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:
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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.
Claus Casavan. I just became aware of this site. I was the Air Force guy (Wingnut as I was referred to by Chief Argenbright) on Mesh 3 from 18 Aug 78 to 7 Jan 79. I learned a lot about the Navy and the comradery. It triggered many memories. to mention one: If there was another Mesh heading with us to Runit for the last run of the day, the Chief wanted us to be there first to off-load so we wouldn’t have to bring back the Runit crews to Lojwa. That gave us a head start to decontaminate the vessel and break for the day. I still have my performance evaluation report from the Chief. It is heart wrenching when I see all the participants that have passed and the ones suffering with health issues from this project. Who would have thought. Take Care.
Claus, this is Bryan Bowden. I was the electrian on Mesh 3 during most of your stay. Glad your still alive and hope you have avoided the many health issues. I vividly recall your efforts to make us wear those useless surgical masks. Have you kept in touch with anyone from Lojwa. I would love to be able to track Chief Argenbright down.
Did your crew sink a warping tug there?
I live in San Diego too.