Glimmer of Lights Atomic Veteran Big John Wills
Big John Wills: A Navy Veteran's Fight for Justice After Enewetak's Radioactive Legacy
"Big John" Wills, a Navy veteran, shares his personal story of serving during the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission, shedding light on the challenging circumstances faced by the veterans who served in the radiologically polluted environment of Enewetak Atoll.
Big John's journey began on the USS Midway, later assigned to the USS LPD-8 Dubuque, where his job involved fueling aircraft and handling aviation fuel. Little did he know that this seemingly routine duty would expose him to a highly hazardous environment contaminated with radioactive plutonium, cesium, and americium.
Anchored just two miles from Cactus Crater on Runit Island, Big John vividly recalls the sight of his fellow servicemen working onshore, stirring up radioactive dust without adequate protective gear. As the dust settled on their ship's flight deck, they unknowingly breathed in the toxic particles. At the time, the veterans were oblivious to the dangers, but the consequences would haunt them for years to come.
Throughout his narrative, Big John emphasizes the lack of awareness and concern regarding the radiation exposure they faced. Despite the glaring hazards, they were given minimal safety equipment, and their health was compromised daily. The effects of their exposure began to manifest years later, as many of their comrades fell ill or passed away.
Big John's account also touches on the government's monitoring of their health and the mysterious presence of an observer during their shore leave, reinforcing the belief that the authorities were well aware of the risks involved.
He goes on to describe a series of health issues that plagued him after leaving Enewetak, including knee problems, lymph node enlargement, and a quadruple heart blockage. The mounting health problems underscore the long-term consequences of their service on Enewetak Atoll.
Big John's story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and challenges faced by the Atomic Cleanup Veterans. These veterans, now aging, continue to grapple with health issues and seek recognition and assistance for the ordeals they endured. They share a common desire for the truth to be known and for the government to acknowledge its responsibility in their suffering.
In the face of adversity, they persevere, driven by the belief that their story, and the history of their mission, must not remain shrouded in darkness. They demand answers, compensation, and justice for their service, hoping that one day, the world will understand the sacrifices they made on Enewetak Atoll.
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