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ARRL Alabama Section (AL) |
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2006 was a great and successful year for Alabama Amateur Radio! Growing Alabama Hamfests, a successful Alabama QSO Party, recognition as Nation-wide leaders for Digital D-STAR technology; successful Field Day, Hurricane Conference, Be Ready Day; and having many new amateurs and an abundance of youth activities. Clubs, groups and NETS are growing and working hard on various activities. Rick Seeders, KG4PNL, was appointed as Assistant Section Manger. Rick currently serves as the VP of the Montgomery Amateur Radio Club and is a valuable addition to the Alabama ARRL Section. 2007 will be another exciting year for Alabama Amateur Radio! The Huntsville Hamfest has been transformed into the ARRL National Convention this year and we are excited! This is a big deal for Alabama Amateur Radio and is our chance to once again make Alabama shine and have fun by participating in this grand event. Alabama leads the Nation in digital D-STAR repeaters, technology, innovation and users. Clubs and groups from all across Alabama have stepped up and have taken the responsibility to put Alabama in the new technology driver’s seat. The growth will continue this year, securing Alabama’s position in this technology. Much progress has been made in the public service area. Our capabilities and relationships have increased with the NWS, EMA, Red Cross, VOAD, Southern Baptist and county participation all across the state. We have better understandings, operating procedures, capabilities and working relationships with our served agencies. The National Weather Service in Huntsville has a new HF radio and is digital ready! HF and local digital communication capabilities are being installed at various served agencies’ facilities and among individual amateurs alike. We are exploring enhancing hospital amateur communications capabilities, and Huntsville has put in a bid for an International emergency communications conference. Alabama amateurs are logging many training and practice hours. Public Service is one corner stone of amateur radio service, and with training we better understand the served agency needs and requirements in service for the public. Alabama is moving forward so let’s keep the momentum going. There is much more work to be done. Whatever your interest is in amateur radio, grow it, make it better, do your part to put it on the map, and have fun! I am proud of the success your hard work has brought Alabama amateur radio! Thank you for this and for supporting me. Happy Holidays! 73, Greg Sarratt, W4OZK ARRL Alabama Section Manager