September 

National Preparedness Month

http://www.servealabama.gov/BeReady.htm

 BE READY DAY

Thursday, September 14, 10:00 am—3:00 pm

Space and Rocket Center — Huntsville, Alabama

Emergency responders from all over the State showed up at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville Alabama..  Governor Riley was there, as was the Alabama Director of Homeland Security, Jim Walker.  The Madison County EMA Director "Rusty" Russell gave a good introduction to each of the visiting dignitaries.  Some of the other agencies present were the Madison County E-911 Center (Director Ernie Blair), Madison/Marshall County Red Cross (Director Shirley Crutcher), National Guard members, including the Adjutant General of Alabama, MGEN Mark Bowen, State Police, National Weather Service, firefighters, police, and many more.  The point of the "preparedness event" every year is to cross-train and to learn about disaster preparations.  It was an outstanding success.

Madison County ARES, backed by over two dozen ham operators, set up a "field day" station, complete with crank-up tower, HF and VHF, plus digital modes.   Be Ready Day was covered with amateur Digital communications, Winlink and D-STAR.  We demonstrated Winlink 2000 and Airmail, to many of the visitors.  I guarantee you that none of them are used to seeing their Blackberry pop up a message composed and delivered by an Amateur Radio station!  And yes, they were mighty impressed that ham radio has come so far.  Doug Hilton AG4FL, District 6 DEC

Michael Werner, KF4BOG and Chuck Lewis, N4NM showcase amateur radio to several groups of Madison County 6th grade students.

They were standing in line for Chuck Lewis, N4NM CW training !