[MNham] Amateur Radio to Help in Home Security

[Dave Johnson]

Community Groups to Aid in Security
The Associated Press
Jul 18 2002 4:01PM

WASHINGTON (AP) - Conceding that the government and the military cannot 
totally protect the nation against modern threats, federal officials issued 
a national call to arms Thursday.
Over the next few months, nonprofit organizations will attempt to recruit 
37,000 volunteers to support homeland security missions in their own 
communities.
``Homeland security starts at home in our hometowns,'' said Tom Ridge, 
White House director of homeland security, as he announced $10.3 million in 
grants to 43 nonprofit groups and public organizations in 26 states and the 
District of Columbia.
The funds represent seed money set aside to build the foundation of the USA 
Freedom Corps that President Bush announced in his State of the Union 
address in January. More than 200 projects were proposed by organizations 
seeking more than $52 million.
Although some of the programs will use AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps 
volunteers to supplement public safety, public health and disaster 
preparedness and relief efforts, many of the grants are earmarked for 
traditional relief agencies.
The Greater New York American Red Cross will receive $500,000 to recruit 
and train leaders for a rapid deployment force of 5,000 volunteers with the 
skills needed in the event of a major disaster or another terrorist attack.
The American Radio Relay League, based in Connecticut, will receive 
$181,900 to train amateur radio operators who would provide emergency 
communications during emergencies.
The American Red Cross in Washington will get nearly $100,000 to develop 
disaster preparedness and mitigation programs in the nation's capital. That 
proposal includes training for retired nurses and other health care 
professionals. The district is also receiving $400,000 to recruit 2,000 new 
volunteers for a Neighborhood Citizens Corps.
``We're improving all those systems even if terrorism doesn't come,'' said 
John Bridgeland, director of the USA Freedom Corps.
On the Net:
Corporation for National Community Service: http://www.nationalservice.org//
U.S.A Freedom Corps: http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov
07/18/02 15:58 EDT


           Dave Johnson N0KBD dave@dej.bz or n0kbd@arrl.net
Webmaster Skywarn Central Homepage: http://www.skywarn.ampr.org
                      Personal Page: http://www.dej.bz



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