August 31, 2008
The Roanoke Amateur Radio Club (RARC) invited the ARES SEC, Ron Sokol, K4KHZ to speak at their Ham Fest Forum on Saturday, August 2, at William Byrd High School in Vinton, Virginia. They expected a speech, but that’s not what they got.
The SEC opened his presentation by giving out awards to select members of the RARC. The awards were limited edition brass belt buckles displaying the ARRL diamond in the center with the words “Amateur Radio Emergency Service” around its edge.
The SEC called Dr. Richard Turner, KZ4VT, to come from the audience to center stage. Sokol lauded Dr. Turner for providing an environment at William Byrd High School that was conducive for young people to become amateur radio operators, and thereby gave them a way of learning about the world first-hand. Sokol also said that, “Dr. Turner was responsible for one of the first 13 American Radio Relay League’s ‘Big Project’ grants awarded across all of the United State to be given to William Byrd High School,” and that further, “Dr. Turner was responsible for the spread of amateur radio to students at the middle school next door and another elementary school within Roanoke county.”
Dr. Turner in turn praised other “ham” operators and teachers who cooperated with this effort in the best interests of the young people entrusted to their mutual care. Dr. Turner accepted the award with great surprise and humility.
Next, Sokol called Leroy Maxey, AG4RW, and Fred Krack, K4HVB, to come from the audience to center stage. Sokol pointed out that several years ago there was quite a devastating flood in Russell and Tazewell counties. The American Red Cross contacted Sokol and activated ARES as a served agency. Of the thirteen jurisdictions in District 13, all were notified of the activation except for Roanoke County. Both Maxey and Krack found out about the activation and without leadership direction collected their equipment and drove to Russell-Tazewell and presented themselves for duty. Both men accepted their awards with a smile and a “thank you”.
Finally, Sokol called upon Phil Roark, K4WFO. The SEC said, “Mr. Roark is being awarded for his consistency.” Sokol said of Roark, “During an emergency communications event, in the midst of turbulence and chaos, you can count on Phil for stability, thoughtfulness, and endurance. He is an outstanding leader and a model for others.” Phil shook Sokol’s hand, said “Thank you very much” and returned to his seat.
The audience applauded all those receiving awards and the recipients all smiled in return.
The SEC then went on to answer questions from the audience about such issues as the Memorandum of Understanding between the Virginia Section and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, liability insurance for and registration of ARES members, and state wide identification credentials for ham operators.
Leroy Maxey/AG4RW and Fred Krack/K4HVB with SEC Ron Sokol/K4KHZ at the Roanoke ARC Ham Fest." (Photo by David Jones/N4JED, Ass't Director, Roanoke Division)
Phil Roark/K4WFO receives award from SEC Ron Sokol/K4KHZ at Roanoke ARC Ham Fest." (Photo by David Jones/N4JED, Ass't Director, Roanoke Division)