Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Don Mace
Glimmer of Lights: The Untold Journey of Atomic Cleanup Veteran Don Mace at Enewetak Atoll
In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, amidst the Marshall Islands, lies a place known as Enewetak Atoll. For most, it is merely a name on a distant map, but for a select group of veterans, it represents a chapter in their lives marked by duty, exploration, and the unknown. This remote atoll, situated 2,365 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii, was once the site of nuclear tests following World War II, including the infamous "Castle Bravo," whose power far surpassed that of Hiroshima's devastation.
In 1977, a mission began to clean up the radioactive remnants of these tests, a three-year endeavor entrusted to a mix of servicemen and contractors. Among them was Don Mace, a Nondestructive Inspector with the U.S. Air Force stationed at Dover Air Force Base. Like many of his comrades, Don was unaware of the perilous task ahead as he arrived in Enewetak's sweltering heat, greeted by the searing sun of the equator.
With minimal protective gear, they worked under the constant threat of radiation exposure, monitoring levels, performing nasal swipes, and witnessing unsettling events, such as civilian drilling teams arriving unexpectedly. Despite being trained to detect radiation, they were not always privy to the full scope of their exposure, and over time, health concerns began to surface. Don, like many others, would later battle serious illnesses, including prostate cancer and skin carcinomas, raising questions about the long-term consequences of their service.
For decades, the details of their mission were classified, shrouded in secrecy until the Clinton Administration declassified key information. Today, veterans like Don are sharing their stories not out of a desire for pity, but for recognition and justice. They are part of the Atomic Cleanup Veterans who believe they deserve acknowledgment for their radiation-risk activities during their service.
Their journey to Enewetak, once filled with youthful adventure, has evolved into a pursuit for recognition, a call for justice for the sacrifices they made in the shadows of history. The legacy of these veterans demands to be heard and honored, ensuring that their service is not forgotten.
Comentarios