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The ARES(R) Letter
[https://www.arrl.org/ares]


Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE [ mailto:k1ce@arrl.net ] - August 20, 2025

ARRL Home Page
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ARES(R) Home
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In This Issue:
ARES(R) Briefs, Links
- Radio Relay International(R) and ARRL Sign Memorandum of Understanding
- Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition COMMEX AAR
- Florida s Lee County ARES(R) Collaborates with the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club to Develop ARES Team in Glades County

- Amateur Radio at Minnesota s Tour of Saints Bike Event
- K1CE for a Final: Frank Butler, W4RH, SK
- ARES(R) Resources
- Support ARES(R): Join ARRL

ARES(R) Briefs, Links

September National Preparedness Month [ https://learn.arrl.org/events ] is
the subject of ARRL's monthly On the Air Live next Tuesday, August 26, hosted by ARRL Education and Learning Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF. Greene will cover how FEMA and other organizations encourage preparation for emergencies and disasters of all sizes, and things you can do to become prepared.


At the July ARRL Board Meeting, Great Lakes Division Director Scott Yonally, N8SY, provided a summary of the work of the Emergency Management and Field Services Committee, noting that a complete rewrite of the ARES training
program has been undertaken.

These new programs follow along with AUXCOMM and the FEMA Incident Command System.

The Basic and Intermediate courses have been completed along with their
related Task Books.

The Advanced and Leadership courses are a work in progress.
He noted that Form 2 and Form 4 have been fully implemented, enabling ECs, DECs, and SECs to complete their monthly reporting duties efficiently.

Work continues to obtain reporting from all Sections.

At the Board meeting, ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, opined on the state of ARES. He noted that the number one area of negative feedback he receives from the field is that ARES is broken. He expressed his desire for ARES to be rebuilt from the ground up.

____________

ARES operators were active in monitoring the potential impacts of tsunami
waves following an earthquake off the coast of Russian on July 29. The quake registered 8.8 on the Richter scale, and prompted tsunami concerns and
warnings around the Pacific rim.

ARRL Pacific Section Manager Alan Maenchen, AD6E, was monitoring amateur service communications across Hawaii.

There was minor flooding in a few areas, and early waves were measured at
4.5 feet, he reported. Hawaii amateurs conducted informal VHF nets.

Rick Ward, WH6FC, held an informational statewide HF net on 7090 kHz for
many hours with some 57 check-ins, said Maenchen.


On the US mainland, radio amateurs were also on alert. Oregon coast teams
were in informal monitoring mode so that they were readily available for activation if needed, said ARRL Oregon Section Emergency Coordinator Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ.


The California Rescue Net on 40 meters was activated. According to ARRL
Orange Section Bob Turner, W6RHK, the net received some preparation reports from the San Francisco Bay area and Santa Cruz along with some maritime
mobile stations with routine traffic; Orange County RACES checked into the
net to inquire about tsunami traffic.


In March, operators in the ARRL Los Angeles Section participated in a Tsunami exercise [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/exercises/tsunami ] , simulating
their response following large earthquakes with magnitudes 6 through 9 that appeared over several hours much like this real world instance.

In the same month, ARRL volunteers across the Caribbean took part in the
Caribe Wave 2025 drill [ https://www.arrl.org/news/caribe-wave-2025-tsunami-exercise-in-puerto-rico?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

] .


The tsunami impact to North America was minimal at worst, and alerts were canceled by midday on July 30. Photographs from Russia showed widespread devastation from the earthquake. ARRL News Desk


Media Hit of the Month: The Magic Valley Amateur Radio Club participates in Emergency Communications Drill [ https://www.kmvt.com/2025/06/30/magic-valley-amateur-radio-club-participates-nationwide-emergency-communication-drill/

] . KMVT-TV, Twin Falls, Idaho. --Thanks, ARRL Northwestern Division
Director Mark J. Tharp, KB7HDX


An Important Note for All ARES Members for Hurricane and Disaster Prep: ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, said that Hurricane Erin is expected to stay off the coast but there may be some impacts to the
US mainland.

These early storms remind us that now is the right time for amateur radio operators to begin thinking how they can help, if and when these storms begin to ramp up and cause damage, said Johnston. We know that conventional communications can fail, and amateur radio will be there to help fill gaps.


