[Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 112, Issue 39- Wounded warriors.

[Getzy.org]

Tom,Bill,Don, group:

Thanks for the posting and follow up on this story.  I was moved to write for several reasons, but Bill's last post on the veterinarian helping out really prompted me to comment as I am a veterinary pathologist (not a veteran- often comically confused) myself.  Veterinarians as well as our human counterparts are often actively engaged in real time support of our troops both during active service and after returning.  This story obviously has several aspects that are pertinent to me, being both an amateur operator and veterinarian, and also a strong supporter of the human beings that we have sent to do our bidding (rightly or wrongly type politics is irrelevant in this discussion as I am just concerned with helping those who have given themselves to us in the process, and have incurred significant physical and psychological injury as a result).

Anyway, my point/question is that it seems that there are certainly a lot of folks willing to give time, money, resources, experience, physical help in getting a station set up for the returning wounded warriors, I am wondering if there is an organized and active means of setting up qsos/nets with these guys and gals after they get their stations set up?  As I have seen and known personally members of the armed forces that have returned from active duty, some are willing and able to interact with other folks (directly or via ham radio), whereas others due to injury, both physical and psychological, cannot.  If not already available, would it not be a good idea to organize a net/schedule/group that can meet on the air at certain given frequencies/times to allow these veterans to have the opportunity to get on the air, to discuss whatever they want or are able to converse about- ham radio, just a rag to chew upon or a towel to cry upon, their status/experiences-military  or non-military/ham radio/other, etc.  As one not familiar with MARS activities (although many moons ago, I did some liason work with local traffic nets and MARS ops), it is possible that this is being done under some other group/jurisdiction.  I still think for those general amateur ops that would want to do this type of interaction, but are not MARS fluent/related, that this might be useful.

If there is such a net available to the general amateur operator, please steer me in the right direction- thanks in advance.  If not, while I don't have the experience/skills to organize such a group/schedule, I'd certainly be glad to help in anyway I can.

Specifically, with the vet/amateur op mentioned in this story, if there is a particular time/freq that he is available for a qso, please forward the appropriate information and I'll certainly give a try to hear/talk with him.

Again, thanks in advance for any information and thanks to you guys of the group (including Elecraft of course) who have been involved in this important and incredibly worthy project.

Best regards and 73s,

Dr. Dave, WS0D
Fort Collins, CO


> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 18:25:34 -0700 (PDT)
> From: "Bill Blomgren \(kk4qdz\)" <billblomgren at yahoo.com>
> To: Tom McCulloch <thom2 at att.net>, "don at w3fpr.com" <don at w3fpr.com>
> Cc: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Wounded Warrior - Ham Operator
> Message-ID:
>    <1377134734.74598.YahooMailNeo at web140806.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> 
> I wonder if this would be a good 'fund raiser' for Hamfests.? There are a bunch of wounded warriors here in NC fighting their battles with the VA.
> ?
> One of the local veteranarians has setup a pets for vets to help some of the folk with PTSD.? (Having a dog that loves you unconditionally, and helps give a reason to get out of bed is a GREAT thing for some of them...) -- I suspect a bunch would find ham radio a great way to pass the time while healing.....
> 
> KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Tom McCulloch <thom2 at att.net>
> To: don at w3fpr.com 
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
> Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 1:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Wounded Warrior - Ham Operator
> 
> 
> You guys are great--in less than24 hours since the original post 
> appeared, the need was met!
> 
> I shouldn't be surprised, hams have always come through, but a tear is 
> in my eye nonetheless.
> 
> And more importantly, thanks to the newest member of our Elecraft family 
> and all the other service men and women and their families for all of 
> there sacrifices.
> 
> Tom
> WB2QDG
> K2 1103
> 
> ? On 8/20/2013 10:14 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> To all,
>> 
>> Thank you, the purse has now been fully funded.? Thanks to the 
>> generosity of several hams and Elecraft, my expenses have now been 
>> covered.? That is all I want.? While I would normally charge a build 
>> fee, this one is different.
>> 
>> This new disabled ham will receive a new KPA100 and KAT100 and his K2 
>> will be aligned and calibrated to perform the best it can be.
>> 
>> Thank you all again for your offers of assistance.? The outpouring of 
>> offers from other hams is overwhelming.? Thank you all for your 
>> assistance on this project.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>