The Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway was dedicated on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 10:00 AM in the High School Auditorium and followed by a luncheon for guest and Atomic Veterans at the Seniors Center in Leon, KS. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) brought the new signs to the High School for the ceremony.

Atomic Veterans, family and friends from across KS, IL, MN and OK were in attendance.

A special thank you to the Mayor, School Superintendent, students and citizens of Leon for all of the work you did and for making this such a special and memorable day.  KSN, KAKE and KWCH along with the Augusta Gazette and Wichita Eagle provided local coverage for the event. Legion Riders from a number of area post attended to support and honor these treasured veterans.

Many thanks to Rep Ed Trimmer & Rep Dave Crum for all their efforts to insure this day became a reality..

Leon, KS is located approximately 8 miles east of Augusta &12 miles south of El Dorado

Leon, Kansas

Mr. Bob Wolfe of Topeka, KS - US Army 1953 Nevada Test Site participant shortly after returning from Korea. The trip to the capitol was difficult for Bob but marked an event he was determined not to miss and we ask that each of you keep him and every suffering atomic veteran in your prayers. Since posting his story on the this site in early 2007, Bob has developed additional cancer and undergone triple heart bypass surgery. He is currently working to gain strength for yet another cancer surgery.

Mrs. Karin Brown of Mill City, OR - widow of Dennis Brown - US Navy 1957 sea plane crew member Operation Hardtack who passed away on December 29, 2007 from brain cancer. Karin was kind enough to travel to Kansas and represent atomic veteran families from across the nation.

Mrs. Alice Arnett of Great Bend, KS - widow of Bob Arnett - US Army 1952 Nevada Test Site participant assigned to the 216th Chemical Engineering Battalion for eight (8) test at Camp Mercury. Bob passed away on December 2, 2006 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Daughter Teresa Raymer also of Great Bend accompanied her mother.

Mr. Jack Streeter of Grantville, KS - US Navy, EM3, USS Mender ATRSD-9 for all of 1954 Operation Castle in the Marshall Islands.

Mr. William Swegle of Leawood, KS - US Navy, LTJG, Composite Squadron 6 VC-6 Heavy Attack,  1953 Nevada Test Site participant for Operation Upshot - Knothole shot Badger

Mr. Morton Hight of Lecompton, KS - US Navy diver 1962 Operation Dominic off Johnston Island

Mr. Gary Thornton and wife Velma of Leon, KS - US Navy crew member USS Engage MSO 433 , 1962 Operation Dominic off Johnston Island.

With Governor Kathleen Sebelius

Left to Right

Rep Ed Trimmer, Gary Thornton, Velma Thornton, Bob Wolfe, Karin Brown (with photo of Dennis), Teresa Raymer, Alice Arnett, Jack Streeter,

William Swegle and Morton Hight

                        2004        The Kansas Legislature adopts resolution to recognize and Honor Kansas Atomic Veterans and Governor Sebelius presents a Certificate of Recognition to each known Atomic Veteran from Kansas.

                    2007        The Kansas Legislature adopts resolution HCR 5018 encouraging the President and United States Congress to Honor our nations Atomic Veterans with a special "Atomic Veterans Service Medal".

                    2007        US Congressional Representatives from Kansas, Rep Todd Tiahrt,  Rep Nancy Boyda, Rep Dennis Moore and Rep Jerry Moran join together and introduce HR 3471 the "Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007" in the US House. Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback introduce the companion bill S 2218 "Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007" in the US Senate.

                    2008        The Kansas Legislature adopts HB 2659 designating a portion of United States Highway 400 as the "Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway" and Governor Kathleen Sebelius signs it into law.