 May 25, 2023 John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, Editor
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ARRL and FEMA Sign Agreement: Ham Radio is as Relevant as Ever
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® has entered into an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agreement will enhance cooperation between ARRL's emergency communications program, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®), and FEMA in providing disaster communications. The agreement emphasizes the importance of skilled Amateur Radio Operators in times of crisis and the role of ARES leadership within the emergency communications space.
ARES (see the ARES fact sheet at www.arrl.org/ares) is a network of trained Amateur Radio Service licensees organized across the country to provide communications and other support to served agencies, such as local governments, hospitals, and disaster response charities. More than 20,000 ARES volunteers actively participate in the ARRL program. In 2022, they provided more than 420,000 labor hours of service saving local officials $13.4 million in personnel costs. Each member of ARES has specialized training in emergency communications. Many have also completed training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in order to integrate with local officials during an emergency response. In March 2023, FEMA released the final version of the NIMS Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Functional Guidance, which includes radio amateurs in the response ecosystem and national emergency preparedness.
FEMA announced the new agreement on Twitter stating, "We recently signed a new MOA with @arrl -- establishing our partnership with licensed, voluntary amateur radio operators to support response [and] recovery efforts. We're honored to work side-by-side to meet the needs of millions in the wake of disasters." Read the full story on the ARRL website. Gomez Nominated for Vacant FCC Seat, Two Commissioners Renominated
Gomez is an attorney with decades of experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. Gomez currently serves as a Senior Advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, where she has been leading US preparations for the monthlong WRC-23 conference that will commence on November 20 in Dubai. ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® has represented the interests of US radio amateurs in preparation for the conference, and ARRL Technical Relations Specialist Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, has been appointed to the US delegation to WRC-23. ARRL also actively supports the work of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), which, as a member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector, participates in conference preparatory work and whose representatives will also attend WRC-23 by invitation as observers in an advisory capacity.
Earlier in her career, Gomez served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. From 2009 to 2013, she served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator. Gomez also briefly served as Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley LLP. Gomez also was Vice President for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an Associate at the Arnold & Porter law firm. Senate hearings on all three nominees are expected to be held in June. Dayton Hamvention® 2023 Wrap Up Dayton Hamvention® 2023 was held May 19 - 21 in Xenia, Ohio -- and all indications point to a successful event.
ARRL greeted attendees in its large exhibit area in the "Tesla" building. Traffic to the exhibit was brisk. Members and prospective members enjoyed meeting with dozens of ARRL program representatives and volunteers. The event hosted the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention. While the final count is still a few days away from being completed, Hamvention spokesperson Michael Kalter, W8CI, said this was a great year, a great event, and it all started with a great team. "[We] had great [weather, tremendous] efforts by the 700 plus volunteers, [and] outstanding community support, including [from] the Greene County Sheriff's Office, the Xenia Police Department, and Xenia officials," said Kalter. "A big thank you to everyone, especially ARRL, for its work co-developing the Event App, and, of course, all of the amateur radio operators and everyone who attended the event."
Kalter said ticket sales were up this year and he expects attendance to surpass last year's count of 31,367. The good weather helped draw crowds, and other than some rain in the early morning hours of Saturday, blue skies and fair temperatures prevailed. ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, said the Education and Learning booth was packed with people for the duration of the event. "We shared information with attendees about the ARRL Learning Center, the Teachers Institute, and using ham radio for STEM education and youth outreach," said Goodgame.
"We also partnered with YouTube content creator Carlos Ortiz, KD9OLN, whose channel is LifeAtTerminalVelocity, and facilitated a youth-only parachute-mobile event. Carlos jumped from an airplane at 10,500 feet and made contacts with 13 youth, then their parents, for a total of roughly 25 contacts before landing. It was an amazing opportunity to engage youth in amateur radio with something that is different than the norm," Goodgame added. ARRL Great Lakes Division Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, moderated a Saturday afternoon ARRL membership forum, which included short presentations from ARRL Treasurer John R. Sager, WJ7S; Director of Operations Bob Naumann, W5OV; CEO David A. Minster, NA2AA, and President Rick Roderick, K5UR.
