Eugene Alvis, W0ICY, holds the mic for Hans Smith, KC9EQU, as he makes his first HF QSO. Hans was licensed this past March as part of the license class sponsored by Hannibal ARC and has recently (since Field Day) upgraded to General. His smile tells the whole story.

Clubs find synergy in combined Field Day Efforts

August 12, 2004 -- For the past several years The Western Illinois ARC and Hannibal ARC have combined efforts for ARRL Field Day and other special event operations. The joint operations have resulted in a great time as well as some very good training for the clubs members.

In March the clubs sponsored a licensing class and several people passed their exams and became licensed Amateurs. Many of them came out to Field Day this year and had a great time operating the stations, eating lots of food and making new friends.

Joe Cox, KC0PPS, works the SSB stations as Bill Morrison, N9UPG, puts them in the log.

Jim Funk, N9JF, and Gloria Macomber, KC0PPR, work a pile up at the CW station. Now a general class operator, Gloria was licensed in 2003 at the club's entry level class.