[KYHAM] Ky SEC Christmas Message 2004

[Ron Dodson]

In a few months, it will be six years since I took on the position of Ky 
Section Emergency Coordinator.  Looking back over this time period, I am 
pleased with the progress we have made and continue to make in support 
communications to our communities.  A lot has changed since early 1999.  
The world and attitudes have changed drastically.  Many more amateurs 
have seen the merit of our efforts and have come onboard to work within 
the Ky ARES structure.  Several teams in the state have developed closer 
relationships to area and local EMA officials.  Ky Division of Emergency 
Management has used amateur radio in many exercises and have directed 
their attentions to building up the amateur radio equipment in place in 
Boone Center (the state EOC) and KyEM Area offices across the state.  
2005 should see this really come alive as this new equipment is 
delivered and is placed in operation. 

Other served agencies have also benefited by amateur radio support here 
in Kentucky.  We now have a standardized basic training course for our 
Ky volunteers that is free of charge and can be taken at their own pace 
at home or delivered in a classroom setting.  ARRL has a three level 
series of training which builds upon the basic material we have in 
place.  There is no longer any excuse for an ARES volunteer to have zero 
knowledge of the duties and procedures of our own organization or how 
they can work with others.

All of this has been accomplished, not by me, but by the work of many 
ARES members across this state and efforts by those we support.  As the 
SEC, I have looked for and found many dedicated individuals who give of 
themselves unselfishly to these ends.  If I were to name each one who 
had been an active participant it would be a very long list.  Some are 
more visible than others, but each one has given us that special gift of 
themselves to make it all come together in the wonderful way that it 
has. A part of Christmas is the spirit of giving and in Kentucky we have 
many who carry this spirit forth with them throughout the year.  To 
those who have operated in any capacity for the ARES organization across 
Kentucky either in the spotlight or behind the scenes, Thank You!  
Thanks to the net control operators, back up NCS's and net participants 
who have given us another great year.  If you have stood in the sun, 
rain, snow or behind a radio in one of the EOC's or other command sites 
keeping everything together in a net, event or emergency; my sincere 
THANKS!  To those who coordinate, orchestrate and administrate in any 
capacity the Ky ARES and Ky ARRL section organization and its branches, 
THANKS!  If you have just recently climbed aboard the Ky ARES membership 
roll which is now nearly 1,100 strong, thanks for joining us, I hope you 
find it rewarding and that you will help us encourage more new 
membership and participation.

The efforts we make would be much harder to see fruition were it not for 
those outside the Ky ARES organization. To  Leona, Steve and their staff 
at ARRL who are always there for me to make appointments, send out 
supplies etc., THANKS!  A special thanks to those in KyEM, local EMA's, 
the NWS and all Ky VOAD member organizations who work tirelessly for the 
citizens of our state to keep us safe and to respond in emergencies. 
Thank you for working with us and letting us be a part of the team.  

So you see, there are a lot of players out there who make this happen.  
As your Ky SEC, I am just filling one position with a lot of support as 
we all work together for our communities and nation. Merry Christmas to 
you all from myself, Denise and Amber.  Serving as your SEC and the 
friendships I have known these last many years has been one of the 
greatest gifts I could ever receive. Thank you.

73,
Ron Dodson, KA4MAP
Ky Section Emergency Coordinator