My father was in the Navy, and was on the USS Lowry and witness to Test Baker at Crossroads in 1946. They stayed in the lagoon for over a week after the detonation. He’s almost 99 yrs old, and has had parathyroid problems, and colon cancer. So far no issues with me and my 2 sisters, except my oldest sister had Type 1 Diabetes and died as a young adult. He did qualify for and receive the compensation thru RECA.
WHO EVER IS READING THIS SHOULD KNOW THAT; This is real and no lies here. Pastor Paul is an honest, truthful, genuine, sincere and a good man. Whoever wants to adopt a child should contact Pastor Paul on his email; Christchurchorphanage@gmail.com because I also adopted my wonderful twins legally from him. They also have a website which you can reach them with; Christchurchorphanage.blogspot.com Thank you Pastor Paul and may God keep on blessing you for the good works.
I am the son of an Air Force veteran who worked on the A bomb in New Mexico and followed it to Tinian Island until it was loaded on the aircraft for Japan. After the war, he worked on the H bomb and, I believe, the drone delivery system for that bomb. He was working, I believe at Eglin AFB, Florida, on it in 1952 when my mother became pregnant with me. He went to his commanding officer with that information and my mother was immediately sent to her family home in Mississippi. My father received orders to work for the embassy in Paris France and that’s where I was born. I recall being examined during childhood by doctors at Eglin AFB when I was about 4 and we’d returned to Valparaiso Florida. The last time I was examined was in our home in Tallahassee and I was about the age of puberty.
I have served in the Air Force myself during Vietnam, so I have service records independent of my father’s records and I am now 72 years old. I have had dental problems since early childhood and I have a large birthmark on the back of both legs which was also of interest to the doctors when they did the examinations as a child. Otherwise I have been fairly healthy. However, I have never been able to access my military health or service records or those of my father and I have tried many different ways at many different times in my life.
I am the son of an Air Force veteran who worked on the A bomb in New Mexico and followed it to Tinian Island until it was loaded on the aircraft for Japan. After the war, he worked on the H bomb and, I believe, the drone delivery system for that bomb. He was working, I believe at Eglin AFB, Florida, on it in 1952 when my mother became pregnant with me. He went to his commanding officer with that information and my mother was immediately sent to her family home in Mississippi. My father received orders to work for the embassy in Paris France and that’s where I was born. I recall being examined during childhood by doctors at Eglin AFB when I was about 4 and we’d returned to Valparaiso Florida. The last time I was examined was in our home in Tallahassee and I was about the age of puberty.
I have served in the Air Force myself during Vietnam, so I have service records independent of my father’s records and I am now 72 years old and basically in good health. I have had dental problems since early childhood and I have a large birthmark on the back of both legs which was also of interest to the doctors when they did the examinations as a child. Otherwise I have been fairly healthy. However, I have never been able to access my military health or service records or those of my father and I have tried many different ways at many different times in my life.
I am Pastor Paul of Christ Church Orphanage. We urgently need new adopters to provide a loving family. People from all walks of life can adopt children, but in particular we are looking for adoptive parents who will be able to meet a child’s needs. And to those of you looking for a baby to adopt, there are children; twins, boys and girls here. Like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes. Interested couples looking forward to adopting the babies should please contact us now. So if you’re thinking about starting the adoption process then please contact us now at: christchurchorphanage@gmail.com and you can also give your donations and charity to the orphanage. There is no need for these children to suffer any more so PLEASE HELP by coming to take them for adoption or donating to the orphanage. Help the little children. Thank you very much. God bless you as you come.
My father C William Larkins Sr past away in June 2003 he had just turned 70 . He died from pancreatic cancer ,he had also been diagnosed with low grade leukemia, and he had dental issues . He was stationed on Eniwetok atoll Operation Castle1954 ,he was a cryptographer 2 Army, Signal Corp. My brother and I have extensive health problems , bone deterioration, thyroid disease , cardiac disease. I am now 65 years old and fighting to stay fit and as healthy as I can be, The U S govt payed our parents a little bit of nothing for being used as guinea pigs, they owe us something also for having to deal with health problems all of our lives .Where is our class action law suit , we should be entitled to there V A benefits, we are the guinea pigs now.