Johnston added that hams should check their equipment including radios, antennas, and power supplies, and know the emergency frequencies used during activation.

The VoIP Hurricane Prep Net [ https://voipwx.net/our-weather-net/ ] now runs weekly on Saturdays at 8 PM EDT / 0000 UTC, an active forum for situational updates, net control recruitment, and emergency coordination.

The Hurricane Watch Net [ https://www.hwn.org/ ] keeps tabs on tropical
storms and hurricanes and activates its nets on 14.325 MHz (USB) by day and 7.268 MHz (LSB) by night.


What amateur radio operators do now to prepare for these dangerous and damaging storms will make a difference and help save lives, noted Johnston.


The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is just ahead: ARRL s Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is slated for October 4 5. This nationwide exercise is the chance to test your personal emergency-operating skills and the readiness of your communications equipment and accessories in a simulated
emergency-like deployment. Learn about and participate in this year s SET [ https://www.arrl.org/simulated-emergency-test?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

] .


Radio Relay International(R) and ARRL Sign Memorandum of Understanding

ARRL and Radio Relay International (RRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The formal agreement, signed by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and RRI Board Chairman James Wades, WB8SIW, outlines the
value the organizations find in cooperation.


Radio Relay International(R) (RRI) was established in 2016 to enhance and promote effective nationwide messaging and emergency communications capabilities.

Since its founding, RRI has developed an extensive work product consisting of
a wide variety of training programs, a tested and evolved National Response Plan, and communications facilities designed to better prepare radio amateurs to serve their community in time of emergency.

Central to these goals has been modernization of the NTS.
Both ARRL and RRI recognize the importance of effective public service and emergency communications, including the shared goal of modernizing and enhancing the National Traffic System.

Coordination between our two organizations will prevent duplication of
efforts and ensure that both the public and emergency services agencies have access to effective NTS disaster communications facilities, said Wades, who
is also RRI s Emergency Management Director.


The National Traffic System, created by ARRL in 1949, is a network of trained amateur radio operators who ensure the rapid transmission and relay of messages, or traffic. In addition to basic voice and Morse code, or CW, communications networks, the NTS has recently been modernized through the addition of the Digital Traffic Network, as well as interoperable messaging gateways and specialized software templates developed in association with the Winlink Development Team, which operates an international radio email service well-suited to disaster response.


Through last year s hurricanes and the recent devastating floods in Texas,
we re seeing amateur radio continue to be a vital tool before and during
times of crisis, said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. Amateur radio works When All Else Fails(R), and traffic handling is
an

important part of that, he said. Future plans for the improvement of NTS include the development of additional robust HF digital networks, improved interoperability with local and state emergency communications organizations, and continued development of local and regional VHF and UHF digital packet radio network capabilities.

Coordination between RRI and ARRL will play an important role in achieving these goals.


ARES(R) Amateur Radio and Public Service
[https://tinyurl.com/2p8d5br2]


Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition COMMEX AAR

The After-Action Report (AAR) from the Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (EHPC) COMMEX 008 was released in July. The EHPC supports
healthcare focused preparedness and response efforts across a 29-county
region in North Carolina. This exercise was developed around the
communications failures that were experienced in western North Carolina
during hurricane Helene in 2024.


Several ARES and AUXCOMM members from Brunswick and New Hanover Counties participated in the full-scale exercise. Some amateur radio operators participated in the exercise from their homes, using their radios and
antennas. Several others were stationed at the Regional Communications Center East, in Kinston.


The event drew 137 participants who represented 32 agencies across North Carolina. There were 14 public safety agencies, 10 healthcare facilities, 5 public safety answering points, and two federal agencies (US Coast Guard Air Station with a MH60 from Elizabeth City, North Carolina and the Civil Air Patrol North Carolina Wing with a C182 fixed wing aircraft.)


This functional exercise highlighted the use of VIPER radio systems, emerging technologies such as Starlink and satellite broadband solutions, and PACE planning awareness, plus use of Winlink for rapid transfer of information, aviation assets to deploy a repeater at 7,000 feet, and an expanded presence
of amateur radio operators (62 operators involved). This exercise was the eighth and will be followed by another in November.

