James Diemer

Diemer-James-2013

James Diemer

Nickname:  —

Employer during Enewetak Atoll Atomic Cleanup Mission:  Navy

Rank:  E-6

Job Title: BM-1 Craftsmaster

Unit: USN Support from ACB1 Detachment

Enewetak Atoll TDY Tour:  9/1/1978 – 2/1/1979

Island Lived on at Enewetak Atoll:  Enewetak and Lojwa

Islands Worked on at Enewetak Atoll:  Lojwa, Runit, etc….

Description of Work Performed:  My Warping Tug call sign was “Bubblegum”. Ferried 4 causeway sections from island to island loading Army dump trucks loaded with contaminated soil to the island of Runit.

Health Challenges which may be related to Radiation Exposure:  Yes

Comments about Health Challenges: I have continuous pain in my legs, arms and hands. I have had numerous growths removed from my neck. I now have more growths on my body. I am diabetic and sometimes have problems breathing.

Veterans Administration Health Assistance: Pending assistance. (5/19/2014)

Experiences with the Veterans Administration:  So far it has been good.

Current Residence: San Diego, California

Contributions towards accomplishing Our Current Mission:

Enewetak Atoll Photos:

Our main focus is to help each other with information and moral support during challenging times.

Our secondary focus is to urge Congress to change the current laws and recognize soldiers of the atomic cleanup mission as “veterans who participated in radiation-risk activities during active service.”

Do you know James Diemer? Do you know an Atomic Cleanup Veteran? Are you an Atomic Cleanup Veteran? Are you willing to help us accomplish our mission? Share your comments below!

4 thoughts on “James Diemer”

  1. I was the Electrician’s Mate on Mesh 3 at Lojwa from October 78 to April 79. Worst period of my life by far. I would like to connect with any of the Navy folks there at the time just to get caught up. Yes, I liked the ground-pounders, too, but don’t remember any of their names. Life has been pretty easy to deal with after Lojwa since no challenges compare to that one. If anyone knows what became of Bob Argenbright, CPO on Mesh 3, would be great.

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