My father was stationed near Nagasaki after the bomb dropped. He dropped dead at 35 right after a physical where he was deemed to be in perfect health. Plutonium affects muscle, and the heart is a muscle. After much research, I found others who had suffered heart issues or just died very young. I was born in 1951. I was told for years that I was lucky because I should’ve had spina bifida and a cleft palate…there were some early signs like a lower transitional vertabrae, some kind of indent on my tailbone, and a dent in my upper palate. I had health concerns no one else in the family ever had like Grave’s Disease and a UPJ (small opening between ureter and kidney). Bad enough to lose my father when he seemed so healthy. I was only 9 and it was traumatic. Worse yet to find out that I had ‘almost’ and expressed birth defects. I remember my mom saying she got a small check from the VA for us kids, but I am not a child anymore, and where is the compensation for those of us who lost a parent and were born with ‘almost’ defects (the transitional vertabrae hurts) and expressed birth defects. I don’t believe for a second that what I have or almost got was from a bad gene pool. I’m not like anyone else in the family. My head is small and misshapen as well. THAT was not inherited. So yeah, I made it through life with no father and all the health issues, but I’m convinced that the government knew what atomic vets and their children would suffer. Just had to vent. Seems like the government got off pretty easy on this one. 🙁
I’m the grand daughter of an atomic veteran, my grandpa served in the Pacific, he was part of the nuclear defense weapons development team and he and my grandma then lived in New Mexico. He developed prostate, bladder and skin cancer. She had breast cancer and later had lung cancer. My mom had a mass removed several years ago that was classified as stage 0 breast cancer. At 33 I had papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. My sister and I have numerous rare diseases, so does my 18 month old daughter. We are just a few living examples of what radiation exposure has done to people.
I think about the Veterans and their families every day. It is not right the minimal compensation and recognition that they have received, nor that the burden of proof is shifted to a victim of wrongdoing.
I share your story as much as I can. I wish there was more that I could do.
I care so much and I believe you.
I am the Daughter of an Atomic Veteran. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 62 with multiple blood clots exploding in his lungs. He was never diagnosed with cancer so our family never qualified for benefits. After witnessing 23 atomic bombs in the Bikini Atol, his radiation detector alarmed at what they thought was the maximum limit of radiation at the time so they took him off the ship and sent him home. Most of his records were lost. Now, his children and grand children suffer from the effects of the radiation, but can’t get help from the government. My brother and his son were born without a spleen, my sister has thyroid issues, many of us deal with fertility issues including multiple miscarriages , and my daughter has a split uterus.
Dad was a Naval officer with a geophysics degree and was responsible for the nuclear readings after the overhead blasts at sea. They could only read 2 of the types of nuclear readings at the time. All of the other veterans were at the lowest level of the ship. He was told not to have any more children because the fallout would change him genetically.
I was a surprise kid. Dad had significant nerve damage and placed on 100% disability.
I have had a list of strange health differences. Dad passed at 67 years old.
My dad was involved in the Nagasaki nuclear cleanup (Marine). He is deceased. I am in my 70’s. I have 3 sisters. I have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. My ex-husband has some type of Agent Orange diagnosis.. (Have no communication with him). One of my sisters and I use a CPAP machine.. Possibly one or both of the other sisters should. My two daughters have immune deficiency issues (one ha RA). My grand daughters have PCOS. Is there any free or very inexpensive genetic testing for us? I am on Ancestry but that is no help. Does it sound familiar?.
My father was stationed in Hiroshima s part of the Occupation Army Japan, and later on Eniwetok during the testing. He developed Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Pancreatic Cancer, and died in 2001.
I am a daughter of an atomic veteran. My father was in Nevada and took part in a few tests. The one I remember was upshot knothole. He laid in a trench when the bomb went off and went in to “mop up “ after the explosion. My mother suffered 3 miscarriages which most likely was due to my fathers exposure. I remember my dad telling me they had no protective coverings and they swept the radioactive dust off them with a broom. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in march of 85 and died April of 85, he was 55, I was 20. I am a breast cancer survivor and an only child.
i am the granddaughter or an Army veteran that served in Korea and the Upshot Knothole test, among others. He suffered the rest of his life. When he passed away the Drs at the V.A. said that all of his illnesses could be attributed to radiation poisoning. His autopsy report, which took forever to get, listed unknown causes. We were unable to secure his military records as they were part of the fire. My mother, suffered with various cancers and cardio vascular issues her whole life. She and her younger brother also have a shared mental health. My son and I have a similar mental health issue. I am concerned that there will be genetic side affects, beyond what has been seen, in generations to come.
My father was involved with Upshot Knothole Encore. He never spoke of it until his myelodysplasia diagnosis at age 70. His diagnosis came from a Japanese doctor working at the Mayo clinic who told him his condition was most likely due to radiation exposure, she recognized his situation quickly from her understanding of what happened to peope in Japan. Sadly he passed at age 73 when he was previously in very good health. When asked if he would do it all over again, he said honestly “yes”.
I am one of 4 Siblings to a Father who was an Atomic Vet. He was part of the occupation and clean up of Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the end of WWII. My Father died of war related colon cancer at the age of 59. I was 18 years old. I have numerous health issues beginning at age 15 when I was diagnosed with Thyroid issues.
I have had missing teeth, autoimmune issues, and now am dealing with skin, gallbladder and GI tract issues. My Sister was infertile, also had a bad gallbladder and my youngest Brother suffers with numerous allergies and dermatological issues. It would be nice to not only have support but answers as to whether my DNA was irrepairably effected by my Father’s exposure to radiation during his service in the Military. Glad to have found this group-even if it is now that I am in my 50’s and so sick all the time.
