Amazing story in Baghdad

[n9bc]

I was asked by "NN2X Tom" to forward this to you to be possibly posted on the news section. He was having problems posting for some reason.

Please read this! This is an amazing story in Baghdad Ham operator

I have a 2 Way Satellite Business serving the US Army and other commercial companies throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

One of my major distributors is in Baghdad. This company is owned by an Iraqi Satellite Engineer, and by the way a HAM operator (Y1IRDS)!

His name is Reyad, he was one of the first to take advantage of the business opportunity in Iraq. His company provides High Speed Internet, Video Conferencing and Voice over IP through our 2 Way Satellite System, which is serving the US Military and various commercial companies throughout Iraq.

I asked Reyad and his partner (Ahmad) to come to Bahrain (Where my company headquarters resides (Middle East next to Saudi Arabia) .

Reyad and Ahmad are real first class folks with a heart of gold, it is amazing what they went through during these times, and what is more amazing the optimism they still hold despite the atrocities that they endured.

Ahmad, lost several of his family members, including his Father, Uncle, and cousins. All from US bombing "Collateral Damage."

After they told me more of there horrifying stories, I was left completely speechless and business and Ham Radio was a million miles away from my mind. However, they quickly diverted the conversation and desired to know more about how HAM radio changed over the years (They were restricted to use HAM radio, as of a matter fact he went to jail three time over it (In the early days!). Reyad was not to specific on the whole story, however I heard enough, and did not ask

I asked why don’t you use HAM radio now, he indicated that he would be a target by the terriost, they look and detect for anything that is associcated with communicating with Western civilization. Also he told me there has been mistakes from the US Miltary and he could be seen as the “Resistance”. Talk about tough situation.

I talked about HAM radio, I told him about the new way of using HAM radio, such as Remote HAM radio.

I told him about W7DXX and W4MQ system, and Echo Link. After I explain the System, they where over the top with excitement. I was wondering why he was so excited, as you recall he could not use a HF antenna, but he could use an natenna that looked like a TV Receive Antenna, which is my 2 way Satellite System!

I gave a demonstration to Reyad, using the W7DXX, he said where can I get this software, and how much does it costs. He offered $20,000, I said no need, it is about $100 membership per year. I called Keith W7DXX he gave him permission with in minutes.

Reyad will use the 2 Way Satellite system (3 ft dish), in Baghdad to gain access to the Internet Cloud which will have access to the W7DXX system for the HF Link.

See http://www.menabroadband.com/ham.html

He will operate mostly on 17 meters and 20 meters, his calls is YI1RDS. He will be on the air about October 1, 2004

If you hear Reyad, give a super welcome to Ham Radio, he is a very friendly person and one hell of a nice guy! Along with Ahmad!

Side note 1 : Must Thank W7DXX (Keith) for giving instant access to our Iraqi Ham Friend. And and another thanks for W4MQ and W7DXX for deisgning the system, (It took years), and further their infinite amout of time and self funding for this project!!!

Side note 2: Reyad, and Ahmad install 2 Way Satellite System for me now, but they only do it at night, and they have to where women traditional clothes so they are not targeted. So you can imagine two grown men wearing long black gowns caring a spectrum analyzer, and installing dishes. Well this is a new twist on “dressing Drag”.

Reyad told me to write this, I would not have wrote something with any humor, know the hell they are in, but they insisted, and that is Reyad and Ahmad, still find way to laugh!

73,

Tom Wright NN2X

[KD7ZOS]

<span style='color:black'>Wow: #and all we can do over here is bellyache about old farts who can copy code a 30 wpm and the new breed of newbies, who feel code should only be for those who wnat to learn it! #Great post, May God Bless all you guys and girls (oops, sorry to the guys in dresses Ha Ha) pass it on to them please!:-) and keep ya"ll safe. #Hope to get our General tickets soon, and holler at you folks. #Please post the monitering freqs. they will be listening too when they get up and running. #Tom KD7ZOS,</span>

[wb0iip]

To KC5LMF,

I usually don't involve myself in the "flaming" that happens here, but your comment regarding this post demmands a response. N9BC did not "make the story political". It has political overtones as a result of the content. His quoting the gentlemen is merely stating the facts of the situation. It is a fact, although unfortunate, that civilians are injured and killed in wartime, nothing political about that. Also, errors are made, especially in times of severe stress (such as war) and while we wish they did not happen, there is nothing "wrong" with reporting them, in fact honest reporting of the truth, is a cornerstone of our system here in this Great and Free Country. And before you come down on me for my views, be advised that my son-in-law is in Iraq at this moment supporting our troops in a civilian support role (standing along side of our troops in the middle of this conflict).

