Air Force Veterans Exposed to Radiation at Secret Base Near Nuclear Test Site Seek Compensation

In the mid-1980s, a classified mission was underway in the Nevada desert, 140 miles outside of Las Vegas at the Tonopah Test Range. This site was sometimes referred to as Area 52 and was the location of hidden hangers, where Air Force technician Mark Ely and others were tasked with the secret inspection of Soviet fighter jets. The secrecy of the mission required Ely to sign a non-disclosure agreement, emphasizing that the national interest took precedence over personal safety.

Lingering Health Consequences

Decades later, Ely, now 63 and living in Naperville, Illinois, is facing severe health issues that he attributes to radiation exposure during his time at the secret base. He has experienced lung scarring, liver cysts, and the development of tumors inside his body, prompting multiple surgical interventions. Despite his service records featuring numerous assignments, the mission inside Tonopah Test Range is notably absent, making it challenging for Ely to substantiate his presence there.

Similarly, Dave Crete, who worked as a military police officer at the same site, has encountered respiratory problems and required surgery to remove a tumor from his back. His efforts to connect with other veterans who served at Area 52 have revealed a disturbing pattern of health issues, including various forms of cancer.

Government Acknowledgment and Assistance Discrepancy

While a 1975 federal environmental assessment recognized the presence of toxic radioactive materials in the vicinity of Area 52 due to historical nuclear bomb tests, the government's stance on addressing the related health impacts has raised concerns. Despite acknowledging the toxic environment, the government determined that halting work in the area would run counter to the national interest, deeming the associated costs as minimal and reasonable in comparison to the benefits received.

Notably, employees from the Department of Energy stationed in the same area have benefitted from substantial federal assistance totaling $25.7 billion, as indicated by publicly available data from the Department of Labor. However, Air Force veterans such as Ely and Crete have been excluded from these benefits, a discrepancy that has left them frustrated and disillusioned.

Call for Recognition and Support

Ely expressed profound disappointment with the lack of support from the government, highlighting the betrayal he feels after dedicating himself to national service. He emphasized the importance of reciprocal support and solidarity among servicemen and women, underscoring the need for the government to acknowledge and address the challenges faced by veterans who served at Area 52.