I fought for 27 years for someone to listen to me that the extensive pain I was in was real. They would find little things wrong, like me being completely infertile but insisted that there was no way these little things were connected. It took me starting to lose my ability to walk for them to look deeper. Last week we found the cause of them all, a mitochondrial myopathy caused by a defect in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Was it caused by my fathers service in the pacific with the atomic tests or all the agent orange that rained down on him later on. I’m coming to understand I’m the product of America on a cellular level.
my father was Donald Coffman who was at the Nevada Test site for the test that were conducted. In 1951-1952
He was a United States Marine
I found out about this after his death through his Military Medical Records
Done some research I would like to know more if someone is available to email lcajunheat@aol.com
Patriciasays
My husband is one of these children, his father was stationed at Johnston Atoll and witnessed multiple nuclear tests and had died in his 70s from lung cancer. My husband has had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare form of skin cancer called desmoplastic melanoma and unfortunately he’s recently been diagnosed with lung cancer much like his father and he’s just 55. Asides from his father, no one in his family had cancer let alone three types.
My father served at Camp Mercury, Nevada. He sat in a lounge chair, with a cooler of beer on a hillside with friends wearing sunglasses and their rad tags and over 12 months observed 13 above-ground nuclear tests during a test series in the 1950s. He died at age 65 of multiple myeloma, which is of course not uncommon in those exposed to nuclear radiation.
Just before he passed away he spoke of it. I stated to him that it must have been pretty impressive to see. He replied with one of the few smiles we saw during his last 8 months, “It was a Hell of a show.” He never regretted a thing. And who could blame him? How many people actually witnessed an atomic explosion? No less 13 of them.
My father was in the US Navy and stationed on the Mt. McKinley during the July 1946, Bikini Atoll tests. He died from bladder cancer, and my sister and brother both died from cancer. My nephew is on his second round battling Lymphoma and I wonder if we all have damaged DNA from the fallout my dad physically experienced.
I am one child of seven of a father that served in the Air Force in the early 50’s. As well as being in Korea, I recall him one time talking about a nuclear test that he observed. It had to be Nevada. He was diagnosed with cancer in his early 40’s and died at the age of 52. I was 20, my youngest brother 15.
my father died when I was !& I was just coming out of having my spleen removed I found out way later I had radiation in it my dad was going into va hospital all I know is he never came out I have 2 brothers wer all a year apart we were all born 5 pounds I have 5 kids and they were all 5 pounds me and my brother a year older tthen me found out we both had cancer about the same day but I had breast cancer but he had lukemia and he died not even a year later which was a year ago I lost part of me we are all so close and my son thats 27 now had a brain tumor when he was 5 I think alot about all those men suffering with all there illnesses from defending our country it makes me sick how they all suffered so much and so many and now there kids and grandkids for what we should have never done that to japan how could we I hate us sometimes Im afraid we are leaving the world in trhe wrong hands I hate to say
My father was a veteran of Operation Plumbob, the Smoky nuclear test And Galileo test. He lived a long life but both myself and my sister suffer an illness which no one else in our family has. I have often wondered if the atomic tests were related in some way to our problem.
I am the daughter of an Atomic Veteran. My father served in the US Navy USS Curtiss during 1955 & 1956 Bikini Atoll. He died in Oct of 1980 at the age of 43 from Liver Cancer. Devastating to our family. He was a good man and we miss him everyday.
my dad was on this ship the USS Curtiss Av-4 in 1956 . he had 24 rads of radiation in him. his name was Virgil yonts sr.
Missie Coffmansays
I am a daughter of a Marine Corp Veteran who was present at the Nevada Teating site in 1952. I’m not sure which one I’m new to this information. All my life my whole family and childhood was very weird and secretive. I’m 54 years old trying to find out who I am !! But I’m his medical records the VA explicitly states this in his records about the Nevada testing site If I could find out which one it would help I’m trying thanks
I am the daughter of a atomic veteran of Bikini Atoll he was aboard the photography ship sent in to survey the lagoon an islands immediately after detonation highly exposed. My child wore many traits of disability due to this. It has had enormous repercussions on our family in neurological damage. My father died after suffering his entire life with skin neurological and numerous illnesses he kept his dignity and love for country in tact. Without any support or acknowledgment of our government it has been a very difficult endeavor to find any resource information to both the rare syndrome my child suffered and recently succumbed too. Having been so radically exposed to these powerful bombs and having such secrecy surrounding the event has been very devastating the service of a lab rat or as I found out that they had referred to us as monsters is very sad and tragic. The hybridization of human beings is a painful legacy. Tessa Jo Williams aka Terri Hurst
My father was at Bikini Beach aw well. He was on board the Quartz. I have tried to get compensation for my mother but she died before the hearing. My father was approved for for some benefit but died before that happened. He had to get a lawyer which he did but died before an award could happen. I had thyroid cancer back in 2010. I was told it was due to radiation. I was not around any that I knew of.
