HEART

My interest in communications started in early 1960 with AM/FM/SW receiver listening. That led to an interest in electronics. Enlisted in the US Army in 1965 and received extensive electronics training with major focus on tactical and national emergency communications. Some activities included amateur radio related environments, however, Morse code (CW) requirements prevented me from proceeding with the idea of getting a Ham license.

Many years later after discovering the requirement for CW had been dropped, my interest was renewed. My scanner provided the introduction to HAM service capability/activities within the Southwest VA area.  In early 2017, I discussed my desire to address some “bucket list” items with Helen, my special partner, and amateur radio licensing was one of them and she said go for it. Ordered the 3 manuals from Amazon, began self-study for technician license and passed test in early August 2017, by end of October 2017, passed the Extra Amateur test (just before the start of deer season). Of note, my first transceiver was a “hand me down” because Helen won an TYT MD-380 70cm DMR unit at the August Roanoke SWVA HAM Fest door prize when I took the tech exam.

 

We relocated from Smith Mountain Lake, VA to Patriots Colony (PC) Williamsburg in early 2019. PC resident, Rod Bubeck (KM4MZX) and Bill Lana (N4COY) introduced me to the HEART program and the Team Lead Ira Swartz (KG4IIF) and Paula Swartz (KG4IIE). History was made when I took the four FEMA Courses required, with the occasional prodding by Ira and Paula of course, just to become a HEART Team member. Am still trying to understand the flavor of the HEART network architectures, and geographical and facility limitations with the help of Ira who is a wealth of information and knowledge which I really appreciate.  The mission and capabilities of the HEART program and its team has provided the path to continue to provide support to the community in a communication related disaster situation.

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