I hope that I have an opportunity to contact Reyad and if I do, I will certainly tell him how much I regret his losses and that I will pray that this conflict quickly comes to a positive conclusion and that he and his family do not have to endure further loss and pain.

By the way, I notice that you are completely annonimous in the QRZ database. I wonder why that is?

Darrel Kempf
WBØIIP

[WD8OQX]

I don't see this as being political either - just a statement of quoted "facts".

To bad it happen. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif & I feel the loss that they have.

[N8QGC]

Tom,

Make sure to have him get into the QRZ.COM database. I'm sure he'll be a soughtafter contact. I for one look forward to the chance to say hello.

Likewise, I believe that this was never intended to be political just a matter of fact story. So shame on the knucklehead who posted otherwise.

It'll be great to have them back active in our wonderful hobby let them know that they will be accepted with open arms.

73 to all de John N8QGC

[k5adf]

Thankyou for posting this very real story about what has and is continuing to happen in Iraq with our fellow hams. I wish them luck in getting on the air in spite of all the difficulties that they face. Dressing as women to install satellite dishes late at night is a very resourceful response to the current conditions. I would agree that they will be a much sought after contact from the rest of the world.

[KE4MOB]

KD7ZOS, please change your font color....

[W0GI]

For Hams, Iraq sounds a lot like your average Home Owners Association.

The difference here of course is they can't shoot you. (yet).

73, #Bob

[w6em]

What an interesting story. #Reyad has my deepest sympathy for the loss of his family members.

To have to live and work in such a turbid society isn't something that I can relate to and I dont' think anyone on this thread, thus far, can. #To have to live in fear of terrorist retaliation and even mistakenly being targeted by US forces as part of the 'resistance' must be a nightmare. #In fact, I just heard on the media where several telecommunications workers were being held as hostages, even as I write this.

Political? #The post must have been removed. #However, its the justification for the use of military force in the first place that's legitimately debateable. #There are always innocent victims in times of miltary action. #And, leaders need to be held accountable for those losses if the purpose of use of military force wasn't justifiable in the first place. #No WMD = no justification, IMO. #Totally different situation in Afghanistan, though.

Best of luck, Reyad and Ahmad, on your venture into the digital side of amateur radio.


Best 73,

Lee
W6EM

[KB9REE]

I thought this was quite sad to think that a ham using his own license in his own country could be targeted by friend and enemy alike, as being either a terrorist or a "Western Sympathizer". This makes it hard to promote international good will. I hope conditions come about which enable Iraqi hams to participate in our great hobby without risk of their lives. I can understand why they would be reluctant, however. It is plenty dangerous enough in that area of the world without promoting an image of trouble for oneself. It makes me wonder why when the Late King of Jordan was such an amateur activiste that ham radio did not have more wide spread appeal and understanding? I suppose I have a lot to learn about the Middle East and the culture.
Terry Powell

[kg5vk]

I have been in Saudi and a few other places where you could loose a hand or arm just for having a long wire antenna extending from your window

I was in Saudi for short amount of time
I was also fortunate enough to be able to go to the US embasey and operate 7z1AB it was the only time I enjoyed my tour there and I was limited to just a few short visits (45 minutes of operating is Never long enough)

It can be a scary place over there
I was very happy to come home and be another "spoiled american"

There are lots of friendly people but it is very hard to know "who is Who" esp when we were the stranger

we at home take a lot for granted

Turkey is also a place that many amateurs can NOT safely operate a radio from - you could easily be considered a spy and that ain't no James Bond tale !

