The June club meeting was mostly dedicated to final planning for the 2025 Field Day (June 28-29), punctuated with many stories from previous Field Day events..
A theme that ran through the various announcements and stories is that the EAWA community is at it’s best when all are involved — and there are many ways you can be involved. For example, there were two noteworthy announcements:
*We are in need of Net Control Operators. If you want some basic information about the two local nets, check out our recently published story, “The EAWA Weekly Net is 30 Years Old!”. Please contact Joan W1DLC if you are interested.
*An Emergency Communications Survey was sent out recently to determine how EAWA members may be involved should an emergency arise and the types of emergency-related training we may be interested in. There is still time to fill out the survey. There will be a presentation on the results at the July club meeting. Contact Barbara KC1SSY if you need the link to the online survey.
Most of the meeting centered on Field Day Planning. EAWA members and friends will gather on Friday, June 27, at 1:00, at Trenton Elementary School for an afternoon of prep work. On Saturday we will get started by 9am. We need to set up numerous antennas, position the Hancock County Emergency Management Trailer, set up all the shelters, equipment, literature, banners, and test everything. This year we are networking all the logging computers, so that will need to be tested as well. In addition, prior to 2:00pm, we have several presentations and lunch.
Once the event officially starts at 2:00pm, we hope to keep the CW, SSB and Digital stations going for 22-24 hours. The GOTA (Get-On-The-Air) station will be ready to go Saturday and Sunday should any guests want to experience talking on the radio. EAWA members and friends who are not active are also eligible to use the GOTA station and, in doing so, provide meaningful points to our overall score for the weekend. While it is easy to get focused on radio operations, a major part of this event is to share the hobby of ham radio with others. STOP BY! PARTICIPATE! BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
If you have any specific questions please contact:
*Field Day Coordinator, Jeff KA1DBE
*CW Captain, Rob W8HAP
*SSB Captain, Bob AB1EP
*Digital & Satellite Captain, Jeff KA1DBE
*GOTA Captain, Joan W1DLC
Finally, when things wind down Sunday afternoon, we need to take everything apart, pack up, and clean up the area. A fresh set of hands is always appreciated during the clean-up! It is a meaningful way to participate in Field Day as we all make sure we are leaving the grounds as good or better than how we found them.
The EAWA functions best when everyone comes together to share their skills and energy. Whether it is net control, filling out a survey, or helping in Field Day, it is the way we come together when needed that makes this group so special. See you at Field Day!
Written by Marion, W1GRL
W1TU 