Can you believe this weather – 73 degrees for a high in July! In North Texas? Too bad it wasn’t this way on any of the recent ham radio outings available to be enjoyed. Oh No – we endured the heat and humidity. If you missed Field Day area events, BSA-CERT graduation, any of several Special Event stations hosted by GCARC, or Ham fests, don’t give up… there’s still time to get some in this summer. From an event this next week in Paris at Main Trading to supporting the Kiwanis Bike Rally in August, to the Ardmore fest later this fall there is still plenty to do. Folks are putting up antenna masts, getting new rigs… summer is a fun time for ham radio. So, why am I excited about these types of events and what do they have to do with ARES?

They get you out of the shack and immerse you in the aura of Ham radio. I had an Aunt who was all into the aura stuff back in the 60s. I was still a youngster then but it kinda made sense to this country kid who grew up on a river. She said everyone had an aura and if you paid attention to it you could gain from the experience. At these Ham events you talk with other operators, discuss different modes, rigs, techniques and are exposed to ideas that encourage you to learn and do more with your hobby. Then slowly (or in a hurry in some cases) you decide to forge ahead into a new endeavor. All this increases your capability and ability to use the art you are learning and (thru your desire to serve) help ARES better serve our communities. I know some folks seem to have more aura than others and you do have to be careful there, but that goes with anything we try that is new.

So get out there! Maybe it won’t be a hot day. Visit with the experienced old-timer and talk with the new person, look, pick up those used pieces of equipment at hamfests, let the aura of the experience move you to a higher level of enjoyment if nothing else.

I also want to share with you an aura of excitement. There are some really great things in store for ARES in the next few months. While they are in every phase from the planning stage to actually taking shape as real, be sensitive to the aura. There are opportunities coming for new learning experiences, new plans for operation and chances to be involved in new ways with ARES.

Thanks for all you do to keep our citizens safe and assist our served agencies.

73
Rick K5ECX