People here just do not understand that to wear a Dallas cowboys cap while walking around in Saudi Arabia can get you stoned to death or much worse

showing someone in that part of the country the sole of your shoe
even if un intended can aslo lead to big bad problems

over here we allow just about anything including the burning of our flag and the spitting onto those that have served for the rights we have.

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 28 2004,14:19)]Political? #The post must have been removed. #However, its the justification for the use of military force in the first place that's legitimately debateable. #There are always innocent victims in times of miltary action. #And, leaders need to be held accountable for those losses if the purpose of use of military force wasn't justifiable in the first place. #No WMD = no justification, IMO. #Totally different situation in Afghanistan, though.

Best of luck, Reyad and Ahmad, on your venture into the digital side of amateur radio.


Best 73,

Lee
W6EM
Hi Lee,

WMD's or not seems to be an issue for us to debate in the USA as to our security.

From Reyad's point of view, I wonder how he feels about the situation?

Since he was jailed three times under Saddam's rule, does he feel that the sacrafice was justified? #That would be interesting to know, because they sure have a mess right now.

I hope that Iraq has success in freedom, and it spreads to Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

I'm not real optimistic, but hopeful.

There's a lot of ill will in that part of the world. #Mainly from those rich Royal Families blaming the USA for their population's horrific living conditions, while they live in luxury. #Saddam sure isn't the only bad guy leader in that part of the world.

So best of luck to Reyad and Ahmad. #At this point we have to see this through, so all the sacrifice was not in vain.

Freedom is a hard fight, as we all know.

And we think BPL is the end of the world. #Things sure can be worst.

73, #Bob

[N5UV]

Quote[/b] (wb0iip @ Sep. 28 2004,10:26)]To KC5LMF,

I usually don't involve myself in the "flaming" that happens here, but your comment regarding this post demmands a response. #N9BC did not "make the story political". #It has political overtones as a result of the content. #His quoting the gentlemen is merely stating the facts of the situation. #
Tnx. Lee for straightening out KC5LMF, your reply is well taken...seems that some of our fellow 5 land hams have lost there manners just because of this election coming up.

It's too bad we have so many people in this country ready to give the jaundice eye at someone just because they don't agree with their political philosophy. I think it's a testament to someone's character that, despite their losses from U.S. foreign policy decisions, they still have the decency to show respect to fellow hams from the U.S. nonetheless. #

The best we can do is give our support, spiritually and economically, to Iraqis such as Reyad and Ahmad and pray that peace and democracy will flourish in the Middle East someday soon.

Tnx...DL

[yi3sra]

thanx alot for the posting it was nice from you to help them both ..by the way i hope you tell them there is an active new free iraqi radio amateur society and we can help them get into air soon ...

yours
laith tariq
yi3sra

[yi1dz]

I beleave what is writtin here is not correct, please all refer to QST- July Issue this year and look for my HF antenna which is installed in the day time with other ham radio donated from Walt K1QS and Tony, I think some people here would mention things to get some personal benefits, the YI1RDS is not ham radio and he is not registerd befor or now like ham radio... he is not because since 1978 when the Baghdad club station open with YI1BGD tell now no one regesterd under this call... I got the history.
Any way I would say It's good to here some one is interested in ham radio we'v got adress they can contact us like Iraqi Amateur Radio Society and we are ready to gave them novice class. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[yi1fly]

Hi all
I am YI1FLY
I am Ham radio in Iraq I am member of IRAS not unlegel operator like "YI1RDS" he is unknown hamradio becuse that he say bad thinks about hamradio in Iraq we are work and installs the antennas over the home like me and like all legel hams in iraq .
this man work before in bad way with old govermant .
at last this man "bad man "he is not from hamradio in Iraq I say for all hamradio must be careful from him .
Best Regards and 73 for all ham radio
DE YI1FLY

[K9FV]

Hmmmm, - I don't have my QST here at work, but do remember the story in QST, so I "assume" YI1FLY is the legit person featured in the story. #IF he is the same person, his posts sure do put a different view on the original post.

The original post "sounds" reasonable, but since YI1FLY is in Bagdad also... #Now IF the original poster was talking about some folks who were out in the hotspots, they might have been hiding behind a fake call for protection? #Just shows how hard it is to get full info from that area of the world back to us here in the USA. #IF YI1FLY is the same person who is featured in QST, then I feel he would be reporting it as he knows it to be. #BUT things can be different in different parts of the country.... #

YI1FLY, could it be possible they are hiding behind a fake call for protection because they are located in one of the hotspots? #I realize the original post said Bagdad, but maybe that was also a protection?

