[K3VOA] MDC Section Manager's Comments about his VOA Visit

[E Allen Brown -KZ3AB-]

Hi VOA ARC Members,

FYI:  Here is a portion of the /ARRL MDC Section News/,
<www.arrl.org/sections/view/maryland-dc>, which was
published on July 15th by ARRL MDC Section Manager
Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM.

I thought you might be interested.

73,
Al KZ3AB

  ----------------------------------

==> FINAL COMMENTS FROM MARTY

I visited the Voice of America Amateur Radio Club, VOA-ARC,
(K3VOA) on Tuesday, July 7th.  This was my first official
visit to an ARRL affiliated club in the MDC Section as the new
Section Manager.

My host was my ASM Al Brown, KZ3AB.  Al is the president
emertius of the VOA-ARC and an excellent tour guide through the
realm of our Capital city - DC.

The meeting was held in the K3VOA hamshack which on the
penthouse level (7th floor) of the Cohen Building in
Washington, DC, which is the VOA's headquarters. This
lofty perspective made Washington landmarks indistinguishable
from their more notable street-level facades.

After the club meeting, Al (KZ3AB), who is a VOA retiree and Dr
Kim Elliot (KD9XB), VOA-ARC Vice President, gave me a cook's tour
of the Voice of America's radio and television broadcasting
facilities.  I was thrilled! Yes - almost speechless.

As a youngster, I would listen to the VOA on my short wave radio.
It was magic to me and I never thought I would be able to see or
meet the people where these radio broadcasts originated or see the
plaque that reads "Voice Of America" Headquarters.

During my tour of VOA, I was able to watch radio and television
broadcasts being sent all over the world in real time and studio
preparations for a foreign language broadcast.

Knowing that I was witnessing this "magic" in person reopened
my imagination.  I quickly recalled my past and present enjoyment
of the "magic" of radio and television.

In spite of the fact that I am a telecommunications architect the
fact that voice, text and pictures being snagged from the ether
without the use of wires amazes me to this day.

I hope that I am able to help others learn about this "magic,"
and become licensed amateur radio operators and elmers.

I would like to extend my thanks to Dr Kim Elliott, KD9XB, my
ASM Al Brown, KZ3AB, and the VOA ARC members for their
warmest hospitality and the tour.

73 from your newly elected Section Manager, and remember that
I am here and ready to help you.
Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM
ARRL MDC Section Manager
<KB3MXM at ARRL.NET>