cleanup veterans. Their pleas to the Veterans Affairs (VA) fell on deaf ears. While the Marshallese islanders received care for radiation-related health issues, the veterans who made the islands livable again were largely forgotten. Ducote felt the sting of this disparity as he joined the growing movement of veterans seeking recognition for their sacrifices.
Despite the mounting health issues and the bureaucratic battle for benefits, Ducote found comfort in his passion for barbecue. He returned to his seasonings, dreaming of spring cookouts and large batches for friends and family. In this simple pursuit, he discovered a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos of his battle for recognition.
Aaron Ducote’s journey is a testament to the resilience of forgotten heroes—those who served in silence, whose health and well-being were sacrificed in the name of duty. His story, like those of his fellow atomic cleanup veterans, reminds us that recognition should not be delayed, and that honor belongs to those who answered the call, no matter how long it takes for their stories to be told.
Accessing Article:
Comments