Happy New Year to everyone at r.m.r.
I hope we all have a good 2004.
While you're thinking through your New Year's Resolutions, consider doing something to give back to our country, if you're not already doing that.
It doesn't take anyone special. Ask my wife. When you think of the breadth and depth of knowledge here on r.m.r., I can tell you that your local emergency organizations can use that.
Those of us who are amateur radio operators already know how easy it can be. Not only can we offer communication equipment and skills through ARES or RACES or SATURN, but we can set up a temporary generator without getting electrocuted. I'm not kidding.
Just about everyone on r.m.r. knows how to run a computer and type. When a disaster hits, knowing how to set up a LAN or a router can be a big help. I don't mean to be insulting, but if you know how to back up data files onto a CD-RW, Zip drive, or even a floppy, you're going to be considered a computer guru in a lot of situations.
I know some folks here are with the Civil Air Patrol. I've worked along side those folks, and they're great. Looks like fun, too.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army need people to respond in times of crisis. It sounds stupid, but feeding the rescue workers is crucial, and they do far more than that.
For that matter, just go to your local volunteer fire department or ambulance and volunteer to help, whether by doing computer work, fundraising, or running on the ambulance. Hey, I know someone who came by once a week and washed a truck for us. You have no idea what that meant.
Even if it's just helping the cub scouts fly their rockets at your next launch, find something you can do to give back.
It really can be some of the best time you spend in your life.
And if you happen to meet some important people and impress them with your dedication and intelligence, and if at some point you need their help in fighting to keep our hobby free from unnecessarily burdensome regulations, well golly gee whiz, Batman!
Zooty