LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Visitors at the Nevada National Security Site Museum got a lesson in Cold War history and Southern Nevada’s atomic past Saturday.

Retired test site worker Marcus Brown gave a presentation on Camp Desert Rock, the military installation located about four miles from the Mercury site, where the military conducted experiments to determine whether soldiers could operate in a nuclear environment.

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Brown said the series is part of regular talks the museum hosts every other week on topics including the USS Nevada, “Duck and Cover” and 1950s Las Vegas — all aimed at preserving the legacy of nuclear testing and its impact on the valley.

“Share the legacy and the history of the Nevada Test Site and the culture that it really kind of imparted to the Las Vegas community,” Brown said.

Brown’s history with the test site

Brown began his career at the Nevada Test Site in 1982 as a radiation health technician, supporting underground tests through 1992. He then moved into environmental remediation and later nuclear operations, continuing to work in the field until his retirement in 2023.

He now volunteers as a docent at the Nevada National Security Site Museum to share that history with new generations. Brown said the museum helps tell a story many locals never heard.

“Come and visit the museum. There’s a lot of culture and legacy and history here,” Brown said.

Las Vegas (Nev.) Arbor View quarterback Thaddeus Thatcher announced his commitment to Oregon State and broke down why he chose the Beavers. 

After taking official visits to Oregon State, UNLV, UCF and Michigan, the talented signal caller announced for the Beavers moments ago. 

“I’m very excited about my decision,” Thatcher said. “Coach Shep (Jamarcus Shephard) has assembled a really great staff and I’m really excited to work with coach (Mitch) Dahlen.

“Coach Dahlen has worked with so many draft picks and it’s really exciting to have the opportunity to be developed by someone like him.”

The potential to compete for early playing time was another big factor for Thatcher. 

“They’re going to give me a chance to compete for a spot right away,” Thatcher said. “That’s something I was interested in and so I’m excited about the opportunity.

“My whole family gets along with the entire Oregon State staff and we really believe in Coach Shep. I really think he’s going to be able to get things back on track and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

We originally had a commit prediction in for Michigan with Thatcher and there was strong buzz he was close to committing following his unofficial visit back in early April. 

Thatcher decided to take his official visits instead and the Beavers hosted him on May 29. Oregon State started to build momentum with Thatcher following the trip and the Beavs were able to hold off strong competition.

Thatcher is one of the region’s top dual-threat quarterbacks and two-sport athletes. He’s a talented basketball player as well but his fixture is on the grid-iron. 

As a junior, Thatcher completed 168-240 passes (70%) for 2,625 yard and 29 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He also rushed for 605 yards and seven more scores and will be a four-year starter for the Aggies, one of the top teams in the state. 

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