I just hope EVERYONE in Iraq comes thru this ok, and the radicals go away. #I expect the radicals are only a small percentage of the population who are so angry.

73 de Ken
K9FV

[w6em]

Perhaps Tom, NN2X ought to respond, since he's the presumed author of the story. #I can remember hearing stories of business radio interests in the US claiming that they were hams, only to look them up and find out otherwise. #Who knows, maybe Reyad is using an 'assumed' call. #Maybe even an assumed name. #But, I don't doubt that he's in the satellite or internet business. #For substantial profit.

Amazing. #The US government uses the services of someone who's story doesn't quite check out. #Sound familiar? #Can he listen in to sensitive traffic? #Is Halliburton involved in this?

Here we go again.

73s,

Lee
W6EM

[NN2X]

This was meant to be only information that I wanted to pass along, not politcal at all.

Reyad, will be in Iraq in a few days, he flew into Jordon, I will pass the QRZ site to him.

Thanks for all the warm responses, I will pass it along to him and his family.

By the way for those who want to see myself, and my Beatiful XYL, you can at the QRZ, Site (NN2X).

Also,would like to thank (Brent), for posting the information.

Best

Tom Wright NN2X

[k7ov]

This is a message for Tom Wright NN2X,

Hi Tom,

Please email me at deakins@hollandamerica.com or at k7ov@comcast.net. I have some information that might be critical to you, that I don't feel is appropriate for general viewing.

Thanks,

Mike - K7OV

[yi3sra]

well i would like to comment on my locals azhar yi1fly and yi1dz diya that the falks said by by ryadh and ahmed are near to the truth if we considered some hotspots ....but any way in the past times during the axe regiem the ham radio is so limited and we were allowed to do contacts only from the club station and even that we were carfully monitored ...myself i have license yi1sra which indicates operating at baghdad while my home towen is Hilla 90 km to the south after the war i have been allowed to operate from home and i changed my call sign to yi3sra although these changes people facing a great diffeculties to understand ham radio and the fear of wirless devices are still intact there .. any way i hope i was clear enough

73 de yi3sra
laith tariq ex call sign is yi1sra
i am active on echolink also
hf and vhf all bands except 6meter and uhf

[W0GI]

I don't and won't make any judgements on the information provided in this thread.

But, if there is question as to Y1IRDS being a valid License, then W7DXX should really look into this.

Again, no judgements, but if there is anything fishy going on here, then it could mean trouble for W7DXX and for amateur radio.

If the internet linked ham radio services, are shown to be easy to compromise by non-hams, the FCC may have some new rules that we don't like or worse.

Something like this, in wartime, can become a political / media hot potato. #And when the spin starts, it's meltdown time for our hobby.

Certain circumstances, if bad enough, could end with the hobby shutdown completely. #Don't think it can't happen.

We have to make sure that our equipment and bands are not used for any activity that is harmful to our security. #

If we don't, then we should be shutdown.

Just a thought.

73, #Bob

[w6em]

Laith:

Thank you for your comments. #Keep up the operating!!!
I read your article in July's QST and you have a good group/club organization.

It appears that your club is the licensing authority in Iraq and that's good. #Here's hoping that Reyad and Ahmad can be or are licensed by you to operate and enjoy amateur radio.

You all have our respect and our sympathy for having to operate under some uncomfortable conditions. #And, certainly what you experienced in the former regime was deplorable. #Do be careful as it is important that you all remain safe.

Best 73's

Lee
W6EM
Bradenton, FL.

[NN2X]

I am very interested in the comments from the other Iraqi Ham Operators.

Please, YI3SRA, YI1DZ, and YI1FLY send me an email. I am opening an Office in Baghdad. I would like you to meet my staff there.

