Children of Atomic Veterans

Well folks, this is my Guest Book feedback page. It is my hope that you will use this page to post any information you run across for the benefit of other visiters, or post any requests for information you may want, or post your contact information. I hope this helps to bring our community together.

Name: James E. Mc Donald
EMail: gunrmac4@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://
US State: California
Comments: Nice site. Informative and well designed. Atomic Vet, 1962 - Operation Dominic
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: S Konop
EMail: skonop@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Wisconsin
Comments: Good luck in your search. My father a Crossroads Navy Veteran died 1-30-99. He had numerous health problems and got the same runaround. Maybe someday they'll tell the children of these vets that they screwed up and take care of things.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Frank Bushey
EMail: busheyf@westelcon.com
Web Site: http://
US State: New York
Comments: Hi, keep up the good work. We need more people like you cares to do something about this grave injustice to the atomic veteran. I was assigned to Baker Co. 2nd. Bn. 8th Marine Regt. For the atomic test Badger of the Upshot-knot-hole series that was detonated on April 18, 1953 at the NTS. This Regiment was comprised of 863 men. We were in open trenches 4000 yds.(2.3 miles) from ground zero. This weas a 23 kiloton bomb, detonated from a 300 ft. tower. It would take to many words to describe just how frightening this experience was. Immediately after the blast, we were ordered to advance to ground zero. However we were stopped after advancing 500 yds. because a sudden wind shift rained down heavy amounts of Gamma radiation upon the Regiment. We were told, that it was as high as 7.5 REMS. I suspect that this was considerally lower then the actual amount, as all the re-constructed radiation doses leaned to the low side. I would like to hear from anyone who was with me at th`E¦ Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Terry T. Brady
EMail: huskywood@gci.net
Web Site: http://
US State: Alaska
Comments: Member of NAAV. I am glad for what you and others are doing relative to collecting history of the atomic vets.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Sharolyn Kay Gemmell
EMail: essengee@ucinet.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Oregon
Comments: I am the widow of an Atomic Veteran. He participated in "Operation Dominic" at the Johnston Atoll in 1962. Sorry I don't have any information for you on the things you were most interested in. Just wanted to let you know I dropped by your website.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: NAAV Medical Data Base
EMail: 1atomvet@airmail.net
Web Site: http://www.aracnet.com/~pdxavets/naavmed.htm
US State: Texas
Comments: The Naav Medical Data Base has at present over 6,000 Atomvet's medical information registered. If we might have your postal address sent to our e-mail address we will send a questionnair for you to enter your fathers information.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Keith Cunday
EMail: Kcunday@linline.com
Web Site: http://
US State: California
Comments: I served aboard the USS Curtiss Av4 United States Marine Detachment Feb 1951 to June 1951 Operation Green House In most all article I read you do not find the USS Curtiss Av4 listed in the test. Your aricle is out standing Thank you for you help Though I have not contacted any health problem from the test. I guess that I am one of the lucky one. Keith Cunday. Diamond Bar Ca
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Josh Garner
EMail: navblu@specent.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Arkansas
Comments: I was a participant in the Dominic 1 series of tests in the South Pacific in the summer of 1962.I have one biological daughter and she has two sons.I worry about their future as heirs to an Atomic Veteran.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Arthur C. (Curt) Engbritson
EMail: ace2020@rcip.com
Web Site: http://
US State: California
Comments:
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: angela
EMail: aholtschlag@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Illinois
Comments: hello, im angela holtschlag(15yrs old) and i am doing a report on the impact of the atomic bombings. i have found alot for japan, but i want to know how it impacted our people. our men, that fought for us. any info would be greatly helpful. thank you aholtschlag@hotmail.com :)
Rating of site: Good.

Name: James E. Jennings
EMail: jenninje@river.it.gvsu.edu
Web Site: http://
US State: Michigan
Comments:
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: MICHAEL FERRELL
EMail: quality@c-gate.net
Web Site: http://
US State: Mississippi
Comments: I WAS IN THE NAVY AND PARTICIPATED IN OPERATION HARDTACKI I WAS AT ENIWETOK FROM APRIL '58 TO JULY "58 I WAS WITH THE TASK GROUP 7.3 BOAT POOL I WAS A CREW MEMBER OF AN LCM (LANDING CRAFT)
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Rhonda Ballard
EMail: mamarkb73@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Mississippi
Comments: Very good web site gave detailed information to all vets and familes interested in the exposures to radiation by any means.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Woody Woods
EMail: woodys_world@yahoo.com
Web Site: http://http://www.conact.com/woody/Area51/www.nars.org/
US State: Select US State
Comments: I'm putting together a website for NARS:NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RADIATION SURVIVORS (see the URL field) or http://www.conact.com/woody/Area51/www.nars.org/ I'm doing this as a favor to the guys at NARS if you would like to exchange information please contact me; woodys_world@yahoo.com You have what looks like good info. & pics. I like what you've done and would like to link to your web-site. Also the guy to contact at NARS is Fred Allingham Rating of site: Very good.

