September 23, 2009 > Join Milpitas radio operators Join Milpitas radio operators Submitted By Tim Howard Please join your fellow Amateur Radio operators dedicated to service by becoming a volunteer with Milpitas ARES/RACES. Join us for an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24 in the Community Room at the Milpitas Police Department, 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas. Talk-in on 145.43 Mhz - Offset 84.5 Hz PL. Do you have a current FCC Amateur Radio License, want to do something important to help your community, want to provide communications during emergencies and community events, want to be recognized for your service and gain knowledge of Emergency Preparedness? Milpitas ARES/RACES will provide training in communication protocols used within Milpitas and Santa Clara County; educational opportunities to learn Packet, Net Control, Shadowing, Field Operations, and HF for emergency use; opportunities to take part in city and county drills to enhance your communication skills; and experienced Hams to mentor you. You will get the satisfaction of serving your community; recognition as a valuable member of a volunteer group with a long history of service; a greater degree of preparation for yourself and your family to cope with emergencies; and new friends who share an interest in emergency communications and public service. When the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg, a young American Amateur Radio operator was one of the first to receive the distress call, relaying information about the sinking ship to authorities. Amateur Radio operators stepped in to relay critical message traffic when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, destroying the telecommunications infrastructure. When vandals out phone cables leaving much of southern Santa Clara County without telephone, cell, and 911 service, it was Amateur Radio operators who provided vital communications for police, fire, hospital and other critical services. The legacy of Amateur Radio in emergency communications is a proud tradition of dedicated individuals serving their nation and local communities in times of need. Frankly, without some training and experience to understand how ARES/RACES operates, your usefulness during an emergency would be limited. During an emergency there is little time to learn how the nets work or how to utilize the forms and protocols for emergency communications within Milpitas and Santa Clara County. You would not expect a new employee at your place of work to be effective on their first day of work. Likewise, without communications training and experience you would be of little help in an emergency. Make a commitment to get the training and experience now so you can be of real service when needed. For additional information contact Tim Howard at ke6tim@arrl.net or visit www.W6MLP.org Radio operator meeting Thursday, September 24 7:30 p.m. Milpitas Police Department 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas (408) 586-2810