October 2016 TALARC President's Message

The start-up of a radio club or radio station within a Legion post was the subject for discussion during a recent TALARC net operation. Fortunately, there were a couple of members on the net who belong to existing post clubs/stations whose stories provided a good exchange of information. Some on the net asked for additional information. Here it is.
Eighty 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 established.
Today, there are posts enjoying a resurgence of interest in amateur radio, some of which 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 working with other community-based organizations like the Legion post itself.
National Headquarters is aware of 15 to 18 Legion posts that, with the concurrence of the post's leaders, have formed a post club or established a radio station on post premises.
If your post doesn't have a club or station, please read on.
What your post can do to get involved. An American Legion post has great potential for involvement, ranging from just surveying your post membership to determining if any are licensed amateur radio operators, to setting up a post station and even starting a post radio group if there are a number of hams who are already members. Working with post members who are not ham operators to establish a post disaster preparedness and response team, the post can significantly enhance its commitment to the community as a significant resource for town, city and county emergency management officials. Some post members might want to obtain their ham license simply to participate in the activities.
Also, ramping up your post’s participation in disaster preparedness and engaging amateur radio as an emergency communications resource can gain recognition from the media, local government, the community and, potentially, gain new members for The American Legion.
Where to get advice, materials, and more information. The American Legion Amateur Radio Club website at www.legion.org/hamradio is the place to start. There you'll find information about The American Legion Amateur Radio Club and its station [K9TAL] along with general information about amateur radio – what it's about, how to become licensed, and why ham radio is a great "fit" within the Legion.
Click on "Club Resources" for help in forming a club, and review the brochure Amateur Radio and The American Legion, as well as Articles of Organization, Base Station Equipment Lists and more.
What if the post supports the idea, but is unable to fund it? While forming a radio club from existing post members might be relatively easy, the prospect of funding the start-up of a radio station can be far more challenging. When you get to this point, consider that there likely are other radio clubs or emergency management agencies, not to mention other ham operators, who are regularly looking to upgrade their equipment. Some agencies may be willing, as a public service on their part, to "donate" equipment to an American Legion post rather than selling it for cents on the dollar. Check in your area for individuals or groups who might be willing to assist in this way. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are folks who are ready and willing to assist The American Legion in furthering community service through amateur radio.
The bottom line. Ham radio is an interesting and enjoyable hobby as well as an invaluable resource “when all else fails.” When severe weather, natural disasters or other catastrophes strike and power lines and cellphone towers are knocked out, ham radio has always stood up to serve communities across the nation. There is also a more relaxed, more visible and more regular use for amateur radio that can be done through augmenting communications and safety efforts during parades, marathons, outings and other public or Legion events in your area.
The list of the 15 to 18 clubs we built was gathered from the www.QRZ.com call sign database by searching, "American Legion." We believe there may be more groups of Legionnaires with bona fide clubs or ham radio stations operating under the auspices of The American Legion. If your post has a radio club or a station, email Bill, NZ9S, at wsloan@legion.org. Tell him the name of the club, the club call sign if you have one, and a little about the makeup of your club and how its purposes are carried out.
You can also tell your story, with pictures, at www.legiontown.org/share .
Finally, to those existing American Legion clubs and stations goes K9TAL's right-hand salute of respect and admiration for the work they've done and are now doing in their communities and across their state to serve the Legion through amateur radio.