Antinuclear

Salute to the passing of Australia’s champion for the rights of nuclear veterans

Ric entered hot [i.e. radioactive] zones shortly after bomb detonations, to recover target response vehicles. His duties included steamcleaning of contaminated vehicles, and for many years was the sole survivor of his squad. The direct memory of the futility of steam cleaning vehicles – forcing hot particles deeper into cracks, creases and crevices of vehicles and machines, some of which were later sold to the general public, remained with him..

.. A person of deep conviction, he was fearless in his expression of his views. Though rendered a civilian by nuclear service induced illness, he conducted himself over many years with the bearing any serving soldier would be expected to display. This standard of discipline marks both the standard of the Association he headed and the policies it pursued in the fight for justice.

The Passing of Ric Johnstone, President of the Australian Nuclear Veterans Association, Christmas Day, 2011 Paul Langley’s Nuclear History Blog, 27 Dec 11, Ric presented the case for nuclear veterans and victims without fear and with endless energy and great emotional and rational investment.

Though he was one of the very few veterans in Australia to attain some justice through successful action, he did not rest upon his own favour. Rather, he invested his life to the welfare of others, increasingly widows of veterans and their children. He never ceased explaining the case for the veterans and the case against the authorities.

Though Australia is a large country, with veterans thinly spread far and wide, and possessing diverse views, all will miss Ric badly for his total dedication to the cause. A cause made more urgent by the day.

Until nuclear veterans are fully acknowledged, the decisions of government will be made upon a false premise.

The nuclear tests constituted hazardous war-like duty, in which personnel prepared for and trained within a nuclear battlefield.

Ric entered hot zones shortly after bomb detonations, to recover target response vehicles. His duties included steamcleaning of contaminated vehicles, and for many years was the sole survivor of his squad. The direct memory of the futility of steam cleaning vehicles – forcing hot particles deeper into cracks, creases and crevices of vehicles and machines, some of which were later sold to the general public, remained with him…. A person of deep conviction, he was fearless in his expression of his views. Though rendered a civilian by nuclear service induced illness, he conducted himself over many years with the bearing any serving soldier would be expected to display. This standard of discipline marks both the standard of the Association he headed and the policies it pursued in the fight for justice.

His public statements were clear and informed. Though in contest with
authorities, his statements always conveyed respect for elected
leadership. This, even though many politiicians, who thought they knew
it all, did not and do not behave with the same military standard
bearing Ric held has a personal and intrinsic trait. His contempt for
the suppression of truth was long standing……..
http://nuclearhistory.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/the-passing-of-ric-johnstone-president-of-the-australian-nuclear-veterans-association-christmas-day-2011/

December 27, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News