Tribute to Atomic Veteran Mike Brown

Tribute to Atomic Veteran Mike Brown: A Legacy of Duty, Sacrifice, and Advocacy

In the late 1970s, a group of military personnel and civilian support teams embarked on a mission now known as the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission. Their task was monumental: to address the aftermath of decades of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, particularly on Enewetak Atoll. These unsung survivors, often overlooked, carry with them stories of duty, sacrifice, and the lingering toll of radiation exposure.

Among these brave individuals is Mike Brown, a former Army officer stationed in Hawaii, who played a critical role in this cleanup effort. Brown’s journey to Enewetak began with little knowledge of the Marshall Islands or their grim history. The atoll had served as a major testing ground for nuclear weapons after World War II, with 43 nuclear tests conducted between 1948 and 1958. Among these tests were the infamous "Ivy Mike" and "Castle Bravo" detonations—the latter being a thousand times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

In 1977, a coalition of U.S. military forces and civilians was tasked with cleaning up the radioactive fallout that lingered on the islands. Brown, serving as a Chemical Officer, found himself leading the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) School for the 25th Infantry Division. His responsibility was to teach radiation safety to the Air Force Field Radiological Safety Teams (FRST) destined for Enewetak Atoll.

Brown’s personal account reveals the dangers faced by those involved in the mission. He details the different types of radiation—gamma radiation, similar to X-rays; alpha and beta radiation, which could cause severe skin burns or internal damage if inhaled or ingested. Despite the known risks, he recalls his skepticism about air monitoring tests that failed to detect significant amounts of airborne radioactive material, even as troops were covered in dust from the contaminated soil.

One particularly poignant memory stands out: young combat engineers operating bulldozers, pushing radioactive dirt, sand, and even old World War II ordnance, seemingly unprotected. Brown questioned the leadership’s handling of the mission, stressing the need for clear communication about hazards and proper medical follow-up for those placed in harm’s way.

Decades later, many of the survivors of the cleanup mission face severe health issues as a result of their exposure to radiation. Brown has become a resolute advocate for these veterans and contractors, fighting for their recognition and support. He believes they deserve acknowledgment for their selfless service and access to the healthcare and funds necessary to address their growing health complications.

As more of these stories come to light, the sacrifices made by these survivors become impossible to ignore. Mike Brown’s account sheds light not only on the environmental devastation caused by nuclear testing but also on the human cost borne by those who served in the cleanup efforts. His unwavering dedication to advocating for justice and support serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to honor and care for those who have given so much in the name of duty.

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