The National Association of Atomic War Veterans is on the prowl for approximately 195,000 veterans who were exposed to atomic atmospheric tests between 1945-1962. They are also looking for those who were part of the occupation forces at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

If these individuals have experienced any one of 21 different cancers that are directly linked to radiation exposure they may be entitled to a one time compensation of $75,000 from the United States Government, in accordance with the 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or a monthy stipend up to $2673.oo a month from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Since 1990 very few have applied for this benefit that is also extended to widows and their children if the veteran died with the proper diagnosis and service connection.

The applicants need medical records and the location of the exposure.  The application will be reviewed and verified by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

I am sure the reader here is stunned that this reminder memorandum is being sent around the nation years after most of  these men and women have passed on.

Did anyone actually think the government responds in a timely fashion?

I knew a fine gentlemen, who resided in Nogales,Arizona, that was at ground zero at Hiroshima in Grave Identification. No question about his exposure. His name was Joel. He was 86 year old. I helped him with his claim. He could not collect it because he was a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico.

Another local man named Jim, was exposed while attending ABC School, (Atomic Biological Chemical Warfare), in 1962. He has enumerable rare cancers. He has been fighting for his claim for 21 years.

Give the Government credit. They learned how to speed up the research for the modern day veterans. It only took them 30 years to recognize Agent Orange exposure.