Friday, October 25, 2013

Week 43 - SEC's weekly notes..


Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 43 - 2013
For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.
These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) <http://ohden.org>  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

There are several purposes of the Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff.  First purpose is to open and maintain the lines of communications amongst ARES volunteers within the Section.  Second purpose is to disseminate amateur radio information such as announcements and bulletins.  The third purpose is to further the hobby by sharing ideas.  The final purpose is to provide a means of documentation.  The Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff is open to anyone interested in amateur radio communications.

Many thanks to the 108 volunteers who registered thus far for the All Ohio ARES Conference!  There's still room for more!  The All Ohio ARES Conference will be held on Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The conference agenda has been sent to all District Emergency Coordinators.  It is also on the ARES page on the Ohio Section website www.arrl-ohio.org.

Starting next week, on Tuesday, October 29th, there will be a training component to the Ohio HF Emergency Preparedness Net.  I talked to W8SGT on 75 meters following the net this week and we all agreed that it was a great idea.  The training component will be conducted at the conclusion of roll call on 75 meters and again at the end of roll call on 40 meters.  See the frequencies above.  I thank W8SGT for everything they do keeping this net on the air for all of us to participate in.  The net is open to all properly licensed amateur radio operators.  You do not have to be an ARES member to participate in this net.  Come check in and put your county on the map.  The net control does call for check ins by ARES district.  If you're not sure what district in, go ahead and check out the online listing and map on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org.  It's located under Reference Materials.

I would like to thank the dozen amateur radio volunteers who participated in the City of Hubbard "live" tornado drill at Hubbard High School last week.  Volunteers from Trumbull County and Mahoning County answered the call on such short notice, some of whom left their breakfast, to come help in Hubbard's time of need.  I was impressed with the quick response, the proper net discipline, and how well everyone worked together.  At the drill debrief, the fire chief and the drill organizer thanked the "hammers" for their efforts and they look forward to working with them again.  As the Ohio SEC, I was not expecting to be the "leader of the band".  However, I am thankful to be a part of a great team and help demonstrate to the served agencies on scene that amateur radio is a effective and viable means of communication.

There is no training this week.

SEC's final...The Amateur Radio Emergency Service would not be a successful program without dedicated volunteers such as yourself.  It's no secret every volunteer is needed regardless of title or position, experience, knowledge, or license class.  Each volunteer brings a certain something to the team.  Previous experience reminds me that sometimes amateur radio can seem thankless.  You and I put in our time and effort day after day, month after month, and sometimes the thanks is forgotten.  It's not that thanks is demanded or expected.  It's just nice to know that our efforts mean something.  I thank you for your time, sacrifice, and perseverance.  I thank you for your patience, leadership, and expertise.  I thank you for your participation.  These are not just words.  They mean something and you are hereby recognized for everything you do for amateur radio.

 

73 de Matt W8DEC