"I don't see how he can ever finish, if he doesn't begin.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
ATOMIC VETERAN PIONEERSFrom Children of Atomic Vets... This is a special thank you to the courageous men, who were taught to fight and
did indeed fight. Beginning in the late 40s and 50s, when test participants were stricken with cancers, they were silenced by the fears of breaking security oaths and the threatened Court Martials and consequences of of being charged with treason. They suffered and died in silence. They were alone. No one knew. Decades later a few brave men dared to speak - out and challenge the silence, the secrecy and the injustice. They dared to speak the truth in an effort to let America know what had happened and what was happening to them. These pioneers forced opened the doors of secrecy which allowed the name "Atomic Veteran" to be spoken and heard. They initiated the sharing of experiences and the joining of forces to reveal and hopefully correct this grave injustice. Their determination uncovered the secreted records which revealed the lies and deceits regarding the safety of radiation while becoming a strong and fearsome presence at Congressional Hearings. Their committed efforts forced the release of most of the limited information we have available today. Their dedication to Justice brought about present day legislation related to radiation exposure. Many widows and wives have joined the continuing fight for justice with efforts to expand and clarify the interpretation of this legislation. Next the fight will pass to the children. It is hoped that they can continue the struggle for humane and just treatment for those who sacrificed their health and lives for this nation's security. An accurate history must be preserved and unconscionable human experimentation, and it's cover-up, must cease to be permitted as a part of this nation's military service. |
Children of Atomic VetsDedicated to all US Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Test Victims, although it has not been updated in awhile, it has some good information.
PioneersMarine Maj. Charles Broudy died in 1977 from cancer that the government concluded was caused by his exposure to radiation . Since then, his wife, Pat has prodded Washington to look not only at the veterans' problems but also the health ailments of their children and grandchildren.
Pat Broudy, who persuaded Congress to compensate atomic veterans who suffer from service-related ailments, said she hopes the government produces an "honest" study that will lead to health care of atomic veterans' children. That will give peace of mind to their ailing parents, who now worry about who will care for them when they pass away. Reed Hadley, was the pipe smoking military observer/narrator of the documentary film "Operation Ivy" made about the test. Reed was a 1950's star of tv and motion pictures. He was the star of two tv series "Racket Squad" (1950) and "Public Defender" (1954). He also provided classified narration for other Lookout Mountain atomic documentaries.
He was born Reed Herring June 25, 1911. He died on December 11, 1974. He appeared in episodes of Wagon Train, Rawhide, Perry Mason and Green Acres. |
pi·o·neer
ˌpīəˈnir/
noun
to be a pioneer
transitive verb
ˌpīəˈnir/
noun
- ARCHAIC a member of a military engineer unit trained to construct or demolish bridges, roads, trenches, etc.
- ☆ a person who goes before, preparing the way for others, as an early settler or a scientist doing exploratory work
- a plant, animal, etc. that starts a new cycle of life in a barren area
- being one of the first of its kind
- of or characteristic of the settlers of a new territory
to be a pioneer
transitive verb
- to prepare or open (a way, etc.)
- ☆ to be a pioneer in or of