Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Aaron Ducote
Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Aaron Ducote
Aaron Ducote, a veteran of the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission in 1979, offers a stark and insightful account of the realities he and his comrades faced while serving on the isolated atoll. An Equipment Operator/Transportation specialist, Aaron volunteered for the mission, lured by the promise of R&R in Australia, a trip that he never got to take. Instead, his time was spent operating heavy equipment amidst the radioactive remnants of nuclear testing.
The realities of life on Enewetak were far from the images of protective gear often portrayed. Aaron's "uniform" during the mission consisted of a Boony hat, a T-shirt, cut-offs, and regular work gloves. While they were issued masks with forced air during the most intense periods of work, the same dirty filter was used daily, and there were no protective suits, hoods, or special gloves to guard them against the radiation they were exposed to.
Over time, Aaron and his fellow veterans began to suspect that they were part of a cover-up. There was no change in the routine of their daily activities, and the absence of visitors from other islands raised suspicions. The full scope of what they were enduring only became clear after the mission, but the damage had already been done.
For Aaron, the memories of his time on Enewetak faded after 1985, until the rise of social media brought them back to the surface. Through Facebook, he reconnected with other veterans who had served on the atoll and learned about their health complications—many of which seemed linked to their time on Enewetak. Aaron himself had to undergo heart valve replacement surgery. Though the VA denied radiation exposure on the atoll, he firmly believes his heart issues stemmed from his service there.
Aaron also faced challenges in obtaining his complete military records. There were times when the military had no record of his existence, forcing him to fight for recognition and even write to the Commandant to rejoin the Marines. After his service, he continued to work with the Department of Defense, training dogs, but was recently forced into retirement due to medical conditions he believes were a direct result of his time on Enewetak.
In sharing his story, Aaron emphasized the importance of speaking out and urged the nation to acknowledge the truth. He felt that the government had covered up their experiences, refused them treatment, and ultimately used them for experimental purposes. Despite their selfless service, Aaron and his fellow veterans felt betrayed by their country—a country they had trusted and defended with unwavering commitment.
Aaron's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Atomic Cleanup Veterans and their ongoing fight for justice, recognition, and medical support. Their voices, once hidden in the shadows, continue to rise, demanding the acknowledgment they so rightfully deserve.
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