I’ve dealt with various government agencies for decades, so I’m leaning toward the problem being with the government, and not with Mr. Van Der Hyde. That is a guess, because more details would be needed. Sometimes you bang your head into the wall long enough that finally you have to say this is crazy.
Wanna see something really interesting? The official website of the Oregon EMCOMM group is www.W7OEM.org... if you go there and click "translate page" (Google Chrome) you'll find you're at "Thinning Hair Woman" in Chinese Really a disorganized group it seems - they let their own callsign domain lapse???!!! Dave W7UUU . . .
Follow the link from the original opb.org article, and you will find a joint statement from OEM and ARRL.
I'm also with N9DWE, show up, do the best you can, document what needs to be fixed. People might not be happy with the write-up but at least it won't burn bridges.
I can't believe Hyde gave that excuse. Did he need a week notice?? I don't think emergencies give advance notice. Very embarrassing .!!!
"All this" began when the likes of this began YEARS ago when Ham Radio became A HOBBY and left behind anything and everything that WAS...The Amateur Radio Service. As one standing right smack in the middle in the aftermath of Super-Storm Sandy on the barrier islands and in and around Toms River, NJ with an incredibly over-done war wagon on wheels of communication equipment, about THE ONLY method I was able to get a message through back to Florida was through the Maritime Mobile Service Net! (ALWAYS...THANK YOU Rooney 6Y5RP) THAAAT'S right right folks! I had to connect with JAMAICA to get messages through...because there wasn't a local emergency network to be heard! Nice job coastal NJ and NY hams! (NOT) My point here as a once EC and AEC in Central Florida, emergency preparedness and ESPECIALLY as it relates to the once highly disciplined and TRAINED of the Amateur Radio Service and it's once dedicated operators, it's no wonder WE are punch line to a bad joke when it comes to those who once considers us as a resource...instead of a nuisance...in the midst of a first responder event. Is it REALLY true cliche? "Ham Radio Operators. Getting in the way of First Responders for over 100 years!" Quite possibly so in my opinion! Grasp it fellow hobbyists! Arrogance KILLED the radio star! That, and the extraordinarily reliable digital technology that works for the masses in times of need!
BTW! CERT programs and their agenda of serving those within arms reach, like their own neighborhoods and subdivisions, deserve more respect and attention than...the likes of those within the ARRL EMCOMM RUSE and perpetuating the BIG LIE of the now HONEST worth of us "hobbyists!" Same to you... NU4R
It would appear that once again a small minded, officious fool oversteps his bounds and causes problems for amateurs everywhere. K7vv needs to be replaced due to his serious error in judgement. 73, Rob
"volunteers were not given enough time to prepare " When I read that, the immediate question that came to mind, is how long do you need to prepare when your needed right then... Like when the SHTF for whatever reason. I thought those HAMs was suppose to be like Boy Scouts, always prepared. "All this began when the likes of this began YEARS ago when Ham Radio became A HOBBY and left behind anything and everything that WAS...The Amateur Radio Service" Even though I am not a HAM, in the years that I have followed what is going on, I have noticed a change also. Ham Radio to me was suppose, and still is to me, to be about pushing the envelope, not just chit-chat.
I suspect the reason is not due to obsolesces of ham radio in a digital world but bad management in ARES. My friend application for ARES was rejected by the local group for unknown or trivial reason.
I think part of the problem is HAM radio going to digital comm. too far off topic from OP to really post. As far as ARES, and the other one, I thought about joining up when I get my station online. But then really having seconds thoughts. The OP post, along with other posts elsewhere just seem to turn me away. Would like to think that I could do some good out there.
I was thinking the same thing... What is the MISSING part of the story?? If the equipment was in disarray with no time to prepare that is the perfect time to do a drill so you can find the faults and have the fixed or at least pointed out.!!!!! There has to be more to the story!!!! We are not getting the whole story or we are getting a BS story
I agree with most people on this subject. sounds political. I know most armature radio people can broadcast with any radio using a bed spring as an antenna. Give me some wire any type, I'll make A resonate antenna . It's good to get thrown into the fray, see how good you are. You will not have pre warning when a disaster strikes. COME ON OREGON.
