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Last week's program was presented by our own Moline Rotarian, Eric VanWinkle. He gave us a very informational overview of something that most of us don't even know still exists -- Ham Radio -- and the very important role that these dedicated operators provide in times of natural disasters and other potential emergencies!  He is a proud member of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services). ARES consists of licensed amateur ham radio operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with their local ARES leadership for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. They are most likely to be active after disasters that damage regular lines of communications due to power outages and destruction of telephone, cellular and other infrastructure-dependent systems. ARES is a formal organizational structure requiring varying degrees of training. What is Amateur Radio? Better known as HAM radio: - Set of frequency bands designated for use by licensed amateur radio operators
- Regulated by the FCC
- Self-policing community
- Testing done by VECs
- 3 classes of license
- Technician Class
- General Class
- Amateur Extra Class
When do you need them? According to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, Craig Fugate (KK4INZ), "When everything else fails, Amateur Radio often times is our last line of defense. When you need Amateur Radio, you really need them." Eric gave a fantastic presentation on the extensive training, qualifications, and need for modern amateur ham radio operators. Thank you, Eric, for your unique service to our community, and for last week's fascinating presentation! |
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