My EMAIL address is TOMW0093@AOL.COM

Best

Tom Wright

[yi3sra]

dear lee w6em and other ham radio reading this article ...i realize the importance of ham radio in the society ...it supports the goodwill efforts and raise the education level among the youngesters so me and my local hams working very hard to keep this nice hobby alive and we wellcome every body to join our efforts weather they are iraqies or forigners ..also i would like to collect every iraqi ham and i invite them to join our society ...and we are going to help them to get on the air as soon as possible ...

best 73 to you all

laith tariq
yi3sra

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (yi3sra @ Sep. 29 2004,11:34)]dear lee w6em and other ham radio reading this article ...i realize the importance of ham radio in the society ...it supports the goodwill efforts and raise the education level among the youngesters so me and my local hams working very hard to keep this nice hobby alive and we wellcome every body to join our efforts weather they are iraqies or forigners ..also i would like to collect every iraqi ham and i invite them to join our society ...and we are going to help them to get on the air as soon as possible ...

best 73 to you all

laith tariq
yi3sra
Laith,

You post is very inspiring. I really hope that life in your country improves soon, and that I will be able to talk to many Iraqi hams in the future.

Please be safe.

73, Bob

[w4rot]

Laith,
The best to you sir..Enjoy your radio and your kids.
Thanks for the post.
w4rot

[ab8al]

I am curious if any of the people posting here are from the same group wishing death and ill will toward any of the Somalia hams trying to get back on the air. If any of you are please explain to me why one country that killed our service men get one reaction while another country that has killed hundreds more is treated totally different. The bottom line is everyplace in the world has good hearted people and evil people and for anyone to lump a total country solely in one group or the other is crazy.
I for one am looking forward to talking to any ham operator that is licensed to operate. If we refuse the opportunity to talk with people on the air, how will they now anything other than what their government or radical groups tell them about the US?

[kg3q]

the story on mr. Reyad and his partner mr.Ahmad was very interesting,we wish them both good luck and good health and much success.if politics did not enter into the conflict in iraq,it would have been a done deal by now.the comments from,kd7zos
was very evident of the (CB)mentality twang of his post. lou.kg3q

[kg3q]

the story of mr.reyad and mr.ahmad was very interesting,we wish both of them good
health and much success in the future.too
bad politics became involved in the iraqi conflict.if we would not have stopped the marines at fallujah when they were ready to hit the terrosits,we had it won.so it goes.
as for,(kd7zos)his cb twang stupid statement
comments were out in left field.
all the best to the qrz,d group.73,lou kg3q

[kc5wxc]

I have a friend sering in iraq ka1mtm if you run into him say hello from kc5wxc:D

[m0hem]

hello all
god bless to the radio ham in baghdad
73 john

[k8nqc]

Wow! You talk about being forgiving. How many of us in the west, after having our family blown up by attackers would still be friendly to those associated with the attackers? I think we would hold onto vehement anger. That is remarkable. Ham radio sure is a close fraternity. It will be nice when we can get the Iraq multipliers back into the DX contests. In the meantime the computer contacts are welcome substitutes.

[yi3sra]

guys you are absolutly right ...every society has bad and good hearted people ..good people should unite thier efforts to establish good understanding and to share with other societies and this is what ham radio sole all about ...i some times feel very proud of my self to have such a large number of loyal and good friends allover the world

god bless you all
laith tariq
yi3sra

[w5jlb]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[n2obm]

Hello All!

Please note that Diya, YI1DZ, is the 'driving force' of the I.A.R.S.. He can verify 'legit' amateurs/callsigns.

There are many Iraqis that are interested in amateur radio for it's intended purpose, and operate on the sly,...but do to the 'landscape', wish to stay under the radar. This paranoia is a double-edged sword.

Example:

Legit operators take chances when operating in public. All 'radio equipped local nationals' are immediately assumed to have control of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or are coordinating ambushes. Result=XCF

And furthermore, if someone has knowledge of radio control or signalling, they could be pressured into assisting in the above actions. Usually at the cost of a loved one or family member. Result=murder, massacre

Let me assure you that the stories of retribution against those who help the Coalition are diluted in comparison to seeing the outcome first-hand. An Najaf was rather disturbing compared to living 'across the street' from Sadr City for 11 months.

