[SMCARA] REQUEST FOR OPERATOR ASSISTANCE

[Robert G. Carter]

September 9, 2005

From:	Jim Cross, WI3N
		ASM
		EC/RO Prince George's County
		Home:	301.725.6829 and 410.792.8164
		Cell:	301.706.9543 (Verizon)

Re:	Staffing radios for the WAMAC (Prince George's, Montgomery,
	Fairfax and DC combined offices and functions into WAMAC)
	chapter of the American Red Cross

	We've been asked to supply, if possible, two operators for
non-amateur
	radios working each of two shifts from 0900-1330 and 1330- 1800
at the
	Montgomery office of the WAMAC (2020 East-West Highway) and the
DC 	Armory in the comms vehicle there. The need will continue
indefinitely.

	The procedure is to go to the Montgomery office to get a badge.
This 	will allow you to work at the Armory. This is a tactical net, no
net 	control, among various ARC entities. You would sit by a radio at
either 	of the two locations and take traffic for that location or send
traffic 	from it as requested by ARC staff. Amateur radio
operators should take 	as a minimum an HT, or preferably, a go kit with
a portable station and 	antenna, in case the ARC radio system fails
again.

	REACT operators are encouraged to help. CERT members should work
alongside an Amateur Radio Operator or REACT operator to learn
procedures. This will require a great deal of professionalism on the
air and in the working environment. 
	
	As more information becomes available, it will be sent. I will
begin
	coordinating this effort, so please contact me if you are able
to help.
	Please send this out to your membership. This is a massive
effort to 	help with the Katrina aftermath. We need to begin
staffing from 	Saturday, Sep 10 on. 
	
	Thank you.