Sager highlighted the work of ARRL's Investment Management Committee (IMC) and CAPTRUST, an outside investment firm that was selected to actively manage ARRL's investment portfolio for the benefit of its members. Naumann provided an update on The ARRL Logbook of The World (LoTW) that included recent improvements that have significantly reduced, and sometimes nearly eliminated, log processing queues. Minster highlighted a handful of ARRL initiatives including the yearlong theme, Year of the Volunteers, and its complementary operating event, Volunteers On the Air (VOTA). He encouraged members to "reach one rung higher" in their contributions to ARRL volunteerism and support. He also introduced the new ARRL Estate Planning Workbook, which is intended to help members develop a plan for their equipment and amateur radio legacy, which will ultimately benefit spouses and other family members following an amateur's lifetime. Roderick charged members with concentrating on their efforts to make an impact on amateur radio, encouraging newcomers and youth, and ensuring their legacy for amateur radio. The ARISS booth drew in attendees to learn more about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station and opportunities to participate and volunteer. Among the program representatives were ARISS Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, and ARISS USA Delegate Rosalie White, K1STO, representing ARRL. ARISS is celebrating 40 years of amateur radio on human spaceflight vehicles.
In the ARRL exhibit area, a banner emblazoned with "ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program" hung above a booth adorned with university pennants that was swarmed with young adults. Student hams from colleges and universities around the country volunteered to help ARRL promote the collegiate program and the participation of their respective radio clubs and schools. These young hams greeted attendees with stories of how amateur radio is furthering their interest in wireless communications and other areas of STEM education. Their experiences are also leading to advanced careers in radio technology and related fields. The bright spotlight on young hams contributed a welcome message to all who passed by: "The next generation of radio amateurs is already here, and they're already active." ARRL's YouTube channel includes a short video with some of the student participants. The Hamvention flea market was active again this year, and even picked up a nickname -- The Big Island -- a nod to its oval shape near the grandstand. Kalter summed up the event as a great experience for everyone and noted that work has already started on the Hamvention, May 17 - 19, 2024. The event is planning to host the 2024 ARRL National Convention. Read a complete recap of each day's events, written by ARRL Acquisitions Editor Mark H. Derks, KC1RVQ, using the links below. Countdown to Dayton Hamvention See ARRL's photo album of Dayton Hamvention 2023 at https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention. LAST CHANCE - ARRL Member Dues Survey We've heard from over 15,000 members so far, but there's less than a week left to complete the ARRL Member Dues Survey. If you've already taken it, thank you. If you still need to, do not delay! The survey is open through May 31 at www.arrl.org/dues-survey. ARRL will tabulate the information and share the results on our website in June. Memorial Day Special Event Station On Board the USS Slater In observance of Memorial Day, the East Greenbush Amateur Radio Association (EGARA) will operate special event station WW2DEM on board the USS Slater on Sunday, May 28, 2023. WW2DEM is also the ship's official call sign. The USS Slater, a museum ship docked in Albany, New York, is the last destroyer escort still afloat and has been restored to its original wartime configuration. During the event, EGARA members will use voice modes and Morse code to make contacts and employ the ship's vintage World War II-era shipboard transmitter. The station will operate from 8 AM to 4 PM EDT, and additional frequencies expected to be used will be on or near:
"Our amateur radio club is pleased to be able to partner with the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum to honor our veterans, as well as the Slater itself," said EGARA President Bryan Jackson, W2RBJ. "We hope our special event station will bring attention to the ship and the service the destroyer escorts provided [during World War II] to protect convoys from enemy submarines as they helped to safely transport critically needed troops and supplies across the Atlantic and the Pacific." Confirmed contacts may request a special event QSL card by sending a #10 self-addressed, stamped envelope to EGARA, 983 Sterling Ridge Drive, Rensselaer, New York 12144. For more information about the USS Slater, visit USS Slater. The East Greenbush Amateur Radio Association (EGARA) is an ARRL Affiliated Club. ARRL Headquarters Closed Memorial Day In recognition of Memorial Day, ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023. Many of the member services and information offered by ARRL are accessible on our website 24/7. Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday, and join us in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. ARRL Section Manager Spring Election Results The results of two balloted Section Manager elections held this spring were determined when the ballots were counted at ARRL Headquarters on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
John Bigley, N7UR, incumbent Section Manager of the ARRL Nevada Section, was re-elected when he received 277 votes, and Jim Shepherd, W6US, of Sparks, received 177 votes. Bigley, of Las Vegas, has been serving as Section Manager since 2015 and has held other ARRL Field Organization and club leadership positions for more than 20 years. Bigley's new 2-year term of office starts July 1. Nancy Austin, KC1NEK, was elected as ARRL Rhode Island Section Manager when she received 129 votes, and incumbent Section Manager Bob Beaudet, W1YRC, received 127 votes.