Angel Princesays
Amy father was there too, he is still alive fought c cancer. My sister and I have both had cancer at 23 and 25, as well. We are still learning about all this information.
Wrensays
My father was on the Navy Ship that picked up the animals in Bikini Atoll or looked at them to see the effects of radiation. There were other accidents that happened while he served. He was told he would have no children. I am the first of 5. My first child was born with Hydrocephalus.(water on the brain). So also had no eyes in her sockets, cleft palate and club feet. She lived for 6 weeks. I was recently reading about Atomic babies and see that all of the health issues my baby had were the same as what the Atomic Babies had. MY other 2 children are OK. MY dad has skin cancer(not melanoma) , I do also,but it has been blamed on where I grew upon Guam. My dad recently received a medal for being an Atomic Vet.I have mixed feelings about it, but happy he is finally at the age of 90 being acknowledged for this. I try to eat healthy and take care of myself. Blessings to all of us.
Sarahsays
Wondering if my dental distress and extensive tooth loss by age 30, as well as significant spinal bone degeneration may be related to status as child of Operation Redwing Atomic Veteran in Bikini Atolls (1953). Interested in the IRMA document.
I have posterior column malfunction just like you impacting my spine since my dad was apart of Cleanup Crew in Enewetak Atoll.
Katherinesays
I am the daughter of an Atomic Veteran. He was stationed in Enewetak, operation greenhouse. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 45 and died at the age of 52 after a long and painful fight. My older brother was diagnosed with cancer in 1982 at age 29 and fortunately won his battle. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 at the age of 52 and am also a survivor. I have had numerous skin cancers and tumors and also some neurological issues. My first tumor was at age 5. My younger brother was born in 1956 but died shortly after birth due to several deformities. I just hope my father’s grandchildren will not suffer from his radiation exposure.
I don’t think a “certificate” recognizing that they were atomic veterans quite covers the suffering and pain for the families and possibly their decedents.
Daughter of Hardtack Veteran, also a Veteran. Glad to have found this info, and trying to correlate my thyroid issues if they are a result of his documented exposure.
I’m also a daughter of a Veteran for operation hardtack. My father got thyroid cancer and had it removed soon after exposure and had to take synthroid until he passed a week ago.
Anitasays
I am the daughter of an atomic veteran of the Nevada test site of the 1950’s. My father died from cancer. A tumor the size of a football pressed against his spine and had metastasized to other organs by the time it caused him pain and was discovered. He died 6 weeks after discovery.
I am the son of an atomic veteran and have a genetic abnormality. I was born with one Kidney and only one vas deferens. The Kidney is twice the size of a normal Kidney.
my dad was in the Marines also a Korean war veteran he was stationed in Japan after the bomb drop an died with a host of problems including heart issues me myself have many health issues aswell including heart decease an back an neck issues an cysts appearing on my back,my father checked into all this an never received any compensation,I hope one day the truth is known…
I am the son of an Atomic Veteran who was stationed on Eniwetok and Bikini atolls. His dates were June 18, 1950 – May 13, 1951 with the 516 MP SV. CO. I have etched glass items with many of the names and details of that mission. It’s poignant to hear the stories of the veterans and their families. I hope to stay involved and connected.
My father was an Atomic Vet. He died when he was 42, I was just 6. Most of my life I couldn’t understand why he died so young. As an adult, I understand more what I have missed out on. I have a blood clotting disorder and so does my daughter. she almost lost her life and her daughters life due to the blood clotting disorder. I have sarcoidosis, which is a autoimmune disease. So please count me in.
I am the daughter of an Air Force father who took air samples after nuclear detonations over the Pacific ocean between Alaska and Russia. He died quickly of lung cancer at age 52. I was conceived the year he took the samples and was diagnosed with leukemia at age 14.
I’m interested if his Air Force involvement with nuclear tests was the reason he and I ended up with cancer.
I am the child of an atomic veteran. My father battled lymphoma twice, skin cancer, prostate, and pancreatic which took his life at age 86 in October of 2020. He was the strongest person I knew, but knew he could not win. We miss him dearly. Rest in peace Opa
Welcome Jack. Thank you for your service. Stay tuned… we have some announcements coming soon.
Albert C Snowsays
I sat at a friendly bar in Louisville, KY sometime in the late 70s or early 80s during a very special national no nukes conference and next to me was a wonderful man named Orville Kelly who was an atomic test veteran. I think he may have a founder of an Atomic veterans group. We laughed and talked and shook our heads. I believe he died of radiation wounds a year or so later. He would truly appreciate the ongoing work.
I also watched my friends father who worked at the Hanford plutonium factory develop brain cancer, get paid off and die.
You are absolutely correct about Orville Kelly! How nice you got to enjoy some time with him. We have lost friends and family as well, it is awful. So sorry for your loss. We will not let them forget!
My father was in the Navy, and was on the USS Lowry and witness to Test Baker at Crossroads in 1946. They stayed in the lagoon for over a week after the detonation. He’s almost 99 yrs old, and has had parathyroid problems, and colon cancer. So far no issues with me and my 2 sisters, except my oldest sister had Type 1 Diabetes and died as a young adult. He did qualify for and receive the compensation thru RECA.
