A percentage of people seem to be hard-wired for or drawn to community service, leadership roles and events in which they can serve their neighbors and fellow citizens. The amateur ham radio service offers a path to many rewarding public service opportunities.
Ham radio operators volunteer with county or local programs like the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, an American Radio Relay League program. These teams often serve the county emergency management agencies in Maine, according to Derrick Ouellette, deputy director of the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency.
Members of the Aroostook ARES team recently participated in the annual field day exercise, held every year in June when ham operators all over the U.S. and Canada join for excercises simulating disaster conditions.
They practice emergency communications with portable radios and antennas and make as many contacts as possible in a fun “contest-style,” off-grid event.
In times of disaster or other emergencies, radio service members provide backup communications when existing public safety systems get overloaded or fail.
In non-emergency times, these teams practice and hone their skills by providing communications at public events such as the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, the Northwoods Gravel Grind and much more.
Amateur radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, and one of its primary purposes is recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
If this kind of public service piques your interest, and if you would like to earn your FCC-issued amateur radio license, contact Ouellette via email at derrick@aroostookema.com or call 207-493-4328, and he will help start you on a path of valuable public service and a fun hobby.