Austin, of Middletown, is the President of the Newport County Radio Club, and she will begin a 2-year term of office on July 1. Beaudet, of Cumberland, has served as ARRL Rhode Island Section Manager for 21 years. The following incumbent Section Managers were the only nominees in their respective Sections when the nomination period closed on March 10, and were declared re-elected. Their new 2-year terms of office begin July 1: Chris Van Winkle, AB3WG (Maryland-DC); Peter Stohrer, W1FEA (New Hampshire); Bob Buus, W2OD (Northern New Jersey); John Litz, NZ6Q (San Joaquin Valley); Pat Malan, N7PAT (Utah), and Dale Durham, W5WI (West Texas). John Gendron, NJ4Z, Appointed South Carolina Section Manager ARRL has named John Gendron, NJ4Z, as the South Carolina Section Manager. He will complete the term of Marc Tarplee, N4UFP, who passed away after a brief illness.
Gendron, an Amateur Extra-class operator, is President of the York County Amateur Radio Society (YCARS) and a member of the Swamp Fox Contest Group. In addition to being an avid contester and DX chaser, Gendron enjoys participating in Parks on the Air. He has earned numerous ARRL awards, including the Worked All States and Triple Play Worked All States awards, and is closing in on 5-Band DXCC. Gendron also hosts a YouTube channel, called From the Hamshack. In 2022, he became the 55th recipient of the Vic Clark Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award, the Division's highest honor. Gendron is the CEO and an owner of a regional systems integration company based in South Carolina, and he earned a degree in electrical engineering from Youngstown State University in Ohio. He and his family reside in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Gendron's appointed term as Section Manager will continue through December 31, 2024. Graduation Cap Decorated with Call Sign It's graduation season for high schools across the country.
This rite of passage is often accompanied by the chance for graduates to decorate their caps for the festivities, and one teenage ham in Oklahoma chose to decorate hers with her call sign. Cassie Whetstone, KI5DBQ, is a graduate in the Mangum High School class of 2023. She was also a part of the school's Tiger Radio Club, KF5CRF, through which she earned her license. Her graduation cap was decorated with monarch butterflies and a bright floral design on each corner. Sparkly rhinestones lined the cap's edges, and "73's KI5DBQ CLEAR!" was printed down the center. See a bigger photo of the cap and leave your well wishes for Cassie on the ARRL Facebook page. Amateur Radio in the News ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. "Amateur radio operators help during Colorado storms" / FOX31, KDVR, (Colorado), May 18, 2023 -- Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) Colorado. "Pine State Amateur Radio Club to cover Bangor Memorial Day parade communications" / Bangor Daily News, (Maine), May 21, 2023 -- The Pine State Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club. "Maury County Amateur Radio Club to Participate in Field Day" / WLX & WDXE Radio, (Tennessee), May 23, 2023 -- The Maury County Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club. Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us. ARRL Podcasts On the Air ARRL Audio News The On the Air podcast is available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android). The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are also on blubrry -- On the Air | ARRL Audio News. Announcements Marconi's yacht will be on the air from June 10 - 11, 2023, with the special event call sign IY4ELE. For the past 9 years, the A.R.I. Fidenza (Italian Amateur Radio Association), has celebrated a technical and cultural event for the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation at Villa Griffone in Pontecchio Marconi, Bologna, Italy (Guglielmo Marconi's birthplace). The purpose of the event is to highlight, at an international level, the historical value and meaning of Marconi's yacht, Elettra, which was the moving laboratory of the great Italian scientist. Several important radiocommunications experiments were conducted on board the yacht by Marconi during the interwar period. Over the event weekend, amateur radio operators from around the world will have a chance to contact IY4ELE, which will be operated by A.R.I. Fidenza club members via a radio station located near the keel of the Elettra. For more information, visit www.arifidenza.it. In Brief... Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced the schools and host organizations selected for the January - June 2024 window. Of the ARISS education proposals submitted during the recent proposal window, 11 have been accepted to move forward in the planning process for hosting a scheduled amateur radio contact with crew on the ISS. