 | Frank Bergquist graduated from Eddyville, IA, high school in 1958. After graduation, he entered the Army, serving 20 years in Missouri, Maryland, New Mexico, Germany, Iowa, Turkey, Kansas, S.E. Asia, and finally retiring in 1978 in Louisiana. Before retiring, Frank was assigned as an ROTC instructor at WSU and Kemper Military School until 1974. In 1978 he served as the Non-Commissioned officer in charge of operations at Fort Polk, LA. He has served as the Veterans Counselor (DVOP) with the Kansas Job Service Center National Service Office, with the Disabled American Veterans at the VA Regional Office in Wichita; Veterans Employment and Training Coordinator with the US Dept. of Labor at Ft. Riley, KS; Service Coordinator with Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation; Dept Adjutant-Treasurer and the Dept. Executive Director Dept. of Kansas Disabled American Veterans; and past President of the Wichita Civil War Round Table. Currently he is doing graduate work as an instructor in Genealogy and Military History at Wichita State and Kansas State Universities, and is the CEO for the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Stores in Wichita, KS. Bergquist has an AA from Kemper Military School and College from Boonville, MO. and a BGS from Wichita State University. He can be reached by telephone at 316-262-6501. He is located at 926 N. Mosley Wichita 67214. |
Veteran Affairs
2009-12-01 09:50:00
Atomic Test Veterans have been overlooked
What ever happened to America’s Atomic Test Veterans?
Answer: While it has been 60 years since the birth of the Atomic Bomb and the beginning of long-term effects of ionizing radiation on the health of America’s Atomic Veterans, only 50 of the more than 280,000 veteran claims for service connected ionizing radiation exposure compensation have been approved by the Veterans Administration to date.
The overwhelming majority, left to fend for themselves and in many cases the genetic abnormalities passed on to their children, have born the full financial responsibility for their medical treatment and care. Adding to the indignity is the lack of any personal recognition for the critical contributions and sacrifices made during America’s atmospheric and underwater atomic test conducted between 1945 and the signing of the Nuclear Proliferation Act in 1963.
It is the study of their human exposure during these test periods that provided the technical structure required to harness the atom and develop the systems that would be compatible with not only using and delivering the power of the atom but also provided the knowledge base required to develop a safe and reliable environment for human operators.
The technical data, fuels to be used, construction concepts, systems development, training and ultimate deployment of our Nuclear Fleet and weapons systems would not have been realized without the devoted service and sacrifice of the Atomic Veteran. Perhaps, of even greater significance, are the contributions that extend beyond the military practicalities to include the foundations for advancements in nuclear medicine, power generation and many other areas of true significant benefit for all humanity.
These proud veterans, that included nearly one million service members from every branch, served as guards, ships crew, air samplers, water samplers, pilots, photographers, safety monitors, recovery specialists, clean-up crews, assemblers, animal keepers, transportation and cargo handlers on land, air and at sea. In a statement recognizing July 16, 2002 as a “National Atomic Day of Remembrance”, President George W. Bush stated that the Atomic Veteran’s exposure to nuclear radiation was as grave as any War Veteran who was wounded in action, where in both instances the veteran stood in harms way, did their duty and protected the United States of America.
Helen Malaskiewicz, Senior Environmental Health Coordinator (131) Department of Veterans Affairs stated, “I regret this group of veterans have been overlooked (hopefully this will only be the past and not the future) but we are trying our best to make certain they are remembered for their service “. However, these comments have yielded little in the way of personal recognition or assistance for our aging and ailing veterans. Many feel neglected, rejected and hurt that they have yet to be cited for their honorable service.
The purpose of this drive is not to detract from the value or importance of any veteran’s service nor elevate Atomic Veterans on a pedestal but rather, a request to be included as a prominently visible part of our national and military history.
Currently, it is estimated that as many as 75% of the original participants are deceased with only 44 known surviving Atomic Test veterans living in Kansas. Of these 44, the number can be counted on one hand that have not battled cancer, or multiple cancers their whole life.
True of all men, especially those in the twilight of their life, we seek to justify in our own minds the value of our lives. Did we do the best we could? Did we make a difference? Did we contribute in any meaningful way to the development of our nation and the future of our family and neighbors lives? Would it then be too much for us to provide a testament to their contribution from which we have all benefited?
Thank you for your time and consideration of the critical contributions these Atomic Veterans have made to our country and their continued daily struggles with the after effects. They are still serving, quietly, with grace and dignity and without the simplest form of individual recognition.
It is time to bring them into the sun light. It is time for our President, to individually recognize the Atomic Veteran and extend on our behalf, as citizens and benefactors; our most heart felt gratitude for their contributions and a Job Well Done.
