Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Ken Brownell
Glimmer of Lights: The Untold Story of Atomic Veteran Ken Brownell
Ken Brownell's journey to Enewetak Atoll shines a light on the unwavering spirit and sacrifice of the Atomic Cleanup Veterans who served during the challenging mission from 1977 to 1980. His personal narrative is a testament to the resilience and commitment of those who undertook a dangerous mission, often without fully understanding the risks they faced.
Enewetak Atoll, a remote island chain in the South Pacific's Marshall Islands, had once been a major testing ground for nuclear weapons in the years following World War II. The consequences of these tests were profound, leaving the islands blanketed with radioactive contamination. In 1977, a coalition of United States military forces and civilian support teams, including Ken Brownell, was deployed to clean up the radioactive debris from decades of nuclear testing.
Brownell’s story begins with his arrival at Enewetak, a place he had never heard of before being assigned to the mission. He and his fellow soldiers were tasked with setting up a base camp for the 300 men who would undertake the mission to clean the contaminated islands. Stationed with the 84th Engineers, Company B, out of Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, Brownell’s role was part of the essential foundation for the entire cleanup effort.
One of the most striking elements of Brownell’s account is the lack of protective gear issued to those participating in the cleanup. The soldiers were provided with only basic uniforms—boots and cut-off jungle pants—and were given little information about the dangers they were walking into. This absence of adequate safety measures underscores the trust these young soldiers placed in their leadership, dedicating themselves to a mission that involved unknown levels of danger, all for the good of their country.
It was only later, as Brownell and his fellow veterans began facing serious health complications, that the risks they were exposed to became clear. In 2001, Brownell was diagnosed with cancer—a battle he survived but one he suspects is linked to his time in Enewetak. This realization came too late for many, but it ignited a desire in Brownell and other veterans to seek answers and accountability.
After reconnecting with an old Army friend and discovering the Enewetak Atomic Cleanup Veterans group, Brownell became more involved in the collective effort to gain recognition and support for their unique service. The shared experiences, health struggles, and enduring bond between these veterans have united them in a fight for acknowledgment of the sacrifices they made and the dangers they faced during their time on the atoll.
In his closing statement, Brownell echoes a sentiment that resonates deeply with all the veterans of Enewetak: they served their country with honor, and now it is time for their government to acknowledge both their presence and the health challenges they face. The fight for recognition is not one of bitterness but one of justice and duty. Brownell and his comrades believe their contributions to the nation deserve recognition, and that the country they served must now serve them in return.
Ken Brownell’s narrative is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Atomic Cleanup Veterans. His story highlights resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring commitment to fight for what is right. These men, like Brownell, carried out their mission with dedication, and it is time for their legacy to be acknowledged and honored.
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