WHO EVER IS READING THIS SHOULD KNOW THAT; This is real and no lies here. Pastor Paul is an honest, truthful, genuine, sincere and a good man. Whoever wants to adopt a child should contact Pastor Paul on his email; Christchurchorphanage@gmail.com because I also adopted my wonderful twins legally from him. They also have a website which you can reach them with; Christchurchorphanage.blogspot.com Thank you Pastor Paul and may God keep on blessing you for the good works.
I am the son of an Air Force veteran who worked on the A bomb in New Mexico and followed it to Tinian Island until it was loaded on the aircraft for Japan. After the war, he worked on the H bomb and, I believe, the drone delivery system for that bomb. He was working, I believe at Eglin AFB, Florida, on it in 1952 when my mother became pregnant with me. He went to his commanding officer with that information and my mother was immediately sent to her family home in Mississippi. My father received orders to work for the embassy in Paris France and that’s where I was born. I recall being examined during childhood by doctors at Eglin AFB when I was about 4 and we’d returned to Valparaiso Florida. The last time I was examined was in our home in Tallahassee and I was about the age of puberty.
I have served in the Air Force myself during Vietnam, so I have service records independent of my father’s records and I am now 72 years old. I have had dental problems since early childhood and I have a large birthmark on the back of both legs which was also of interest to the doctors when they did the examinations as a child. Otherwise I have been fairly healthy. However, I have never been able to access my military health or service records or those of my father and I have tried many different ways at many different times in my life.
I am the son of an Air Force veteran who worked on the A bomb in New Mexico and followed it to Tinian Island until it was loaded on the aircraft for Japan. After the war, he worked on the H bomb and, I believe, the drone delivery system for that bomb. He was working, I believe at Eglin AFB, Florida, on it in 1952 when my mother became pregnant with me. He went to his commanding officer with that information and my mother was immediately sent to her family home in Mississippi. My father received orders to work for the embassy in Paris France and that’s where I was born. I recall being examined during childhood by doctors at Eglin AFB when I was about 4 and we’d returned to Valparaiso Florida. The last time I was examined was in our home in Tallahassee and I was about the age of puberty.
I have served in the Air Force myself during Vietnam, so I have service records independent of my father’s records and I am now 72 years old and basically in good health. I have had dental problems since early childhood and I have a large birthmark on the back of both legs which was also of interest to the doctors when they did the examinations as a child. Otherwise I have been fairly healthy. However, I have never been able to access my military health or service records or those of my father and I have tried many different ways at many different times in my life.
I am Pastor Paul of Christ Church Orphanage. We urgently need new adopters to provide a loving family. People from all walks of life can adopt children, but in particular we are looking for adoptive parents who will be able to meet a child’s needs. And to those of you looking for a baby to adopt, there are children; twins, boys and girls here. Like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes. Interested couples looking forward to adopting the babies should please contact us now. So if you’re thinking about starting the adoption process then please contact us now at: christchurchorphanage@gmail.com and you can also give your donations and charity to the orphanage. There is no need for these children to suffer any more so PLEASE HELP by coming to take them for adoption or donating to the orphanage. Help the little children. Thank you very much. God bless you as you come.
My father C William Larkins Sr past away in June 2003 he had just turned 70 . He died from pancreatic cancer ,he had also been diagnosed with low grade leukemia, and he had dental issues . He was stationed on Eniwetok atoll Operation Castle1954 ,he was a cryptographer 2 Army, Signal Corp. My brother and I have extensive health problems , bone deterioration, thyroid disease , cardiac disease. I am now 65 years old and fighting to stay fit and as healthy as I can be, The U S govt payed our parents a little bit of nothing for being used as guinea pigs, they owe us something also for having to deal with health problems all of our lives .Where is our class action law suit , we should be entitled to there V A benefits, we are the guinea pigs now.
My father was stationed near Nagasaki after the bomb dropped. He dropped dead at 35 right after a physical where he was deemed to be in perfect health. Plutonium affects muscle, and the heart is a muscle. After much research, I found others who had suffered heart issues or just died very young. I was born in 1951. I was told for years that I was lucky because I should’ve had spina bifida and a cleft palate…there were some early signs like a lower transitional vertabrae, some kind of indent on my tailbone, and a dent in my upper palate. I had health concerns no one else in the family ever had like Grave’s Disease and a UPJ (small opening between ureter and kidney). Bad enough to lose my father when he seemed so healthy. I was only 9 and it was traumatic. Worse yet to find out that I had ‘almost’ and expressed birth defects. I remember my mom saying she got a small check from the VA for us kids, but I am not a child anymore, and where is the compensation for those of us who lost a parent and were born with ‘almost’ defects (the transitional vertabrae hurts) and expressed birth defects. I don’t believe for a second that what I have or almost got was from a bad gene pool. I’m not like anyone else in the family. My head is small and misshapen as well. THAT was not inherited. So yeah, I made it through life with no father and all the health issues, but I’m convinced that the government knew what atomic vets and their children would suffer. Just had to vent. Seems like the government got off pretty easy on this one. 🙁
I’m the grand daughter of an atomic veteran, my grandpa served in the Pacific, he was part of the nuclear defense weapons development team and he and my grandma then lived in New Mexico. He developed prostate, bladder and skin cancer. She had breast cancer and later had lung cancer. My mom had a mass removed several years ago that was classified as stage 0 breast cancer. At 33 I had papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. My sister and I have numerous rare diseases, so does my 18 month old daughter. We are just a few living examples of what radiation exposure has done to people.
