Hams and help go together. Here's an example of ordinary hams doing extraordinary things.

Human character may be defined in many ways. The Iron Range Amateur Radio Club member's character may be defined as the "spirit of embracement." Our son, Daniel Baumgartner II, is legally blind and triplegic. Before ham radio entered his world, he would lie in his hospital bed at home listening to his stereo. His world did not allow him to be too active.

Members of the Iron Range ARC install the tower at the Baumgartner residence in Iron River, Michigan. From the left: Bob Charter, Josh Penkivech, Paul Penkivech, Greg Porter, Carlo Salvitti and Ron Simmons.

Arlene Smith, a resident of Iron River, embraced Daniel by introducing him to Amateur Radio. Her husband, Don Smith, WD8KQF was the first member of the club to embrace Daniel. Don brought a 2 meter radio and antenna he built for Daniel so he could become familiar with it. He also introduced Daniel to an organization called Courage HandiHams, an organization for Amateur Radio operators with disabilities. A representative (also blind) contacted Daniel to see how the organization could assist him.

Don calls and visits frequently to check on Daniel's progress and is currently teaching him Morse code. Don also told the Iron Range Amateur Radio Club about Daniel to see if the club could help him--and did they ever! All the members of the Club have become great friends.

Hams started contacting Daniel to see how they could help. Don Smith, as well as Bob Charter, WD9JHW, from Iron River, a former teacher, came to our home and soon became Daniel's Elmer. Bob is a great inspiration to Daniel, always encouraging and supporting him. He brought a radio to Daniel so he could listen to the HF bands. He has supplied him with technical advice, is a frequent visitor to our home and a great friend to Daniel. He has spent many hours teaching Daniel to get his license and, of course, that important call sign.

Because it is difficult for Daniel to get out and get to a testing session, the club's members took care of that. Pastor Dan Waters, AA9JG, Chaplain and Secretary of the club, Roger, KE9D, and Mary Moore, AA0KN, came to our home to give the Technician License test. Daniel passed the exam.

Bob Charter called to say the FCC had issued his call sign and he could now get on the air. What an exciting evening that was! All of the club's embracing had paid off. Daniel is now a full-fledged Amateur Radio operator.

It was the culmination of a wonderful journey into Amateur Radio, and the Iron Range Amateur Radio Club members played an integral part in Daniel's success. Many members of the club say Daniel has become an inspiration to them.

In addition to the members of the Iron Range ARC reaching out to Daniel, hams outside our area have embraced him. Gary, AA0SI, from Duluth, Minnesota, has never met Daniel nor even talked to him but he modified a radio solely for Daniel's use. Ron, K9RON, and Doug, KA8CJM, from the Bessemer Repeater Group, contributed money to buy a VOX headset for Dan's handheld radio. Talk about good ham relationships and examples of human character!

Thanks to the assistance of friends and neighbors, Daniel Baumgartner, KC8YIO, is enjoying his ham radio hobby.

Bruce Hackett, KC8RMP, of Iron River, embraced Daniel, becoming a great friend and a great encourager. He shares much of his radio information and knowledge with him. Carlo Salvitti, VA3CSS, Vice President of the Iron Range ARC, a wizard with both Amateur Radio and computers, embraced Daniel with his electronic wisdom. Greg Porter, KC9DVO, a ham radio operator from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is always bringing over various radio equipment, installing and testing the equipment, encouraging him and uplifting his spirits.

Greg traveled all the way from Rhinelander to our home with a tower in his truck. He and seven other hams, along with Dan's dad, spent all day working on it. John Mastie, KC8VOE; Josh Penkivech, KC8MFQ, and his dad, Paul Penkivech, N8IEQ; Ron Simmons, N8WIS; LeRoy Anderson, N8WQG; Bob Charter and Carlo Salvitti are all responsible for that huge 55 foot radio tower that you see at 409 Spruce Street!

As Dan's mother, I have been an outsider looking in and have been a witness to remarkable human character. I have seen a remarkable organization comprised of many talented and skilled individuals and have witnessed such a remarkable "spirit of embracement."

Alma Baumgartner took her exam for the Technician license on March 18, 2004, and received her license on March 22. She writes: "I would highly recommend this rewarding hobby to anyone, and I look forward to earning my higher licenses." You can contact the author at 409 Spruce St, Iron River, MI 49935.

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