Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Mike Chumley

Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Mike Chumley’s Story of Sacrifice and Service

Mike Chumley’s story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Atomic Cleanup Veterans who served in Enewetak Atoll from 1977 to 1980. His narrative sheds light on the dedication of these veterans, who, despite their lack of awareness, faced life-altering health complications as a result of their service in one of the most hazardous environments on Earth.

Enewetak Atoll, a remote location in the Marshall Islands of the South Pacific, had become a significant nuclear testing ground after World War II. From 1948 to 1958, the U.S. conducted 43 nuclear tests on these islands, leaving behind a dangerous legacy of radioactive fallout. In 1977, Mike Chumley and a coalition of U.S. military forces and civilian teams were deployed to clean up the remnants of this nuclear devastation.

Chumley’s journey began with his youthful innocence as a mechanic in the Army, sent to a place he had never heard of before. The mission, cloaked in secrecy, had little explanation, and he and his fellow soldiers were unaware of the true nature of the assignment. Despite their lack of understanding, they placed unwavering trust in their government and wholeheartedly believed that their work was for the greater good.

One striking aspect of Chumley’s story is the lack of proper protective gear during the cleanup mission. The soldiers wore only shorts and boots as their uniform of the day, with limited safety equipment, and without being warned of the risks they faced. This vulnerable exposure to radiation went unnoticed, as they labored to remove radioactive debris from the contaminated islands. These brave young men, unknowingly exposed to invisible dangers, trusted that their government would not send them into harm’s way without protection.

As time passed, Chumley began to realize something was amiss. Upon his return home in 1981, his life took a painful turn. His wife suffered through three miscarriages, and their only son was stillborn or premature, a reality that weighed heavily on his heart. Although there was no definitive link between these tragedies and his time on Lojwa, he started investigating the possibility. Through his research, he discovered that many other veterans who had served in Enewetak were experiencing similar health complications.

Chumley’s growing frustration and sense of betrayal become palpable as he recounts the indifference these veterans faced. They were never informed of the potential radiation exposure during their time in the Marshall Islands, and no efforts were made to protect them from the long-term effects of their service. Now, many of these veterans, including Chumley, face serious health issues, and they struggle to obtain recognition, let alone the support they deserve.

In his closing reflection, Mike Chumley emphasizes that they served their country with unwavering dedication and honor and should be recognized and supported like any other veterans. However, the lack of acknowledgment from veteran support organizations, like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), has left them feeling abandoned and disregarded.

Mike Chumley’s narrative is a powerful testament to the duty, honor, and sacrifice of the Atomic Cleanup Veterans of Enewetak Atoll. It’s a story of trust and betrayal, as these veterans unknowingly served their country in a hazardous environment. Today, they fight for justice and recognition, seeking the support and acknowledgment they have long been denied. Their resilience is a reminder that even in the face of the unknown, their service and sacrifice were unwavering.