[amsat-bb] Vanishing Hams

[K5GNA@aol.com]

Hi All,
 
 
I read the article yesterday that Frank had referred to and forwarded it to  
a few friends.
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I received this URL today.  Read number 16.  

_http://www.walletpop.com/specials/top-25-things-vanishing-from-america?i_ 
(http://www.walletpop.com/specials/top-25-things-vanishing-from-america?i) 
cid=100214839x1205495530x1200282778
 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
 
Every time I go to an annual swapfest, the average age of attendees is one  
year older. We need to spend some time reaching out to a younger generation  or 
#16 on the list will come true.
 
Many years ago, it was in the national interest to have  a cadre of trained 
radio operators. Today, with CB, Cell Phones, cordless  phones, FRS, etc. -- 
everyone is a radio operator. Now, military  communications is done with a 
keyboard or microphone -- pretty much universal  skills now.  
 
As the article mentions, the airwaves are valuable property and we could  
lose them.  Although the Amateur Radio Community shines when there is loss  of 
communications during a disaster, with newer technology, even that could  change.
 
A few years ago at the 2002 AMSAT meeting in Ft. Worth, Tony, AA2TX was  
giving a talk on his antennas made from cardboard boxes and aluminum  foil.  There 
was a grade school class in attendance with their  teacher.  When the talk 
was over, the kids swarmed over the boxes and  aluminum foil to make antennas 
with great enthusiasm.  Very inspiring  -- this is the kind of reaching out we 
need.
 
Instead of our self serving pursuit of DXCC, WAS, VUCC, WAC and  others, 
maybe the ARRL needs to sponsor an award for bringing new Hams into the  
community. Otherwise, someday, no one will remember what those letters even  stood for.
 
 
73 & TNX,
 
Bob
K5GNA





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