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities. A complete list of the schools and hosts is available on the ARISS website. The ARISS program anticipates that NASA will be able to provide scheduling opportunities for these US host organizations. They are now at work completing an acceptable equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute the ham radio contact. Once their equipment plan is approved by the ARISS operations team, the selected schools and organizations will be scheduled, as their availability and flexibility match up with the scheduling opportunities offered by NASA from January through June 2024. Carl Gardenias, WU6D (SK), of Perris, California, passed away on May 9, 2023. He was 78 years old. Gardenias was elected Section Manager of the ARRL Orange Section in 2003 and retired in 2021. He held an Amateur Extra-class license and served as an ARRL Volunteer Examiner, Field Instructor, and Field Examiner for ARRL Emergency Communications courses. He was a member and former President of the Southern California DX Club (SCDXC) in 1991, DXer of the Year in 2000, and Chairman/Cochairman of the International DX Convention for many years. Gardenias and his wife, Cathy, K6VC, had been traveling the United States. Most recently, they were serving as hosts at a KOA campground in Montana. Funeral arrangements are pending. ARRL Headquarters has position openings for full-time careers. Available job opportunities include Development Associate, Digital RF Engineer, Marketing Operations Manager, Member Services Representative, and Senior Lab Engineer. Job descriptions and instructions for applying can be found at www.arrl.org/careers. ARRL is an equal opportunity employer. The K7RA Solar Update Tad Cook, K7RA, of Seattle, Washington, reports for this week's ARRL Propagation Bulletin, ARLP021:
Both the average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux increased this week. Average daily sunspot numbers rose from 118.6 to 133.4, while average solar flux went from 143.2 to 161.2. Geomagnetic indicators were more active. Average daily planetary A index went from 9.6 to 17.1, while average middle latitude A index rose from 9.6 to 14.4. Predicted solar flux is 160 on May 25 - 26; 165 on May 27; 160 on May 28; 155 on May 29 - 30; 160 and 150 on May 31 and June 1; 155 on June 2 - 4; 160, 165, 160, 155, and 150 on June 5 - 9; 145 on June 10 - 11; 150 on June 12; 155 on June 13 - 14; 160 on June 15; 165 on June 16 - 17; 160, 155, and 150 on June 18 - 20; 155 on June 21 - 22, then 160, 165, and 160 on June 23 - 25. Predicted planetary A index is 12, 15, 8, 5, and 8 on May 25 - 29; 5 on May 30 through June 1; 16, 8, 10, and 8 on June 2 - 5; 5 on June 6 - 15, then 12, 10, 5, 18, 22, 15, and 10 on June 16 - 22. Check out a video of the beautiful auroras explained here: Check out sunspot images at these links: https://www.popsci.com/science/sun-images-powerful-solar-telescope/ Sunspot numbers for May 18 through 24, 2023, were 121, 155, 138, 140, 97, 130, and 153, with a mean of 133.4. 10.7-centimeter flux was 150.6, 164.6, 169.6, 163.4, 161.5, 154.9, and 164.1, with a mean of 161.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 3, 9, 35, 28, 21, 12, and 12, with a mean of 17.1. Middle latitude A index was 8, 10, 26, 19, 17, 11, and 10, with a mean of 14.4. A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...," and check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA. A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website. Share your reports and observations. A weekly, full report is posted on ARRL News. Just Ahead in Radiosport Yearlong -- ARRL Volunteers On the Air (VOTA). See the State Activations Schedule for weekly W1AW Portable Operations, including:
Upcoming Contests:
Visit the ARRL Contest Calendar for more events and information. Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events in your area. Have News for ARRL? Submissions for the ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to news@arrl.org. -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor
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"The agreement is representative of the continued commitment and cooperation between FEMA and ARRL," said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. "Serving our country during emergencies is an important service provided by ARES volunteers and a principal purpose of our Amateur Radio Service. Our well-equipped volunteers bring their training, use of innovative technologies, and community partnerships together to serve before and during disasters."
President Joe Biden announced three nominees for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 22, 2023. The President will nominate Anna M. Gomez for a vacant FCC seat. Two sitting Commissioners, Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr, will be nominated for new terms at the same time.
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