Shreveport Amateur Radio Association participates in amateur radio field day
SHREVEPORT, La. –
The Shreveport Amateur Radio Association participated in the American Radio Relay League’s amateur radio field day over the weekend. The club gathered at their “ham shack” for a 24-hour event aimed at testing emergency preparedness.
Emergency Preparedness Exercise
The purpose of the amateur radio field day was to simulate a major emergency situation and test the club’s ability to make contact with as many people as possible within a 24-hour period. Tim Hall, the president of the Shreveport Amateur Radio Association, emphasized the importance of the exercise in ensuring that the club is ready to respond in case of a crisis.
Logging Contacts
Throughout the event, club members logged every contact they made with other amateur radio operators. These logs will be submitted to the Amateur Radio Relay League for evaluation and comparison with other participants across the country. The results will be published in November, allowing the club to assess its performance relative to others in the region.
Community Support
While amateur radio is a hobby for many club members, they also use their skills to support the community during events such as Mardi Gras, fundraisers, and natural disasters. Hall cited the club’s involvement in providing communication support during Hurricane Katrina as an example of their commitment to serving the community in times of need.
Upcoming Hamfest
The Shreveport Amateur Radio Association will be hosting their annual Hamfest on August 10, providing an opportunity for amateur radio enthusiasts to come together, exchange ideas, and learn more about the hobby. Those interested in attending can visit the club’s website for more information.