Amateur radio group conducts field day exercise

Lincoln County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service group conducted Field Day exercise on June 22 and 23 at the Pioche Fire Department Emergency Operating Center.

Field day is conducted yearly and gives radio operators experience operating under extremely difficult radio conditions. Amateur radio operators from all over the United States, Canada and the world participate. This is a competition where your group receives points for the number of radio contacts, the location you operate from and visits by officials to your location. Field day is sponsored by The American Radio Relay League.

ARES members operating and their call signs were Rusty Fitzgerald KF7WEG, Randy Goulter KF7WEH, Lee Hone K7NKH, Ron Kozak KD7WEC, Mark Robinson N7MDR, Bob Romans W7PEW, Kendal Thomas KG7DST and Michael Winters KG7DSS. Non Hams Drew Cole and Hunter Blood also assisted.

ARES is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and RACES is under the direction of state DEM and Homeland Security. Both organizations work hand in hand. Amateur radio operators can become very involved in Emergency services when disaster strikes. This is not only a fun hobby but a public service.

Anyone interested in becoming a Radio Amateur (Ham) contact a local operator. For Pioche, you can call Lee Hone at 775-962-5400, Chuck Reifsnyder at 775-962-5668, Mark Robinson at 775-962-5317, and in Panaca, Bob Romans 775-728-4240.