Veteran seeking "Atomic Veteran" Status from service at Enewetak Atoll - Want's Change
Veteran Fights for Recognition: Jeff Fortin's Battle for Justice After Enewetak Atoll Service
Jeff Fortin's story sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by veterans of the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission, a largely forgotten chapter in U.S. military history. These "Atomic Veterans" were sent to the South Pacific islands years after nuclear testing to clean up the radioactive debris left behind. Despite their significant health issues linked to this hazardous mission, they have yet to receive the same recognition and benefits as those who were directly involved in the nuclear tests.
Fortin, like many others, recalls being reassured that there was minimal danger and only low-level radiation exposure. This led him and his fellow servicemen to believe they were safe. However, in the years following his service, he began experiencing a range of health problems, including cysts, asthma, and skin conditions—symptoms that were noted in his VA medical records and which he attributes to his time on Enewetak.
As the years passed, Fortin's health deteriorated further. He developed moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and an autoimmune disease that severely affected his spine. While no doctor has officially connected these conditions to his radiation exposure, Fortin is certain that his time spent on the radioactive atoll has aggravated his health issues.
Fortin's experience is echoed by many other veterans who served in the cleanup mission. Reports of unusual health problems, including a high incidence of cancer, have emerged among these veterans, yet the federal government has been slow to recognize the risks they faced or the subsequent health consequences. Despite the growing evidence of radiation-related illnesses, these veterans remain unacknowledged in the same way as their counterparts who were present during nuclear testing.
A glimmer of hope emerged with the introduction of the "Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act" by Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai. This bill seeks to address the medical needs of Enewetak cleanup veterans, offering them access to service-related treatment and additional benefits. The proposed legislation aims to formally acknowledge the link between their service on the atoll and the health challenges they continue to face.
Jeff Fortin hopes that the passage of this legislation will bring relief and long-overdue recognition to him and other veterans battling the health effects of their hazardous service. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of caring for those who sacrificed their health for their country, and the ongoing fight for justice for the veterans of the Enewetak Atoll cleanup mission.
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