Demanding justice for victims of nuclear radiation, Guam's very own Robert Celestial testified in the nation's capital, urging Senators pass Bill 197 to right the wrongs of nuclear testing across the country and in Pacific Island like Guam.

The fallout of nuclear testing in the Pacific islands by the U.S. military, shook the island of Guam. "The people of Guam were exposed to nuclear fallout from the pacific nuclear testings in the Marshall islands from 1946 to 1962 when 66 nuclear and hydrogen bombs were detonated. It was without their knowledge and consent throughout those years they were exposed to radiation such as iodine, strontium, and cesium," said Celestial.

Celestial, a retired Sergeant of the U.S. Army, and founder of the Guam Pacific Association for Radiation survivors, testified in Washington D.C. saying he helped decontaminate and cleanup radiation in Runit Island in 1977 wearing no protective gear. Asked by a senator if he's had cancer, he replied, "No, but I had other illnesses, diseases. When I left Enewetak I found myself up here in Walterreed with other Enewetak veterans. They were doing tests on us because when I got back to Fort Benning my whole body turned with boils and red all over."

Mirroring testimony from citizens living in New Mexico, Idaho, and the Navajo Nation, Celestial says radiation has affected generations, some of his friends now battling cancer. "My comrades who didn't stay in and then got out like 5 years, 6 years, they got sick like in 10 years, and today they're suffering with no compensation at all," he added.

"Paul Laird, a good friend of mine, he was a bull dozer operator and he's had six cancers and he asked me to speak for him and he's going through chemotherapy right now in Maine."

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo was in attendance and Vice Speaker Therese Terlaje, who says the hearing was a first. Bill 197 would amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act or RECA to include those who resided in Guam from 1946 to 1962, suffering from radiation-related illnesses, allowing free medical care and up to $150,000 in compensation.

Senator Tom Udall said, "These folks that are represented here the pictures that were shown these are real cold war victims, as Senator Booker, and Senator Crapo have said we need to bring justice to this situation."

Celestial is hopeful that the Bill will pass with Senatorial support, which would be a victory for Guam survivors of radiation.