Ham radio clubs/stations gaining traction within Legion posts

Eighty-five years ago, The American Legion’s National Security Commission encouraged Legion posts to form amateur radio groups in support of "civil defense." Posts around the country became involved in ham radio, and The American Legion Amateur Radio Network was on the air across the nation. That "network," unfortunately, became all but defunct by the 1960s.

But today posts are enjoying a resurgence of prominence in amateur radio, some of which may have resulted from the 2010 National Convention Resolution No. 134, “The American Legion Role in Homeland Security.” It urges Legionnaires, posts and departments to assist in Homeland Security efforts in communities - for example, by developing emergency kits and plans; by remaining informed and assisting families, schools, workplaces and communities in developing emergency plans and checklists; or by working with other community-based organizations just like the typical Legion post does.

In October 2015 this newsletter carried an article on Legion post clubs/stations, and the list at that time numbered 13. Since then, several have been added to that list. In fact, in the last month or so National Headquarters was notified of five posts and one American Legion department that have established a club and/or station or are working in that direction. Those include Murphysboro, Ill., Post 127; Chadron, Neb., Post 12; Denton, Texas, Post 71; Sevierville, Tenn., Post 104, call sign AL4US; Danville, Ky., Post 46, call sign W4CDA; and the Department of California ARC, call sign KM6HCQ.

All those who have spearheaded the effort in their respective Legion posts are to be commended for the commitment to the Legion and amateur radio, which is evidenced by their work.

The most recent post club/station to come on board is Kentucky Post 46, and there's a remarkable story of how it came to be. In a recent email to National Headquarters from Post 46 Commander Tony Cromwell, KB4TC, he announced the formation of W4CDA – American Legion Post 46 Wilderness Road Amateur Radio Club. The story behind the coming-together of the post and an existing amateur radio club is a great one, and it will be shared via other Legion media channels in the near future. For now, here is a bit of the behind-the-scenes activity that, perhaps, will get us thinking of accomplishing something similar in other posts.

"As a ham for over 40 years, TALARC member and post commander, I chose to offer aid to a local, experienced amateur radio club to further their support of local/national disasters," Commander Tony remarked. "An event of destiny, the radio club lost its home in a recently-sold Red Cross building. As commander, I recognized the ability of my post to host this organization, gain membership and advance everyone's mission.

"A subsequent club president/post commander conference resulted in a Memorandum of Agreement allowing them [the club] to become a post-approved activity," said Commander Tony, concluding that "A valuable community asset was rescued and will now go forth as an American Legion post resource in providing emergency communications support during natural disasters. . . . "

Well done to all the Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members who have, or are, moving in a similar direction.

At National Headquarters we know of a number of Legion posts that have, with the concurrence of the post's leadership, formed a post club and/or established a station on post premises. A listing can be found on the TALARC website: www.legion.org/hamradio/resources.

There are, we'd like to think, yet other Legion posts or groups of Legionnaires that have a bona fide club and/or station operating under the auspices of The American Legion. If yours is one of them, and you're not listed on the website, please take a few minutes to tell us at National Headquarters who you are, your call sign, where you're located, and the post or other level of The American Legion with which you are affiliated. You can do that via email at k9tal@legion.org. And tell us a little about your operations, too.