Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Pete Moreno
Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Pete Moreno’s Journey Through the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup
Pete Moreno's personal narrative offers a sobering glimpse into the harrowing experiences of veterans who participated in the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission. His story highlights the lack of information, insufficient protection, and the enduring health consequences that continue to affect many who served on the radioactive islands.
Moreno recalls the limited knowledge he and his comrades had about the Marshall Islands before being deployed. The vague and minimal details provided left them unprepared for the harsh realities they would face upon arrival. As a Navy Weather Technician assigned to the Clearwater Beach Cleanup Team, he was thrust into an environment rife with uncertainty and danger. The mission to clean up the radioactive debris from the islands proved to be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing.
He vividly describes the austere living conditions that compounded their hardships. With electricity available for only two hours each night, a lack of basic necessities like fresh water for showers, and few comforts, the soldiers were left to endure significant physical and psychological strain. These conditions, combined with the oppressive heat, further amplified the challenges of their deployment.
Moreno's account of their so-called "protective gear" is particularly striking. He recalls wearing minimal clothing, leather gloves, and sunglasses while working with radioactive debris—gear that was woefully inadequate for the task at hand. Even their radiation badges, issued to monitor exposure, were rendered useless due to the tropical humidity, making it impossible to measure the actual danger they were facing. This lack of proper safety measures left the servicemen vulnerable to the invisible but ever-present threat of radiation.
The most alarming part of Moreno's experience was encountering radioactive debris firsthand. He recounts how Geiger counters would spike when testing piles of debris, revealing dangerously high levels of radiation. Despite these clear warning signs, the men received little information or guidance about the hazards. When Moreno expressed concerns to a medical officer, he was met with dismissive reassurances, like "Don't worry about it," which only heightened his frustration.
Adding to the sense of unease was the secrecy surrounding the mission. Orders not to wear radiation badges and a general lack of transparency further eroded trust. This secrecy later became a barrier for veterans like Moreno, who struggled to obtain recognition and support for the health issues they developed as a result of their service.
In his concluding thoughts, Moreno advocates for the recognition of the sacrifices made by those who participated in the Enewetak Cleanup Mission. He calls for the government to acknowledge their service and address the lingering health concerns that continue to plague many veterans. Moreno’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for transparency, recognition, and support for those who served in hazardous environments, ensuring that their sacrifices are neither overlooked nor forgotten.
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