[GVARC] This from out GVARC web master

[Frank Fahrlander]

  _____  

From: Claud [mailto:na6w at gvarc.net] 
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 21:38 PM
To: Frank Fahrlander
Subject: FYI



Radio Clubs to 'Ham it Up' for Troops




By Rudi Williams / American Forces Press Service




WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2005 - Ham radio operators and amateur radio clubs plan
to "Ham It Up for the Troops" on May 28 during the second annual Amateur
Radio Military Appreciation Day to thank active duty, veterans and retired
military people for their service and sacrifices to the nation, according to
ARMAD's founder and former Air Force sergeant Emery McClendon. 

"ARMAD is a day when all amateur radio operators and amateur radio clubs
worldwide are invited to gather at public locations to allow our citizens to
express words of thanks and appreciation to our military members and
coalition forces in a live format," said McClendon, who founded and
established ARMAD in Fort Wayne, Ind., almost a year ago. 

"The original purpose of ARMAD was to encourage amateurs worldwide to use our
hobby to express thanks as a public service for those that serve in the
military, including active duty, veterans and retirees," said the former
aircraft refueler. "We also wanted to allow their families to support one
another with words of encouragement by contacting other ARMAD locations." 

Ham radio operators set up in public locations such as shopping centers,
parks, Veterans Affairs hospitals and sporting events to express verbal
positive support "live" over the radio for active duty military people,
members of the reserve components, veterans, family members and military
support groups, McClendon said. 

ARMAD is associated with National Military Appreciation Month and is being
held during the weekend of Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who
have died in the nation's service. 

"It was felt that to honor those that serve during this special day would be
fitting as this day was already special to those who have given the ultimate
sacrifice for this country," McClendon noted. "On this day, many people
gather at events to pay tribute to those that have died for our freedom." 

This year, amateur radio operators will participate from several states --
Florida, California, Washington, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, Colorado, Texas,
North and South Carolina and others. Operators in several foreign countries
also are slated to participate, including Australia, Greece, Kuwait and
England, and members of the Iraq Amateur Radio Club are expected to join in
as well, according to McClendon. 

"We expect many others, including ships and military hospitals, as we
approach the event date," he said. "Last year, we had more than 25 different
groups in the U.S. and about 15 foreign countries participating in ARMAD,"
McClendon noted. "We expect participation to triple for the 2005 event. We've
had great response just by word of mouth. With publicity, we will grow, and
reach many more troops and communities." 

McClendon served four years on active duty in the Air Force, including 15
months at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, and two years in the active
Indiana Air National Guard. 

McClendon said he received several heartwarming comments during last year's
ARMAD, which was held at Fort Wayne Memorial Stadium. Noting that local
government officials read proclamations of support for the military during a
small ceremony, McClendon said, "After hearing these local officials speak
over the radio, some of our military members remarked that they were pleased
and felt privileged that a government official would take time away from
families for such a cause. 

"There were also many heartwarming comments from young children expressing
thanks to our men and women for what they do to keep America free," he noted.
"Many kind words were exchanged from all over the world to American and
coalition troops. One man from Kuwait joined us on the air to say thanks to
America for freeing his country from Saddam Hussein. His statements moved the
crowd in the stadium." 

McClendon emphasized that ARMAD is not affiliated with the Military Affiliate
Radio System in any way, except that many MARS operators are amateur radio
operators. But MARS plays an active role in ARMAD. 

"ARMAD is for those that serve our great country," McClendon said. "We want
to spread the word to as many military members and communities as possible so
that we can help boost the morale of those that serve in this positive and
manner."