[HCARC] What Kind of Club?

[Kerry Sandstrom]

John,

That was me that made that statement.  I was sitting next to K5XA and we are 
almost twins so I can understand your confusion!  Vikings and Sicilians are 
basically the same.

To say I was surprised when not a word was said after I made that statement 
is an understatement.  I am very happy to see your e-mail.  Yes, there 
should be room for all in the club no matter what their interests just as 
there should be room for all in ham radio.  And it isn't a 2 choice 
question.  Neither social nor service is why I'm there.

My main concern in the emergency service area is its becoming too organized. 
Part of that is the Red Cross and similar organizations with their 
requirements for information on people who want to be volunteers and part of 
it is the ARRL and their (revenue producing) training programs.  While I was 
working full time, I was organized and tracked to death.  Now that I'm 
retired I have no interest in being organized, trained and kept track of. 
If an operator is needed and I'm available, I'm happy to participate.  If in 
order to participate I have to get training certificates, ID cards, and be 
organized to death, I've got lots of other things in ham radio to keep me 
busy.

Kerry