Name: C. JOHANSEN-QUINN
EMail: ABBASUE@AOL.COM
Web Site: http://
US State: California
Comments: Hello, Feeling a little sad this Memorial Day, My father participated on 3 Atomic Operations: Castle, Wigwam, and Redwing. He was on the U.S.S. Curtis. He passed away in 1995, from cancer due to the radiation he was exposed to during these blasts, it took sometime to show up. He came home in the 50's without hair on one of his legs. He said that when the blast went off it took the paint right off the ship, the men would hold up their arms over their eyes for protection and he said "You could see your bone right through your arm when the blast went off". Just wanted to address the Atomic Veterans today, and let them know I am thinking of them.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Cindy Worley
EMail: scash92625@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State: North Carolina
Comments: My dad was an atomic vet but there was never any talk about it in are home. My dad died of cancer may,31,1991. I only have aproxment dates he was in Nevada so far I have been able to find him being in PLUMBBOB,1957 and HARDTACK 1 1958.I am trying to find out anything I can on my dads time he was in these testings. Your site has been very helpful to me in my search. If you can tell me if I would be able to ever get his Army records or any info. on him I would be very greatful. Thanks for your web.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: james mcdaniel
EMail: mcjam@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Arkansas
Comments: my father was in nevada in 1955 ,in oper.teapot.i am trying to find some things myself.i was born with 4 kidneys and at 40 years of age i am down to 1.that tells you that i have had a few problems.hope you find what you need. 501-791-7490
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Eugenie Maas
EMail: andermaas@ultracom.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Select US State
Comments: Wow, coralie, sounds like you really did get an education.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Cheryl
EMail: Tomwmcbee@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Missouri
Comments: Bruce, I just wanted you to know that your web page is not very good, it is Excellent. I found your page first when I started looking for info on atomic vets. Your links and your help have been invaluable. I contacted the DOE as you suggested. They are doing a search for me on my father. Thank you again for your hard work. For those who are reading this my father was Sgt. Thomas W. McBee of the United States Airforce. He served in Operation Redwing, in the Marshall Islands in 56 and 57. He was in the moterpool, but once he reached the islands they put him in charge of washing down the radiated planes once They returned to base. He was there for all 17 shots. My father just passed away on April 26th of this year. He was so sick for so many years, and in severe pain for the last 20 plus years. He never held any ill will towards the government he just wanted an explanation as to why they put all of the men in harms way. In an interview with the VA Board of appeals my father made a final statement to them, I will never forget his words "I'd serve my country again if I was able...., I just want the government to do right by the veterans in my condition." He did not just say these words he meant it with all of his heart. I pray for the day that all of the info on all of these operations will be declassified. I contacted the DOE and they sent me two videos on Operation Redwing that they just released in 97. But the tapes have been "sanatized" edited is a better word for it. 40 years later and we still are not being told the whole truth!! I also recived a report that they just released, it said that 77 men in the airforce recieved between 5.00-9.99 rem. My father, in a transcript from the VA Board of appeals in Washington D.C. states that according to the Airforce my father was given three film badges (he told me he had been given 4) the total for the three was 5.945 rem. I do not understand why he only was issued 3 or 4 since he was there for all 17 shots and was no less that 14 miles from ground zero and washed down 5 to 10 plus planes a day that flew through the test sites. He never was compinsated for his ill health, even though he was 100% disabled the government only gave him 10% disability. When I read different info on radiation sickness it sounds like my dad. I contacted the local paper after my dad passed away, he had been in this paper in the 80's and I felt that they might like to do a follow up story about him. They did and this article can be found at http://examiner.net/stories/051899/fea_051899001.shtml Keep up the great work and may the Lord bless you all. If anyone was in Operation Redwing please contact me at Tomwmcbee@aol.com Cheryl
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Pete Gleszer
EMail: G0777@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State: California
Comments: Father was G-2 of Joint Task Force 132 and was on Operations Ivy and Greenhouse in Marshall Islands. He is still living (age 84) in Florida and appeared with others in picture used by public TV to advertise special on the Pacific tests "Radio Bikini," though he identidied the picture as much later -- perhaps the first H-bomb as I think in addition to my father and Gen Clarkson, Ed Teller appear to be among the viewers. Picture is of a row of sun goggle and shorts-wearing men sitting in lawn chairs looking to right, illuminated by a bright light source in that direction.
Rating of site:

