Tribute to Atomic Veteran Rodney D. Bell

Rank: Petty Officer

Branch: Navy

Role: Seabee Team Leader

Unit: Amphibious Construction Battalion One

Service Dates: January 14, 1978 - January 24, 1978; March 17, 1979 - March 30, 1979

Location: Enewetak Atoll

Tribute to Atomic Veteran Rodney D. Bell, Resilient Seabee of Enewetak

In honor of our brave Atomic Veterans - Rodney D. Bell, a former Navy Seabee, served his country with distinction during his deployment to Enewetak Atoll as a Petty Officer in Charge of a Seabee Team assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion One from Coronado, California.

During his deployment from January 14, 1978, to January 24, 1978, and then from March 17, 1979, to March 30, 1979, Rodney played a crucial role in the assembly and repair of damaged Pontoon Causeways and Warping Tugs. These vital components were used to transport vehicles, including dump trucks, bulldozers, and other equipment, to contamination sites for final burial in the repository dome on Enewetak.

However, Rodney's service came with a heavy toll on his health. He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood-bone cancer, initially identified as Plasmablastic Lymphoma. His journey through diagnosis and treatment was arduous, undergoing surgeries to remove a large malignant tumor in his nasal cavity and forehead, followed by six months of intensive chemotherapy. The treatments left him feeling ill, weak, and in pain, with a noticeable decline in cognitive abilities and memory.

Despite the challenges he faced, Rodney's determination and resilience were unwavering. He continued to fight, but the toll on his health eventually forced him to retire from his full-time employment earlier than anticipated.

Now, Rodney awaits assistance and support from organizations like the Disabled Veterans of America. Although he has never applied for VA disabilities before, he remains hopeful for the future and appreciative of any assistance that comes his way.

Rodney's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans like him, whose service to their country often comes with significant personal costs. His courage and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.