James J. Patterson
Nickname: Jim
Employer during Enewetak Atoll Atomic Cleanup Mission: Army
Rank: E-5 SGT
Job Title: 62B20 Heavy Equipment Mechanic – NCOIC of Runit Shop
Unit: A Company, 84th Engineer Battalion
Enewetak Atoll TDY Tour: Not Provided
Island Lived on at Enewetak Atoll: Lojwa
Islands Worked on at Enewetak Atoll: Runit
Description of Work Performed: Worked on heavy equipment on Runit. Was Shop NCOIC while there.
Health Challenges which may be related to Radiation Exposure: Yes.
Comments about Health Challenges: Acute Random Urticaria with large blisters. Diabetes type 2.
Veterans Administration Health Assistance: Have applied. Have not heard back yet. (5/7/2014)
Experiences with the Veterans Administration: —
Current Residence: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Contributions towards accomplishing Our Current Mission:
- Enewetak Atoll Clean-up Project Vets. – Facebook Group Member
- Military & Dependent Environmental Hazard Group – Facebook Group Member
- National Association of Atomic Veterans – Facebook Group Member
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.”
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