Hello, my friend and welcome back! Twice a year, “Field Day” happens all across America and around the world. There is Summer Field Day that is by far the biggest, and Winter Field Day which is held outside in the winter so it’s not usually very big at all.
In today’s post, we are going to look at the upcoming Summer Field day (June 24th and 25th) and just why it is so important to Preppers. Grab yourself a cup of coffee my friend and have a seat while we visit.
OK, so what is it? That’s most likely what you are asking yourself right now. Field Day is a day when Ham Radio Operators gather all over the US to practice their skills and emergency preparedness without the use of an electrical infrastructure. In other words, They pretend that the power grid is down and generate their own electricity to power their radios. They also operate the radios around the clock for 24 consecutive hours.
Another reason they do this is to allow the public who are interested in learning about Ham radios to come and see how it’s done and learn all about them. Even if you are unlicensed, they can allow you to make contacts with others across the US and sometimes around the world depending on conditions. How can they do it if you are unlicensed you ask? By letting you use one of their radios and call sign which is completely legal as long as a licensed person is sitting beside you.
It’s a golden opportunity for all Preppers to learn more about emergency communications and how it’s done. If you have ever wondered about Ham Radio, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for!
See how easily a radio antenna can be made from everyday object such as 14 Ga. wire and a little coax. In fact, did you know that when the F5 tornado hit Joplin Missouri in 2011, and all telephone land lines, Cell and Radio towers were down and there was no way to direct emergency personnel to where they were needed. A ham radio operator connected a piece of wire and some coax to an old aluminum lawn chair that had been blown into his yard and threw it up into a nearby tree. With this simple antenna, he was able to contact the rescuers coming in from other nearby towns and help direct them to the areas where they were needed and that sustained the most damage and is credited with saving many lives.
This is just one of thousands of examples where an ordinary person, with a little bit of training, has saved lives and made a huge difference in the world around them. Even if you don’t want to talk on the radio, come by and visit, and at least see how simple it is, who knows, you might even find out that there is a person living close to you who is a ham radio operator, which would make them a great ally in an SHTF situation.
Even if you don’t know Ham Radio, then as a Prepper, you should make it your business to learn who in your area are Ham Radio Operators, should you need them in an Emergency. You see, being a Prepper is not just about saving up supplies to help you survive, but learning new things as well as making new friends who are a like mind as you. Did you know that a lot of Preppers are Ham Radio operators? That makes this year’s Summer field day a great opportunity to get out and possibly meat other Preppers as well.
So just where do you find these and what do they cost? First off, Every Major city across the country as well as most small towns will be having them. Check with your local newspaper because they usually do a big write-up on it.. In fact in most states like where I live in Louisiana, the Governor has declared the last full week of June as Ham Radio week. This usually inspires the local Mayors to do something similarly in their town. Oh by the way, Field Day cost nothing at all to attend. Just grab your ice chest, NO ALCOHOL and lounge chairs and head out to where they are set up, for some fun and education.
If you have trouble finding out where it will be located, try looking up your local ham radio club on the internet. It is always held the last full weekend in June of each year. One thing about most Ham radio Operators is that they are not shy and will gladly give you the information you need.
As many of you know, I’m a Ham Radio Operator myself, (K5IVR), and I will be out there this year at our local Field Day 2017. In fact, I’m the chairman of this years Field day for our radio club. Lots of work for me and my team, but well worth the payoff! If any of you are anywhere near Rayne, Louisiana on June 24th or 25th, come on by and say hello to me. I will put a link with information about it and where we will be below. I would really like to see ya.
Ham Radio is a critical skill to have and if you don’t have the time to learn it, then at least get out and meet some of the people who do and make a friend of them. Being able to communicate with those not just in your area, but around the US and even the world will make the difference in your chances for survival in a post SHTF world. Well that’s it for today and I hope you found today’s post useful. Like I said, if you can please come out and see me, and till next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared. God Bless America!
Sarge
More Information: Map to where I will be for field day.
ARRL Field Day information: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2017/6-2017%20FD%20Flier1.pdf
Our Radio Club web page: http://www.w5ddl.org/index.htm
Rayne! The frog capital! I went to the one last year held in minden La. it was a good time.
Good to hear from you BC !!!
They are a good time and always a good learning experience! If you’re in the area, come on out and visit a while. 🙂