I think about the Veterans and their families every day. It is not right the minimal compensation and recognition that they have received, nor that the burden of proof is shifted to a victim of wrongdoing.
I share your story as much as I can. I wish there was more that I could do.
I care so much and I believe you.
I am the Daughter of an Atomic Veteran. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 62 with multiple blood clots exploding in his lungs. He was never diagnosed with cancer so our family never qualified for benefits. After witnessing 23 atomic bombs in the Bikini Atol, his radiation detector alarmed at what they thought was the maximum limit of radiation at the time so they took him off the ship and sent him home. Most of his records were lost. Now, his children and grand children suffer from the effects of the radiation, but can’t get help from the government. My brother and his son were born without a spleen, my sister has thyroid issues, many of us deal with fertility issues including multiple miscarriages , and my daughter has a split uterus.
Dad was a Naval officer with a geophysics degree and was responsible for the nuclear readings after the overhead blasts at sea. They could only read 2 of the types of nuclear readings at the time. All of the other veterans were at the lowest level of the ship. He was told not to have any more children because the fallout would change him genetically.
I was a surprise kid. Dad had significant nerve damage and placed on 100% disability.
I have had a list of strange health differences. Dad passed at 67 years old.
My dad was involved in the Nagasaki nuclear cleanup (Marine). He is deceased. I am in my 70’s. I have 3 sisters. I have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. My ex-husband has some type of Agent Orange diagnosis.. (Have no communication with him). One of my sisters and I use a CPAP machine.. Possibly one or both of the other sisters should. My two daughters have immune deficiency issues (one ha RA). My grand daughters have PCOS. Is there any free or very inexpensive genetic testing for us? I am on Ancestry but that is no help. Does it sound familiar?.
My father was stationed in Hiroshima s part of the Occupation Army Japan, and later on Eniwetok during the testing. He developed Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Pancreatic Cancer, and died in 2001.
My dad was in Operation Hardtack on the USS DeHaven in 1958. Would love to learn more
I am a daughter of an atomic veteran. My father was in Nevada and took part in a few tests. The one I remember was upshot knothole. He laid in a trench when the bomb went off and went in to “mop up “ after the explosion. My mother suffered 3 miscarriages which most likely was due to my fathers exposure. I remember my dad telling me they had no protective coverings and they swept the radioactive dust off them with a broom. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in march of 85 and died April of 85, he was 55, I was 20. I am a breast cancer survivor and an only child.
i am the granddaughter or an Army veteran that served in Korea and the Upshot Knothole test, among others. He suffered the rest of his life. When he passed away the Drs at the V.A. said that all of his illnesses could be attributed to radiation poisoning. His autopsy report, which took forever to get, listed unknown causes. We were unable to secure his military records as they were part of the fire. My mother, suffered with various cancers and cardio vascular issues her whole life. She and her younger brother also have a shared mental health. My son and I have a similar mental health issue. I am concerned that there will be genetic side affects, beyond what has been seen, in generations to come.
My father was involved with Upshot Knothole Encore. He never spoke of it until his myelodysplasia diagnosis at age 70. His diagnosis came from a Japanese doctor working at the Mayo clinic who told him his condition was most likely due to radiation exposure, she recognized his situation quickly from her understanding of what happened to peope in Japan. Sadly he passed at age 73 when he was previously in very good health. When asked if he would do it all over again, he said honestly “yes”.
I am one of 4 Siblings to a Father who was an Atomic Vet. He was part of the occupation and clean up of Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the end of WWII. My Father died of war related colon cancer at the age of 59. I was 18 years old. I have numerous health issues beginning at age 15 when I was diagnosed with Thyroid issues.
I have had missing teeth, autoimmune issues, and now am dealing with skin, gallbladder and GI tract issues. My Sister was infertile, also had a bad gallbladder and my youngest Brother suffers with numerous allergies and dermatological issues. It would be nice to not only have support but answers as to whether my DNA was irrepairably effected by my Father’s exposure to radiation during his service in the Military. Glad to have found this group-even if it is now that I am in my 50’s and so sick all the time.
