HEART

My interest in ham radio began when I was voluntold that I needed to get my ham license so I could be the operator for the EVMS.  Ira was Director of Maintenance and Emergency Management at the time and the need was there, and I was available.  We both tested at the same time and received our licenses in 2000.

After becoming a member of the Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club, we both participated in communications for local races, parades, festivals and anything else we could do. 

While at EVMS Ira was supposed to assist the Virginia Defense Force with a communications exercise involving healthcare facilities but he was off campus when they arrived.   I worked with them on this and I was hooked.  While I didn’t want to become a member of the Virginia Defense Force, I did want to become more involved in ham radio in assisting healthcare facilities.

The opportunity arrived in 2003when Ira and I were asked to handle ham operations at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and CHKD and that was where the concept for HEART was borne.  A lot of the procedures and practices were developed during that period of time so when we were asked by EVHC to bring our subject matter expertise to the healthcare facilities in Eastern Virginia we jumped at the chance to do so.

 

While most of the time with the HEART Program has been easy there have been times when it has felt all consuming.  Being able to work with Ira and hone the HEART Program into something of the magnitude that it is has been an experience.  I never thought I would be traveling around from Tappahannock to Franklin to the Eastern Shore and working with such wonderful people.  Most of the folks at the healthcare facilities were clueless as to what ham radio was and how it could benefit their facilities.  Once it was explained what ham radio was and the benefits during an emergency it could have, it was pleasant working with everyone. 

Then we began scouting for volunteers and spoke at every amateur radio club in the area and at any event where people were willing to listen.  Over the years we have become friends with our group of HEART Operators and each one is special.  Everyone has been willing to learn.  The HEART Program could not be what it is today without the assistance and dedication from everyone on the HEART Team and those we come in contact with.

I want to thank everyone for all of their hard work and dedication and helping us all reach the level we are at.  I also want to thank everyone for making Ira’s dream come true and develop a legacy that all should be proud to be part of.