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:
- Comment on Article Post at AtomicCleanupVets.com
- Commented on Article Post at AtomicCleanupVets.com
- Enewetak Atoll Clean-up Project Vets. – Facebook Group Member
- National Association of Atomic Veterans – Facebook Group Member
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!
Some one knows Michael MacDaniel? A U.S Navy
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.
Did your crew sink a warping tug there?
I live in San Diego too.