Because it was a hybrid exercise that spanned 7 hours, participants at home
or work locations had to adjust and adapt to changing scenarios throughout
the day.

--Gene Costa, KD2RRP, Public Information Officer, Azalea Coast ARC

Florida s Lee County ARES(R) Collaborates with the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club to Develop ARES Team in Glades County


Fort Myers, July 27, 2025--Lee County ARES announced its collaboration with
the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) to develop an ARES team in storm-prone Glades County, Florida. This initiative comes in response to the low population of amateurs in the county and aims to enhance the region's emergency communication capabilities. We are thrilled to be working with
FMARC to support Glades County," said Lee County Emergency Coordinator Rich Schnieders, KR4PI, adding, "It is heartening to see the positive impact we
can make together."


The collaboration includes a comprehensive assessment of Glades County's communication needs and strategic support for developing a functioning ARES program. The appointment and mentorship of Eli Bermudez, KB4ELI, as the Emergency Coordinator for Glades County is a key component of this
initiative. Lee ARES is committed to providing training and support to Eli
and future Glades ARES members, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve
their community.


Also commenting on the collaboration was John Schultz, Chief of Emergency Management for Lee County Public Safety. "We are especially encouraged by the thoughtful approach taken to ensure continuity of communications between
Glades County's shelter and Emergency Operations Center (EOC)," said Schultz, adding that the Lee County ARES s proactive stance on outreach, training,
and volunteer engagement will strengthen Glades County's emergency communications and enhance the resilience of our broader region."


The initiative includes plans to provide an amateur radio introduction
program for groups within Glades County, assist in building out a team, and ensure that volunteers are vetted and approved through the established volunteer system.


"We believe that a partnership between Eli and the team he builds, and Glades County Emergency Management will be greatly beneficial for the people of
Glades County," said EC Schnieders. "We are committed to standing with Glades ARES and Glades County Emergency Management in developing a great ARES team. -- Jeffrey Kennedy, NK4AA [ mailto:aec-planning@leeares.com ] , Assistant Emergency Coordinator and Public Information Officer, Lee County, Florida ARES(R)


[https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2029375089]


Amateur Radio at Minnesota s Tour of Saints Bike Event

In Central Minnesota near St. Cloud, there has been an organized bike event
in the area for at least 50 years, supported by amateur radio for much of
that time. The event has recently had in the range of 500-1000 riders, and
has three routes/courses of 18, 35 and 50 miles. Local businesses, including
an orchard and bakery, support the rest stops.


Summer weekends in Minnesota are busy, and the local St. Cloud Radio Club, W0SV, was hinting it was short of operators, and particularly SAG (Supplies, Athletes and Gear) drivers. I have never actually driven a SAG, and it seemed
a chance to learn a new skill and return the favor to many out-of-state clubs and hams who drive in to support our big urban marathons.


One of the strengths of amateur radio at events is our ability to organize directed nets. These can solve many problems and predate the Incident Command System, but are the same underlying idea. Somebody takes over as Net Control and it does not matter who they are or where they are from. This system again worked perfectly here.


In the weeks before the event, Chris Schultz, KC0YFX, was helping to organize volunteers.

We work together on nine days of annual MS Society bike events, and he knew
it all.

The ICS-205 revealed we had good radio coverage (two VHF repeaters and a simplex channel) and reportedly we would be driving rented large crew cab pickup trucks.

(For the MS events, we prefer passenger vans with trailers for bikes.
These are becoming rare, though, as trailer towing with rented vehicles is
not always allowed).


Schultz is also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Events in Minnesota (such as in the City of St. Paul) are often required to have formal medical, crisis and weather plans. Bits of first aid training can be helpful in the operations/safety role that we often have. Shortages of medical volunteers
are ongoing. The idea is the event provides basic support and you call 911
for more serious problems.


I packed my first aid bag; several were provided by the club. I grabbed a
pair of waterproof Baofeng handheld radios, speaker mics and a magnet mount antenna. These radios have impressive battery life and USB-C charging capability and cost $20 if lost. The idea was that setup would take a mere
five minutes.