I have had several meetings with Diya, and many others from the Baghdad area. These guys are top-notch operators. Courteous, dedicated, knowledgable, and have succumbed to 'magic radio dust' like the rest of us.
I had hope that the ULI box (donated by WB2REM) and Echolink would be online by now so I could stay in contact with my friends in Baghdad...but even this is a difficult task.

Time will tell...
YI9OBM

[yi3sra]

thanx alot dear trent for the explanation we are tryien seriously to install the echolink system and so far i tried it in my home and it was amazing on the vhf ...and while you are waiting the complation of the setup i'll be on the echolink as soon as possible

thanx again

73, laith
yi3sra

[n3eop]

Quote[/b] (k8nqc @ Oct. 01 2004,07:01)]Wow! You talk about being forgiving. How many of us in the west, after having our family blown up by attackers would still be friendly to those associated with the attackers?

That should tell you how bad the day-to-day conditions were under the old government...

[w0eaj]

While a terrific story, I question the validity of it's origin, and especially it's OVERLY LIBERAL commentary, amplified by the poor spelling & grammar. I find it "interesting" that somebody who owned a satellite company would be incapable of basic spelling and grammer skills.

Let's stick to ham radio as a hobby and keep the political comments to ourselves, shall we?

T C Dailey
WAØEAJ

[NN2X]

Quote[/b] (wa0eaj @ Oct. 04 2004,10:36)]While a terrific story, I question the validity of it's origin, and especially it's OVERLY LIBERAL commentary, amplified by the poor spelling & grammar. #I find it "interesting" that somebody who owned a satellite company would be incapable of basic spelling and grammer skills.

Let's stick to ham radio as a hobby and keep the political comments to ourselves, shall we?

T C Dailey
WAØEAJ
I have to respond to my esteem colleague (WAØEAJ). I am sorry for the grammar errors in my responses. I will have to try harder next time.

I appreciate constructive criticism, especially from a fellow Amateur Radio Operator.

However, I did not think I was writing a composition or an essay.

But putting that aside, and forgetting my grammar errors, I do actually own a satellite company called MENA Broadband, (WWW.MENABROADBAND.COM). Please check out the WEB Site!

If it is of any interest, I am the founder of the company,

I hope I got the grammar right! Although I am sure it is wrong somewhere, maybe I can hire yourself (WA0EAJ) as my writing consultant, please send your resume.

TWRIGHT@MENABROADBAND.COM

By the way..

I am an Independent, not a Liberal. I voted for Clinton on his second term, however voted for Ronald Regan.

Tom Wright

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (kg3q @ Sep. 30 2004,18:05)]the story of mr.reyad and mr.ahmad was very interesting,we wish both of them good
health and much success in the future.too
bad politics became involved in the iraqi conflict.if we would not have stopped the marines at fallujah when they were ready to hit the terrosits,we had it won.so it goes.
as for,(kd7zos)his cb twang stupid statement
comments were out in left field.
all the best to the qrz,d group.73,lou kg3q
A strange conjecture of someone's opinion about how we waste lots of time arguing about inconsequential opinions about code and slow code or no code.

The story here is of human interest and desire to promote international good will. #Under some very difficult circumstances.

To those who keep bringing up what would have or should have happened with respect to politician-driven military moves, your comments are political.

Until and if the Iraqi people control military operations, its all political, folks. #The pretences of why we're there, who's making money on the side from the operation while in political office, etc., makes it all political. #So, let's shut up here about anything more than the commentary on ham radio operations from Iraq. #And, our best wishes for peace and tranquility so that licensed hams can have QSOs internationally and not be intimidated. #Either by terrorists, military ocupation forces, or by our In-Justice Department here in the US, by using the Patriot Act to eliminate rights guaranteed by our Constitution.

Very 73,

Lee
W6EM
Bradenton, FL

[GM0KMA]

On a practical note - is it potentially dangerous to a recipient if I mail a QSL card to a contact in Iraq at the moment? I have had a few contacts in the past year, but have held off sending QSL for fear of drawing unwanted attention at the other end, to say nothing of the uncertainties of mail handling there.


