LAS VEGAS, NV – TheInvisibleEnemy.org will host a major fundraising event to benefit U.S. military personnel who have been exposed to toxic radiation and materials released by nuclear weapons testing on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).
The event will take place on Thursday, August 24, at the Born And Raised tavern, 1125 E. Craig Road in North Las Vegas from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For decades, thousands of U.S. military personnel have been exposed to hazardous contamination on the NTTR, which includes the Tonopah Test Range, The Nevada Test Site and Groom Lake, also known as Area 51.
Many of these men and women have suffered from various cancers, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and other serious health issues. Many women have experienced miscarriages. Many of their children have been born with birth defects. Many of their family members and friends have also been afflicted. And many victims have died.
TheInvisibleEnemy.org is a non-profit organization fighting to create federal legislation that guarantees comprehensive medical care and financial compensation to help these victims cope with illnesses, disabilities and the loss of loved ones.
Air Force veteran Dave Crete, chairman of the board of TheInvisibleEnemy.org, was stationed on the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) from 1983 to 1987. He was a member of the 4461st Security Police Squadron that provided operational security for America’s top-secret F-117A stealth aircraft.
Crete, the keynote speaker at the upcoming fundraiser, has been documenting the effects of the exposure to contaminants on his fellow servicemen and their families.
“Military personnel did not know the Department of Energy and its civilian contractors had conducted nuclear testing at the TTR decades before they arrived,” Crete explained. “They also didn’t know TTR’s soil and water were contaminated with ionizing radiation from Plutonium 239, as well as beryllium and other highly toxic materials.”
In response to Crete’s research and reports, a Bill is being drafted in the U.S. House of Representatives. It alleges that the federal government knew vast areas of the NTTR were highly contaminated yet failed to protect military and civilian personnel from these dangerous substances. It also mandates financial compensation and restitution for U.S. military personnel and their families who have suffered from exposure to radiation and toxic materials from nuclear testing on the NTTR.
“We are very happy with the progress being made,” Crete said. “We’ve had two conference calls with the House Veteran’s Affairs Committee and we’re going to have our first conference call with the House Armed Services Committee in the coming days, which will be another significant milestone on our path to success.”
U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei, (R-Nev.), serving the 2nd District of Nevada, will introduce the Bill this fall.
“The positive response we’ve received has been fantastic and the bill is moving at a much faster pace than some other legislation before Congress,” Crete said. “We look forward to the day when everyone who has been stationed on the NTTR and their families finally get these long overdue benefits.”
Several dignitaries are slated to attend The Invisible Enemy event, including Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony. The Las Vegas resident also serves as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet and as President of the Nevada State Senate.
The event will include passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, the invisible raffle, and a cash bar. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Thursday, Aug. 17 to Aylin Crete at info@theinvisibleenemy.org or call 702-683-3815. Those who are unable to attend but would like to donate to support this mission can also call 702-683-3815.
TheInvisibleEnemy.org is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, EIN # 92-3486613. Donations are 100% tax deductible.
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