Tribute to Air Force Staff Sergeant Jerry A. Whaley

Tribute to Air Force Staff Sergeant Jerry A. Whaley: The Silent Guardian of Radiation Safety

Rank: Staff Sergeant (SSGT)

Branch: Air Force

Role/Job: Disaster Preparedness, FRST Field Radiation Survey Team

Service Location: Lojwa, Enjebi, Sally, Sally's Daughter, Runit

Staff Sergeant Jerry A. Whaley was part of the critical Field Radiation Survey Team (FRST) during the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission. His work was essential in maintaining safety standards during one of the most dangerous aspects of the cleanup—the detection, monitoring, and control of radioactive materials left over from decades of nuclear testing.

Assigned to Lojwa, SSGT Whaley’s responsibilities included radiation detection and removal, ensuring that every soldier, engineer, and worker entering or exiting the islands adhered to strict safety protocols. He also collected and reported Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) information, a system designed to measure radiation exposure among the personnel. His reports were sent to Kirtland AFB, serving as vital records for monitoring radiation levels and ensuring that the cleanup team was kept as safe as possible under the circumstances.

While Whaley’s duties spanned multiple islands, including Sally, Enjebi, Sally’s Daughter, and Runit, his commitment to maintaining radiation safety in such hazardous environments was unwavering. The importance of his work cannot be overstated, as he played a key role in safeguarding the health and well-being of the crew operating in highly contaminated areas.

SSGT Whaley recounts how he personally ensured entry and exit control for those working on the islands, confirming that the necessary safety precautions were in place to minimize radiation exposure. His duties extended beyond mere observation; he was actively engaged in the monitoring and removal of radioactive materials, performing a role that was not only highly technical but also dangerous.

In addition to his work, SSGT Whaley faced a difficult personal challenge—he lost all of his medical records and continues to battle for recognition of his service-connected health issues. Despite the hardships he has endured, Whaley continues to fight for acknowledgment of the radiation exposure he faced and the lingering health problems associated with it.

His story is a poignant reminder of the countless behind-the-scenes efforts made by those who served during the Enewetak Atoll mission. The sacrifices of SSGT Jerry A. Whaley and his relentless commitment to ensuring the safety of his fellow servicemen exemplify the courage and dedication required in such a hazardous environment.

Whaley’s fight for recognition mirrors the struggle faced by many veterans of the Atomic Cleanup Mission—their contributions often overlooked, their sacrifices not fully acknowledged. His story is not just one of service, but of a battle that continues long after the mission has ended.

By honoring SSGT Jerry A. Whaley, we recognize the vital role he played in protecting the health and safety of those who worked in one of the most contaminated environments on Earth. His efforts in radiation detection and control were integral to the success of the mission, and his story stands as a testament to the perseverance and bravery of those who served in the shadows of nuclear fallout.