Glenn Rainey
GM-zero-KMA

[yi1dz]

Hi :
The mail service is working fine ... it's delay some how but we can get mail and send it back.
we prefer the qsl manager if requirerd.
best wishes. 73

Diya YI1DZ

[yi3sra]

its not dangerouse to receive mail but to see antenna's installed people not familiar with ..they preivously see it on the top of govermental security buildings or may be used by spies they don't know there is a hobby called HamRadio that's the story .

73 de yi3sra

As one that was there during the liberation of Iraq (Jan 2003-Aug 2003) and also as a Ham that wanted to be in a new location to start a pileup I can sympathize with Reyad and Ahmad as I could not get any permission from either the Kuwaiti government or my own unit to be able to set up my shack after the fighting was over. Even the Commo guys didn't understand the great potential for goodwill had I been able to transmit so early in those days. Now I am reading of several Soldiers that are able to do just that. I would like to return and set up a place that only licensed Iraqi hams could go and feel safe so that they may re-join us on the air. What a great day that would be!

One interesting side note for those that have read this far. When my unit arrived to Baghdad International Airport and the battle was still raging I snuck out looking for medical supplies to replenish my dwindling stocks. I found what looked like an ambulance in a motorpool but when I opened the back, low and behold, it was a commo van. And guess what happened to be inside? A brand new, in the box, ICOM HF alongside an equally new 1000 watt amp! There were also various handhelds of Japanese origin on 70cm commercial/air but I'm still wondering what that HF radio was being used for? I would hate to think it would have been for illegal purposes but would love to think it would have been a Ham's fervent expectation to be able to use the equipment as he saw his freedom soon to be restored.

[mm3jhs]

Always 2 sides to one story. There I was in the middle of the small town of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, trying to tell one of my Son's friends that my new mobile rig was not a CB, and was somehow different. When this American voice came over looking for a Demonstration - it was NN2X Tom with Reyad and Ahmad, the 2 Iraqis. Well that blew the mind of the 15 year old boy, giving a great demo of Echolink coming into a car radio.
Date was 25th September at 12:00 UTC.

73

Jim MM3JHS

[mm3jhs]

Always 2 sides to one story. There I was in the middle of the small town of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, trying to tell one of my Son's friends that my new mobile rig was not a CB, and was somehow different. When this American voice came over looking for a Demonstration - it was NN2X Tom with Reyad and Ahmad, the 2 Iraqis. Well that blew the mind of the 15 year old boy, giving a great demo of Echolink coming into a car radio.
Date was 25th September at 12:00 UTC.

73

Jim MM3JHS

[N3KIP]

I think we have to consider that when ham radio licences are not being issued, due to a bad political regime, anyone who enters the hobby at that point has only two choices. They either content themselves with listening, or they pick out a callsign and get on with it.

We have had the same thing occur with other countries in the past. When ham radio becomes legal again they should just legitimise their operation and get a licence with the minimum of fuss. Others who held a licence before may at least have a legitimate call, but they are really no more legal. I have no problem with any of them. If there is an active licensing system in place, then that's quite another matter...

[KC8UZT]

Quote[/b] (wb0iip @ Sep. 28 2004,10:26)]To KC5LMF,

I usually don't involve myself in the "flaming" that happens here, but your comment regarding this post demmands a response. #N9BC did not "make the story political". #It has political overtones as a result of the content. #His quoting the gentlemen is merely stating the facts of the situation. #It is a fact, although unfortunate, that civilians are injured and killed in wartime, nothing political about that. #Also, errors are made, especially in times of severe stress (such as war) and while we wish they did not happen, there is nothing "wrong" with reporting them, in fact honest reporting of the truth, is a cornerstone of our system here in this Great and Free Country. #And before you come down on me for my views, be advised that my son-in-law is in Iraq at this moment supporting our troops in a civilian support role (standing along side of our troops in the middle of this conflict). #

I hope that I have an opportunity to contact Reyad and if I do, I will certainly tell him how much I regret his losses and that I will pray that this conflict quickly comes to a positive conclusion and that he and his family do not have to endure further loss and pain.

By the way, I notice that you are completely annonimous in the QRZ database. #I wonder why that is?

Darrel Kempf
WBØIIP
Why would Sammy Smith of Tyler, Tx want his address withheld strange, it is public info on the FCC website.