Name: Arthur C. (Curt) Engbritson
EMail: ace2020@rcip.com
Web Site: http://
US State: California
Comments: I was assigned to the USS Curtiss AV-4 in November, 1955 and was part of Operation Redwing in 1956.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Andy Hawkinson
EMail: ajhawkeye@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State: Florida
Comments: Dear Coralie and Bruce, A very good addition getting information to those who need assistance. So many need help and comfort. Andy Hawkinson
Rating of site: Good.

Name: Boley H. Caldwell III
EMail: 1atomvet@airmail.net
Web Site: http://
US State: Texas
Comments: Coralie, your Web Site is the best I have seen which provides much needed factual information to Atomvets, their widows , and their children. It has been long overdue and you are to be congratulated on a wonderful start-up. I too rate the Web Site as OUTSTANDING and thank you personnaly for including the NAAV Medical Data Base within your pages.
Rating of site:

Name: Scott paterson
EMail: scott.paterson@sympatico.ca
Web Site: http://
US State: Other
Comments: Great that you have this thing going. I'm writing a screenplay on the atomic vets I am determined to make movie on this topic. And I will be contacting some very important people on this project. If any of you folks would like to share some of your stories, I'd love to hear from you I have already emailed you Bruce and look forward to any info you can find. Bruce, your doing a great thing here Please proceed without caution
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Kim A. Hoaglund
EMail: hoagy@execpc.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: My fathers name was George Floyd Jr. and he was from the Minneapolis Minnesota area. He was an honorary member of the (Order of the Guniea Pig). He was aboard the Albemarle during Operation Crossroads in the Pacific I believe around 1946-1947. If anyone else out there may be a member of The Order of the Guniea Pig or had been aboard the Albemarle during this time please write. My husband Mark is an Air Force peacetime veteran 1977-1981 and he is helping me to find more information about my fathers tours of duty. I would appreciate any and all correspondence. My father died in November of 1996. Thank You Kim A. Hoaglund. By the way I find your website wonderful.
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: Pamela Sparkman McGuire
EMail: cmcguire@swbell.net
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: I have been doing research on my Father's experiences in the Navy. My Father, Franklin Sparkman ( "Sparky") was an aerial photographer stationed on the USS McKinley at Operation Crossroads in 1946. I'm curious about the amount of exposure that my Father had and also if there are any veterans that might remember him. My Father died in January 1961, so any "first hand" information about his experience does not exist. Also, my younger sister has had cancer twice already and there is thyroid disease present in our family as well. I'm curious how the veterans exposure to all of the elements and the environment during the A Bomb testing , is affecting the offspring of the veterans. I'd enjoy hearing from anyone who has information or insight into any of these concerns. Thanks!
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: DonnaS62
EMail: DonnaS62@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: My sister stumbled upon your site last week and emailed me about it. I decided to check it out. Fairly informative. My father was an atomic veteran. Marines 1950- 1953. Died of Lung Cancer in 1991 age 59.
Rating of site: Good.

