Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Bernard A. Stearos
Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Bernard A. Stearos - A Call for Recognition and Disarmament
Bernard A. Stearos, an Army veteran of the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission in 1978, shares a poignant account that sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by these unsung heroes. Through his narrative, the world gains insight into the duty, honor, and service of the veterans who cleaned up the aftermath of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands.
Enewetak Atoll, situated far from the world's eyes, became a significant chapter in history due to the 43 nuclear detonations that rocked its serene shores between 1948 and 1958. These tests, including "Ivy Mike" and "Castle Bravo," left behind a legacy of radioactive contamination. In 1977, a coalition of U.S. military forces and civilian support teams was tasked with the hazardous mission of cleaning up the lingering radioactive debris.
Bernard Stearos, like many of his comrades, joined this mission without a full understanding of its magnitude. For him, it was an opportunity to gain valuable experience as a junior NCO. The hazardous nature of their work was downplayed, and protective gear was virtually nonexistent. While a decimeter was issued initially, it was soon returned, and the young servicemen operated in a hazardous environment without respiratory protection or proper decontamination procedures.
The chilling revelation is that even the vehicles and equipment they used contributed to the spread of radioactive particles. It was a dangerous game of Russian roulette with their health, as no one knew the true extent of the radioactive exposure they endured.
Bernard's account paints a vivid picture of the lack of transparency and knowledge surrounding their mission. They were stationed on Runit Island, where the evidence of something amiss was apparent. The absence of decontamination procedures and the recklessness with which they operated hinted at the hidden dangers of their work.
Yet, amid these hazardous conditions, camaraderie thrived. Bernard recalls how his fellow servicemen, primarily farm boys from Arkansas and Mississippi, sought to alleviate homesickness by chasing sharks on the reef or snorkeling. Life on the remote islands of the Marshall Atolls had its moments of wonder and amusement.
However, as the years passed, the true cost of their service became painfully clear. Bernard discovered the Enewetak group on the internet, and the stark statistics regarding the dwindling number of survivors raised alarm bells. The veterans were suffering from various cancers and health issues at an alarming rate. They had unknowingly become subjects of a large-scale experiment, paying the price for their service with their health and lives.
In the face of these challenges, Bernard and his fellow veterans are resolute in their call for recognition and assistance. They are not just seeking compensation but also striving to raise awareness about the consequences of nuclear testing and the importance of disarmament.
Bernard Stearos leaves the world with a sobering message: "Get rid of all weapons of mass destruction." He emphasizes the long-lasting impact of radiation exposure and the urgency of preventing further nuclear catastrophes.
In the end, these veterans epitomize the spirit of service and resilience, echoing the motto of "No man left behind." They served their country dutifully, and now, they call upon their government to fulfill its duty by taking care of those who remain—the living witnesses to the history of Enewetak Atoll.
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