The night before the event, we were asked to bring coolers for ice and water and were informed there was no 12V lighter socket in the newer GMC trucks. Instead, there is a 115V AC outlet and USB A and C soxckets in the center console.


One helpful hint regarding SAG operations: use street addresses. The 911
system uses these as well. I conducted beacon-to-APRS(R) using APRSdroid and the Internet/TCP function.


Chris and I were assigned to the Cold Spring rest stop, which was hard to get to due to road construction and we had to drive the course a bit. Riders
tended to ride abreast and we spent a lot of time in the oncoming traffic
lane which was nerve-wracking.


Our rest stop had a donut truck, and the local ham and bike mechanic had a canopy but no spare chairs.

We had perfect weather and luck.
There were few, if any, injuries or wrecks.
As this stop closed down, we were asked to retrace the route, look for/assist stragglers, and pick up the signs.

The Baofeng radio was disappointing: the squelch was hard, even set at 1. I prefer a softer squelch that lets you catch more of the radio traffic in weak signal areas.

But old radios are unhappy without a supply of 12V.

Lessons Learned
1. Radio-on-a-chip equipment is a no after this event.
2. Magnetic-mount antennas are fine and quick to set up. Bring a 5/8 wave
whip over a quarter wave antenna.

3. Races and events are using the Ride with GPS [ https://ridewithgps.com/ ] app/website more. But it was complicated to use.

4. Driving is a full-time role, so a navigator in the right seat is still a critical requirement.

5. Bring lunch for a seven-hour shift, along with a box of medical gloves.
6. I like street addresses, numbered mile markers, and named rest stops. The common natural conflict between numbered rest stops and mile markers (rest
stop one at mile five) is not a best practice.

7. The event used wrist bands versus numbered bibs. It was difficult to tell easily from a distance who was a participant versus a random rider out for a ride; to ensure the correct person was picked up; and for logging.

8. Magnetic signs and flashing yellow lights are a good reminder to motorists there is a bike race underway. --Erik Westgard, NY9D, ARRL Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Events, Minnesota Section [ http://mailto:ny9d@arrl.net ]


K1CE for a Final: Frank Butler, W4RH, SK

I was saddened to learn that longtime ARRL Southeastern Division Director
Frank Butler, W4RH, had become a Silent Key at the age of 100. As a member of the ARRL HQ staff in the '80s and '90s, I worked with Director Butler on a number of issues involving the ARRL Field Organization at the Board of Directors, committee, and staff levels.

He was softspoken, experienced, and smart.
Frank was always a gentleman who worked very well with others, quietly and calmly.

His priority was always the members of his Division, and he was reelected to the Directorship many times.

He served numerous other important roles in the organization.
Frank will be missed not only here in the Southeastern Division, but across
the entire ARRL and IARU families.

Rick Palm, K1CE

Buy 90 Years of ARES stickers!

[https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2036073263]


ARES(R) Resources

- ARES Field Resources Manual [PDF] [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ARES_FR_Manual.pdf?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

]

- ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Fillable PDF] [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES Taskbook July 2024.pdf ]

- ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Word] [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES Taskbook July 2024.doc ]

- ARES Plan [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES PLAN 24(2).pdf ]

- ARES Group Registration [ http://www.arrl.org/ares-group-id-request-form?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

]

- Emergency Communications Training [ http://www.arrl.org/emergency-communications-training?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

]


The Amateur Radio Emergency Service(R) (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs
who

have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with their
local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.

Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local
or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES.

Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES.
Please inquire at the local level for specific information.
Because ARES is an amateur radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership.

The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.


How to Get Involved in ARES: Fill out the ARES Registration form [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public Service/fsd98.pdf ] and submit it to
your local Emergency Coordinator.


Support ARES(R): Join ARRL

ARES(R) is a program of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R) [ https://www.arrl.org/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]
. No other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur radio! ARRL members enjoy many benefits and services including digital magazines, e-newsletters, online learning (learn.arrl.org [ https://learn.arrl.org/ ] ), and technical support.

Membership also supports programs for radio clubs, on-air contests, Logbook
of The World(R), ARRL Field Day, and the all-volunteer ARRL Field
Organization.



Join ARRL or renew today! www.arrl.org/join [ http://www.arrl.org/join?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

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