Name: Kenneth R Umpherville
EMail: kennethu@telusplanet.net
Web Site: http://www.telusplanet.net/public/kennethu/
US State:
Comments: Its nice to see such a good sight with so much use full information. keep up the good work. Kenneth, an atomic veteran from the "PLUMBBOB" series, and a member of the Canadian Atomic Veterans Association
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: James E. McDaniel
EMail: macjam2@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: Thank you for attempting to help all of us "children" of atomic vets!
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: Robert Stewart
EMail: rstewart@web-access.net
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: Interesting site. I was aboard the USS Cree ATF-84 during operation HARDTACK in '58. Health is good so far. The only thing I would add to the guest book would be the date of signing on. Thanks.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Marc Hudon
EMail: mcb@hudonswbell.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: would like more info about affects off ofspring
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Becky
EMail: superdave@tdn.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: Having received my deceased father's Navy records just a few days ago I was shocked to learn he had taken part in Operation SANDSTONE in 1948 while serving aboard the USS BAIROKO. After searching the net to try to find more information I find myself getting angry at what the government exposed these men to. My dad gave 30 years of his life to the US Navy, and this is how he was repaid. My only consolation is that he didn't die from the effects of radiation. However my younger sister & I were born after these tests, we can only wait and wonder what may happen to us or our children...
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Rita West Myers
EMail: mamamia88@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: Just discovered this site. We have always believed my fathers early death..age 56,was indeed due to the radiation that he no doubt was exposed to while serving in Japan during the Korean war. He died of Multiple Mylomeia. A rare form of cancer. He has been gone for 26 yrs. now!
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: John D. Fatino
EMail: jfatino@positech.net
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: I was in Operation Teapot, Shot Bee March 22, 1955. I have just been awarded service connected disability (50%) and back paid 6 years. It has taken 31 years. I suspect there are less than 2% of atomic veterans left today. Records indicate less than 1 % can be accounted for today. 58 % of W W II veterans have passed and app 24 % of Korean are passed. What does that say about atomic veterans? We are so few in number we are no longer considered to be existing. The government is no longer concerned. For those who have medical problems I can only say this. Radiation speed up whatever one is pre-disposed to. Example Cancers, heart and strock etc.. The VA and the government know that by the time you are diognosed with one of their accepted cancers, you will be dead before you can collect benifets. I can't prove what I have just said but I do believe it. To my knowledge I am the only atomic veteran to be awarded service connected disability for PTSD. I would like to hear from other atomic veterans. I can tell you how to make the VA listen to you. It only took me 5 years to get my claim once I found out how to do it and less than one year to get disagreement.
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: Peter Kawaja
EMail: hpkawaja@nc.tds.net
Web Site: http://www.nonwo.com/dswcc/
US State:
Comments: DESERT STORM WAR CRIMES COMMISSION All Veterans UNITE. New Day-same crimes, getting worse. Who Looses?-America! Who suffers? - American Veterans! Join Peter Kawaja's OneList group taking ACTION! http://www.onelist.com/community/DSWCC/
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: catyh t.
EMail: goldies mommy@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: i am interested in finding anyone who knew my father, who has passed away. he was a "volunteer" during the 50's. he stood under an atomic bomb dropped from a plane. i think the test was called "genie, john shot", something like that. his name was lt. col. frank p. ball. thanks for any info
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Thomas Matison
EMail: tjmat1954@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: My father was on the USS Salt Lake City CA 25 during the tests at Bikini. He suffered from arthritis, skin cancer and died from prostate cancer in November 1998. The VA denies any service connection to his illnesses. What's interesting is that 2 or the four sons sired after his exposure developed MS. Keep up the good work and maybe, someday, justice will prevail.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Ron McPhail
EMail: supertest@aol.com
Web Site: http://members.aol.com/supertest/index.htm
US State:
Comments: I was in the Navy aboard the USS Munsee (ATF-107) working the Eniwetok Atoll for about 9 months during 1958, participating in Operation Hardtack. Health is good so far.
Rating of site: Very good.

Name: Wanda Kincaid
EMail: wkincaid@TGH.ORG
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: My father was exposed to agent orange. He eventually died at the young age of 51 with Lou Garrett's disease. His family feels it has alot to do with his exposure. Thanks for listening and God Bless.
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: Larry D. Schumacker Sr.
EMail: schus@ozarkmountains.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: Dad died 12-22-56 of myelogenous leukemia. Was in U.S.Navy & was part of Atomic Testing.
Rating of site: Excellent.

Name: Cheryl Erb Outmon
EMail: TXSDiver@aol.com
Web Site: http://
US State:
Comments: I am the daughter of an Atomic Vet. My father, MM2 Danne J. Erb served aboard the USS Curtiss during Operation Redwing. I guess you might say I am a product of radiation exposure. I was born with sever congenital defects of my eyes. My father died 20 Mar 1997 at the age of 60 from advanced arteriosclerosis. Although I don't think his heart disease was in anyway related, he did have two tumors removed when I was small. I was born with a tumor in my left eye, the eye is microphthalmic (small) and I have colobomas (holes) in my optic nerves and choroid (part of the retina that supplies blood). In other words, the effected parts of my eyes did not completely form. My father always denied my birth defects could have been a result of his radiation exposure. He never would talk about his medical conditions or his days in the Navy. He only spoke briefly about it two months before he died. My mother, however, always felt different about the radiation. Even so, she continued to blame herself. There is no known cause for my congenital eye anomalies and no cure for it either. I'd like to hear from other children of atomic vets that may have been born with some type of birth defect. I'd also like to hear from those that served aboard the Curtiss during 1956 - 1957. This site is fantastic and very informative.
Rating of site: Excellent.