[Ares-races] (no subject)

[Doug Younker]

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In the event this is not a troll. Respectfully Joe, you appear to be
stretching to find something to worry about. IMO what you describe violates
neither the letter or spirit of the law. Just remember to say thank
you.--73
Doug, N0LKK

dougy at ruraltel.net
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <kd5czm1 at iwon.com>
To: <ares-races at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 8:29 PM
Subject: [Ares-races] (no subject)



A hallmark of the Amateur Radio Service is that we provide comms at no
cost to served agencies and non-profit organizations. That's the law.

I have seen on at least 3 occasions where deployed ARES operators were
given T-shirts by the event coordinators (bike-a-thon, marathon, parade). To
the best of my knowledge, these shirts were freely given, not
solicited("Wa'al, it'll cost ya' one of those fancy tee-shirts for me to
play radio here."--HI).

While set up at the first aid tent, the helpful marathon nurses always
come up to me with a slice of pizza or some Gatorade.
They're just being appreciative if not outright flirtatious.

I don't want to be rude and refuse--that's puts a bad image of us as
cold-shouldered drones. On the other hand, an agency head looking on and
considering ARES for his/her needs, may get the impression of us operators
as freeloaders.

Is a slice of pizza compensation under the law or incidental to the ARES
operation? I am of the opinion that if we say upfront what it will cost to
operate, we're asking for compensation. If it so happens that we are the
happenstance recipients of leftover tees or someone else's kindness then the
compensation issue has not been broached.

What say you?


Joe Guerra KD5CZM ARES EC Kleberg County TX




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