I fought for 27 years for someone to listen to me that the extensive pain I was in was real. They would find little things wrong, like me being completely infertile but insisted that there was no way these little things were connected. It took me starting to lose my ability to walk for them to look deeper. Last week we found the cause of them all, a mitochondrial myopathy caused by a defect in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Was it caused by my fathers service in the pacific with the atomic tests or all the agent orange that rained down on him later on. I’m coming to understand I’m the product of America on a cellular level.
my father was Donald Coffman who was at the Nevada Test site for the test that were conducted. In 1951-1952
He was a United States Marine
I found out about this after his death through his Military Medical Records
Done some research I would like to know more if someone is available to email
lcajunheat@aol.com
My husband is one of these children, his father was stationed at Johnston Atoll and witnessed multiple nuclear tests and had died in his 70s from lung cancer. My husband has had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare form of skin cancer called desmoplastic melanoma and unfortunately he’s recently been diagnosed with lung cancer much like his father and he’s just 55. Asides from his father, no one in his family had cancer let alone three types.
My father served at Camp Mercury, Nevada. He sat in a lounge chair, with a cooler of beer on a hillside with friends wearing sunglasses and their rad tags and over 12 months observed 13 above-ground nuclear tests during a test series in the 1950s. He died at age 65 of multiple myeloma, which is of course not uncommon in those exposed to nuclear radiation.
Just before he passed away he spoke of it. I stated to him that it must have been pretty impressive to see. He replied with one of the few smiles we saw during his last 8 months, “It was a Hell of a show.” He never regretted a thing. And who could blame him? How many people actually witnessed an atomic explosion? No less 13 of them.
My father was in the US Navy and stationed on the Mt. McKinley during the July 1946, Bikini Atoll tests. He died from bladder cancer, and my sister and brother both died from cancer. My nephew is on his second round battling Lymphoma and I wonder if we all have damaged DNA from the fallout my dad physically experienced.
I am one child of seven of a father that served in the Air Force in the early 50’s. As well as being in Korea, I recall him one time talking about a nuclear test that he observed. It had to be Nevada. He was diagnosed with cancer in his early 40’s and died at the age of 52. I was 20, my youngest brother 15.
my father died when I was !& I was just coming out of having my spleen removed I found out way later I had radiation in it my dad was going into va hospital all I know is he never came out I have 2 brothers wer all a year apart we were all born 5 pounds I have 5 kids and they were all 5 pounds me and my brother a year older tthen me found out we both had cancer about the same day but I had breast cancer but he had lukemia and he died not even a year later which was a year ago I lost part of me we are all so close and my son thats 27 now had a brain tumor when he was 5 I think alot about all those men suffering with all there illnesses from defending our country it makes me sick how they all suffered so much and so many and now there kids and grandkids for what we should have never done that to japan how could we I hate us sometimes Im afraid we are leaving the world in trhe wrong hands I hate to say
Please contact David #daviderlinger@gmail.com
My father was a veteran of Operation Plumbob, the Smoky nuclear test And Galileo test. He lived a long life but both myself and my sister suffer an illness which no one else in our family has. I have often wondered if the atomic tests were related in some way to our problem.
I am the daughter of an Atomic Veteran. My father served in the US Navy USS Curtiss during 1955 & 1956 Bikini Atoll. He died in Oct of 1980 at the age of 43 from Liver Cancer. Devastating to our family. He was a good man and we miss him everyday.
my dad was on this ship the USS Curtiss Av-4 in 1956 . he had 24 rads of radiation in him. his name was Virgil yonts sr.
I am a daughter of a Marine Corp Veteran who was present at the Nevada Teating site in 1952. I’m not sure which one I’m new to this information. All my life my whole family and childhood was very weird and secretive. I’m 54 years old trying to find out who I am !! But I’m his medical records the VA explicitly states this in his records about the Nevada testing site If I could find out which one it would help I’m trying thanks
I am the daughter of a atomic veteran of Bikini Atoll he was aboard the photography ship sent in to survey the lagoon an islands immediately after detonation highly exposed. My child wore many traits of disability due to this. It has had enormous repercussions on our family in neurological damage. My father died after suffering his entire life with skin neurological and numerous illnesses he kept his dignity and love for country in tact. Without any support or acknowledgment of our government it has been a very difficult endeavor to find any resource information to both the rare syndrome my child suffered and recently succumbed too. Having been so radically exposed to these powerful bombs and having such secrecy surrounding the event has been very devastating the service of a lab rat or as I found out that they had referred to us as monsters is very sad and tragic. The hybridization of human beings is a painful legacy. Tessa Jo Williams aka Terri Hurst
My father was at Bikini Beach aw well. He was on board the Quartz. I have tried to get compensation for my mother but she died before the hearing. My father was approved for for some benefit but died before that happened. He had to get a lawyer which he did but died before an award could happen. I had thyroid cancer back in 2010. I was told it was due to radiation. I was not around any that I knew of.
Amy father was there too, he is still alive fought c cancer. My sister and I have both had cancer at 23 and 25, as well. We are still learning about all this information.
