[SMCARA] Red Cross Support

[A.J. Farmer]

The Red Cross needs for Amateur Radio Operators to set up a fixed
station at their support center in  Lexington Park and three mobile
units to be operated out of the Red Cross vehicles that will be out
doing the door to door assessments.  They need folks from 9 - 5 for on
Sunday, 9/28.  

So far, Dave (N3YZU) has volunteered to help, but will not be able to
assist until around noon.  If anyone would like to assist, they should
go to the Red Cross base of operations in Lexington Park at or before
9AM.  I suggested to Dave that other volunteers could go out as mobile
units and he could set up the fixed unit when he arrives around noon.
Dave will be monitoring the 146.64 repeater in the morning to see if
anyone is going to assist, so please make a call on .64 in the morning
to let Dave know that you are going to help.  

Again, the mobile units will be operated out of the Red Cross vehicles,
so your mobile equipment needs to be transferrable to another vehicle
(mag mount antenna and cigarette lighter plug).  Mobile units will need
to arrive at or before 9AM in order to "catch a ride" with a Red Cross
Team.  Once the teams leave, they do not return until late in the
afternoon, no later than 5PM.

It is my understanding that the 146.64 and 147.195 repeaters have been
"okayed" for support of this effort by the repeater trustees.  I would
recommend use of the .64 repeater, but that is your descretion based
upon the coverage needed.  The use of your own callsign is recommended
since this is a small group - no tactical callsigns are needed.  Also,
no special skills other than those you already possess with your Amateur
License are required.  The messages are informal in nature.  It is a lot
of tracking where the teams are located, where they are going, and
relaying of other information between the base and mobile teams.

The base location is Millison Plaza, Suite F, Lexington Park.  If you
are familiar with the Donut Shop at the end of Millison Plaza, Suite F
is in that same strip along Shangrila Drive, right next to the Barber
Shop.  It is directly across from the Bank of America.  Report to that
location and let the Red Cross people know who you are and why you are
there and they will point you in the right direction.   

I handled the fixed station today, and I would consider this an easy,
stress free assignment and a good way to get familiar with the Red Cross
Disaster Team operations.  There were two other Amateurs from the
Waldorf who were the mobile units today.  They will not be returning for
Sunday.

Thanks and 73!

A.J Farmer
AJ3U