Tribute to Atomic Veteran Timothy A. Brown

Tribute to Timothy A. Brown, Army Driver, and Gopher for Enewetak Assessment

Rank: E-2

Branch: Army

Unit: 64C20, 14th Engineers B Company, Fort Ord

Service Dates: 7/1/1977 - 9/7/1977

Location: Enewetak Atoll

Timothy A. Brown, an E-2 in the United States Army, found himself on a unique mission in the late summer of 1977 when he accompanied Colonel Peter Dawkins and his staff to Enewetak Atoll. While Timothy’s permanent duty station was at Fort Ord with the 14th Engineers B Company, his role as a driver for the Colonel during this crucial assessment assignment brought him to one of the most significant sites of the nuclear cleanup efforts in the Pacific. His time on Enewetak, though brief, contributed to the early evaluations that were essential to planning the larger operation.

In addition to being a driver, Timothy humbly refers to himself as a “gopher” during this assignment, running errands and handling various tasks for the Colonel and his staff. This role, while often seen as a support position, was vital in ensuring the smooth operation of the assessment mission. Timothy’s duties allowed the high-ranking officers to focus on the pressing matters at hand—determining the extent of the contamination and the necessary steps to mitigate it.

During this brief period in Enewetak, Timothy was exposed to an environment severely affected by decades of nuclear testing. The task at hand was important not only for the military but also for future generations who would inherit these lands. Although behind the scenes, Timothy's contributions were essential in laying the groundwork for the following cleanup efforts.

Though his time at Enewetak was short, Timothy’s service reflects the dedication and commitment required of every soldier involved in the cleanup operations. His modest role, however, was an integral part of the mission’s success. Timothy’s experience underscores the reality that, regardless of rank or task, every individual had a part to play in addressing the legacy of nuclear testing.

As we honor Timothy A. Brown, we acknowledge his work and the support he provided during a critical time in Enewetak’s history. His story reminds us that every service member, regardless of their official duties, contributed to the larger mission. His efforts, both as a driver and as a gopher, were vital to the success of the assessment mission, helping to shape the cleanup efforts that would follow.