Save the date – June 27 and 28.
On behalf of the Foothills Amateur Radio Society in Okotoks Alberta, I would like to invite you to meet with the Amateur Radio Operators of your community. The event is the ARRL Field Day for Licensed Radio Amateurs. Throughout North America, ham radio operators will be setting up radio stations in unusual locations and making contact with others as a display and test of their emergency communications capabilities. It is a 24 hour exercise to test emergency readiness and provide a showcase to members of the public.
Given pandemic protocols, social distancing and a myriad of other precautions, instead of an in-person group event at a central location, this year the event is being held both remotely and virtually, between noon on Saturday until noon on Sunday. Dignitaries, Media and Guests may visit our operating locations via teleconference calls at a time that is convenient for them. Please ask for the teleconference links and advise your schedule when you reply to this note so that we may give you our undivided attention during your visit.
Ham radio remains relevant even among all of the “modern” communication conveniences we enjoy today. In 2013 we were called upon by the Alberta Government and were at the heart of communications during the first 72 hours of the Southern Alberta Floods as all conventional communications infrastructure had failed. 55 Ham Radio operators worked around the clock keeping the Town of High River connected to the outside world. We were setting up for Field Day 2013 when the floods hit. We practice at Field Day to prepare such events. That story can be seen here http://vincedeon.com/amateur-radio/how-field-day-became-a-reality-the-story-of-the-high-river-flood-of-2013/. Like most communities, ours does not expect a major emergency and losing communications can quickly turn an emergency into a real disaster.
I hope this email meets with your approval and look forward to your virtual visit at our event. It should be fun and is also a validation to the many Amateur Radio volunteers who have spent time providing emergency communications, public service work and other benefits throughout our community and region.
If you need more information or would like to confirm your visit please contact me so that we ensure we welcome you and spend time during your visit to answer your inquiries. Please feel free to cascade this to other members of your team. I sincerely hope that you can find a bit of time in your calendar to join us.
Yours truly,
Vince d’Eon
Secretary, Foothills Amateur Radio Society
Assistant Emergency Coordinator, Alberta Amateur Radio Emergency Service