Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Kirk McCann
Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Kirk McCann
Kirk McCann, a retired US Army Combat Engineer, recounts his harrowing experience as part of the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission in 1978-79. A young E-4 with just one year of military service under his belt, Kirk volunteered for the mission with little understanding of the potential dangers that lay ahead.
The lack of protective gear or safety protocols was immediately evident. Unlike the iconic images of "banana suits" and gas masks often associated with radiation protection, Kirk and his fellow soldiers were given no such equipment. Instead, they were told that the islands had been "cleaned" and that the environment was safe to work in. They were even assured that there was no risk—"as long as you don't eat the dirt."
Their task was a monumental cleanup operation, clearing debris from World War II and the subsequent nuclear testing that had left the islands scarred. But despite these reassurances, Kirk found it hard to believe that there were no risks, especially with the atoll’s history of nuclear detonations. It wasn’t until years later, through research and connecting with other veterans, that Kirk realized the full extent of the dangers they had faced.
As Kirk reconnected with other veterans from Enewetak, he learned about the health problems many were now facing, including cancers and other ailments that could be linked to radiation exposure. This revelation spurred him to share his own story and advocate for the recognition and compensation these veterans deserve. Kirk was particularly moved by a personal story about a bank employee whose father, also a veteran of Enewetak, had died of cancer—an all-too-common fate among those who had served there.
The fight for recognition has been long and arduous. Kirk highlighted the lack of proper documentation and the difficulty many veterans face in proving their exposure and health claims. Without adequate records, countless veterans have struggled to receive the compensation and healthcare they need.
Kirk's experience stands as a stark reminder of the negligence and lack of transparency surrounding the Enewetak mission. He continues to advocate for the proper recognition, compensation, and healthcare for all veterans who served during this hazardous operation. His story, and that of his comrades, is a powerful call to action—a reminder that the sacrifices made during this mission cannot remain hidden in the shadows.
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