Conference Call? Getting to know you. #ARRL #hamradio

If you'd like to do a Question and Answer conference call, Skype allows Video Calls for FREE.  Download the software.  Set up an account and check out the Skype meeting.  I've not tried it on web.skype.com but you are welcome to test it.

You'll probably experience, because I have a "face for radio", my camera is turned off.  I will turn it on occasionally, however.

It will be your time to ask me any question about any issue facing ham radio.

You have been invited to meet on Skype. Click here to join the meeting on October 10 from 11 am to noon Central Time.

https://join.skype.com/sxkEJSSo0cRA  

If you don't want Skype, send your phone number to 234564ARRL to be included in the call.

Getting to know folks #ARRL #hamradio

In the Midwest Division, members will choose between Dave Propper, K2DP, a current Assistant Director, and Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, a past Oklahoma Section Manager to fill the Vice Director’s chair.

I am very happy to be enjoying “the best hobby on the planet” and grandchildren at the same time. I’ve also joined a couple of Kansas clubs and on the board of directors with the Wichita Amateur Radio Club. 

My blog and QRZ profile tell you a lot about me. I’m pretty active on HF, VHF,UHF and enjoying old and new things, sprints, nets, public service, Skywarn, and VOIP modes like Dstar, AllStar, Hamshack Hotline, Echolink. 

You’ve probably heard about me on Hamtalk Live and Amateur Radio Newsline. 

What can I do for you?  What can the League do for you?

If I have your interest, I would appreciate your support. 

1. Covid has canceled a lot of activity. If you’re meeting online, could you invite me to your meeting?  If not, could I host a meeting for you?

2.  If you have a net on one of the voip modes, could you tell me when and where?  

Hamshack Hotline 50052 

Echolink 906281

Allstar 28848 

Telephone? Call or text  234564ARRL and PLEASE leave a message and I’ll be happy to return the call. 

I’ve tried to check into a number of Section and the Central Area Nets. 

At any rate, kc5fm@arrl.org or kc5fm@arrl.netshould reach me. 

I look forward to your club support and votes in October. 

73

The League represents its members. #hamradio gets the benefit. #ARRL

 Lee Iacocca said, more than once, "If you can find a better car, buy it."

Lets apply this to amateur radio for a moment.



Lets apply this to the American Radio Relay League.



Can you find a better "National Association for Amateur Radio"?



Does this other organization offer insurance for its members, representation before the Federal Communications Commission, an office in Washington, DC, friendly staff at Newington who answer phone calls and emails?



You have found a better National organization?



Do TELL!  What organization is it?



If not, then join the League.

There’s only ONE National Organization #hamradio #ARRL #IARU

You saw the tweet.

Preparations Continue for World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 http://www.arrl.org/news/view/preparations-continue-for-world-radiocommunication-conference-2023 #ARRL #hamradio  

There are 206 Nations in the World. That would potentially be 206 licensing authorities around the globe. 

Ham radio runs a little different in other places. Some Nations have a robust national group. Others are not so active. Sometimes, it’s easy to get a license. Sometimes and some places don’t allow them. 

Your ARRL works hard on the international field. Yes, there are threats to your spectrum there too. For example, recently Brazil proposed to eliminate amateur radio. 

Join Now. It takes money to send your representatives to international conferences. 

FCC license fee increase #ARRL #HamRadio

By now, you know of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making that addresses the amateur radio license fee increase.  

IF you have not filed your comments, you just may have time.  Filing comments is easy as pie.  If you don't file and the decision does not go as you wish, please realize you are the only one that can represent you.

IF you did not file comments, contact your Section and Division leadership with the American Radio Relay League.  The NPRM isn't set in stone.  The League is your voice before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.

Use your representatives and be kind.  Your Government and your League work for the best hobby on the planet.  

IF you are not a member, JOIN.  

Upcoming election #arrl #hamradio

 From ARRL Headquarters:

Members are reminded that there are contested elections in the Dakota, Great Lakes and Midwest Divisions. Unfortunately, incorrect information regarding the use of electronic balloting in ARRL Division elections was disseminated in the Midwest Division. ARRL does not use electronic voting. The only way you will be able to cast a vote is by U.S. Postal Service mail and, as a member driven organization, we urge you to participate by casting -- mailing in – your ballot. Ballots will be mailed out to members, accompanied by photographs of each candidate and a 300-word statement (if provided by a candidate) by October 1, 2020. If you do not receive your ballot by October 16, please contact cpereira@arrl.org.

Obviously, if you are not an ARRL member in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, or Missouri, you will miss this opportunity  

Join Now ... https://www.arrl.org/join-arrl-renew-membership/?js=on

73 

 https://mobile.twitter.com/kc5fm

Why the Oklahoma #hamradio address? #ARRL

 A number of potential voters have asked about my Oklahoma address when I'm running for division vice-director in Kansas.  

The easiest answer is "Because I can".  Newkirk is just a few miles from the house.  PO Box 73 was available when I moved.  The US Post Office is willing to take my money to let me use it.  That special box was not available here.

Of course, as a ham, you realize that 73 means best regards while 88 means Love and Kisses while folks on the Christian Amateur Radio Fellowship Net still use 75 for God Bless You.

The League has processes in place so candidates must prove they live in the Section or Division.  I always want to trust our Staff to vet candidates appropriately.

The mailing address issue appears to be a smoke screen to take eyes off issues that impact the membership.  Issues like license fee increases, being fiscally responsible with your money. increases in the cost of doing business, ex, increases in postage, phones, electricity, etc. will all be on the plate for the next division director.  That's another reason why I'm running for number two, although I prepare to step into number one, should the need arise.  

Please join the League and trust them to verify the address of anyone running for any office.  The League and the FCC know my physical address. 

Why Vice-Director? #ARRL #hamradio

You've seen the post by now that announced the Midwest Division candidacy for Vice Director.  You've probably asked yourself, "Why did he do that?"

Believe me, so have I.

The conclusions are:

1.  Second fiddle ... I've always worked best as the Number Two.  The Division Director, by rights, will set the mission for the Division.  My job, therefore, will be simple.  Number Two helps Number One achieve goals.  As a section manager and emergency manager, I have learned the value of having a good team.  In Red Cross, Humanity Road, ARES, RACES, SHARES, Skywarn, I have learned how to be a team player.

2. With 2020 being what it is, 2021 has to be better.  The League has a new Chief Executive Officer.  The League has to have a new vision.  I am sure I will have an idea or two about how to make YOUR ARRL membership one that you value.  

3.  Already the League is having pressure put upon her by calling for the $50 license fee to be subsidized in part or in full by League dollars.  The League loses memberships when dues are increased.  This is one solution that deserves a look, but, local clubs should help there members overcome their financial hardships.

4.  The League has a NEW CEO.  He plans to run the organization like a business.  With experience on the Oklahoma Home Based Business Association, as well as a business owner and manager, I know how business works.  I can bring some ideas to the table.

5.  With experience in government, I can bring experience to the table in how to interface with State, Local, and Federal partners.  Those interactions have brought dollars to ham radio operators getting new repeaters, a seat in an emergency operations center, etc.

The bottom line is "I work for YOU", the League Member.  If you are NOT a member, you can't vote for me.  JOIN.  If you are a member, leave your comments here.  I will read each one.  

Ballots come out October 1.  By all means, VOTE.