My father was on the Navy Ship that picked up the animals in Bikini Atoll or looked at them to see the effects of radiation. There were other accidents that happened while he served. He was told he would have no children. I am the first of 5. My first child was born with Hydrocephalus.(water on the brain). So also had no eyes in her sockets, cleft palate and club feet. She lived for 6 weeks. I was recently reading about Atomic babies and see that all of the health issues my baby had were the same as what the Atomic Babies had. MY other 2 children are OK. MY dad has skin cancer(not melanoma) , I do also,but it has been blamed on where I grew upon Guam. My dad recently received a medal for being an Atomic Vet.I have mixed feelings about it, but happy he is finally at the age of 90 being acknowledged for this. I try to eat healthy and take care of myself. Blessings to all of us.
Wondering if my dental distress and extensive tooth loss by age 30, as well as significant spinal bone degeneration may be related to status as child of Operation Redwing Atomic Veteran in Bikini Atolls (1953). Interested in the IRMA document.
I have posterior column malfunction just like you impacting my spine since my dad was apart of Cleanup Crew in Enewetak Atoll.
I am the daughter of an Atomic Veteran. He was stationed in Enewetak, operation greenhouse. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 45 and died at the age of 52 after a long and painful fight. My older brother was diagnosed with cancer in 1982 at age 29 and fortunately won his battle. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 at the age of 52 and am also a survivor. I have had numerous skin cancers and tumors and also some neurological issues. My first tumor was at age 5. My younger brother was born in 1956 but died shortly after birth due to several deformities. I just hope my father’s grandchildren will not suffer from his radiation exposure.
I don’t think a “certificate” recognizing that they were atomic veterans quite covers the suffering and pain for the families and possibly their decedents.
I agree
Daughter of Hardtack Veteran, also a Veteran. Glad to have found this info, and trying to correlate my thyroid issues if they are a result of his documented exposure.
I’m also a daughter of a Veteran for operation hardtack. My father got thyroid cancer and had it removed soon after exposure and had to take synthroid until he passed a week ago.
I am the daughter of an atomic veteran of the Nevada test site of the 1950’s. My father died from cancer. A tumor the size of a football pressed against his spine and had metastasized to other organs by the time it caused him pain and was discovered. He died 6 weeks after discovery.
I am the son of an atomic veteran and have a genetic abnormality. I was born with one Kidney and only one vas deferens. The Kidney is twice the size of a normal Kidney.
my dad was in the Marines also a Korean war veteran he was stationed in Japan after the bomb drop an died with a host of problems including heart issues me myself have many health issues aswell including heart decease an back an neck issues an cysts appearing on my back,my father checked into all this an never received any compensation,I hope one day the truth is known…
My dad was stationed in Enewetak in 1958-59. He was part of US Army Task Group 7.2 and worked in special services. Thank you all for your vital work.
I am the son of an Atomic Veteran who was stationed on Eniwetok and Bikini atolls. His dates were June 18, 1950 – May 13, 1951 with the 516 MP SV. CO. I have etched glass items with many of the names and details of that mission. It’s poignant to hear the stories of the veterans and their families. I hope to stay involved and connected.
My father was an Atomic Vet. He died when he was 42, I was just 6. Most of my life I couldn’t understand why he died so young. As an adult, I understand more what I have missed out on. I have a blood clotting disorder and so does my daughter. she almost lost her life and her daughters life due to the blood clotting disorder. I have sarcoidosis, which is a autoimmune disease. So please count me in.
that’s so sad their all so sad
I am the daughter of an Air Force father who took air samples after nuclear detonations over the Pacific ocean between Alaska and Russia. He died quickly of lung cancer at age 52. I was conceived the year he took the samples and was diagnosed with leukemia at age 14.
I’m interested if his Air Force involvement with nuclear tests was the reason he and I ended up with cancer.
I am the child of an atomic veteran. My father battled lymphoma twice, skin cancer, prostate, and pancreatic which took his life at age 86 in October of 2020. He was the strongest person I knew, but knew he could not win. We miss him dearly. Rest in peace Opa
I am the son of an Atomic Test Veteran.
Welcome Jack. Thank you for your service. Stay tuned… we have some announcements coming soon.
I sat at a friendly bar in Louisville, KY sometime in the late 70s or early 80s during a very special national no nukes conference and next to me was a wonderful man named Orville Kelly who was an atomic test veteran. I think he may have a founder of an Atomic veterans group. We laughed and talked and shook our heads. I believe he died of radiation wounds a year or so later. He would truly appreciate the ongoing work.
I also watched my friends father who worked at the Hanford plutonium factory develop brain cancer, get paid off and die.
The human cost is terrible.
The spirit is alive.
You are absolutely correct about Orville Kelly! How nice you got to enjoy some time with him. We have lost friends and family as well, it is awful. So sorry for your loss. We will not let them forget!
I am the daughter of an Atomic Veteran.
Welcome!
Soft launch Nuclear Victims Reembrace Day – March 1, 2021