>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>From: Press Service <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: America Supports You: Radio Clubs to 'Ham it Up' for Troops
>
>By Rudi Williams
>American Forces Press Service
>
>WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2005 -- Ham radio operators and amateur radio clubs plan
>to "Ham It Up for the Troops" on May 28 during the second annual Amateur Radio
>Military Appreciation Day to thank active duty, veterans and retired military
>people for their service and sacrifices to the nation, according to ARMAD's
>founder and former Air Force sergeant Emery McClendon.
>
>"ARMAD is a day when all amateur radio operators and amateur radio clubs
>worldwide are invited to gather at public locations to allow our citizens to
>express words of thanks and appreciation to our military members and coalition
>forces in a live format," said
>McClendon, who founded and established ARMAD in Fort Wayne, Ind., almost a
>year
>ago.
>
>"The original purpose of ARMAD was to encourage amateurs worldwide to use our
>hobby to express thanks as a public service for those that serve in the
>military, including active duty, veterans and retirees," said the former
>aircraft refueler. "We also wanted to allow their families to support one
>another with words of encouragement by contacting other ARMAD locations."
>
>Ham radio operators set up in public locations such as shopping centers,
>parks,
>Veterans Affairs hospitals and sporting events to express verbal positive
>support "live" over the radio for active duty military people, members of the
>reserve components, veterans, family members and military support groups,
>McClendon said.
>
>ARMAD is associated with National Military Appreciation Month and is being
>held
>during the weekend of Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who have
>died in the nation's service.
>
>"It was felt that to honor those that serve during this special day would be
>fitting as this day was already special to those who have given the ultimate
>sacrifice for this country," McClendon noted. "On this day, many people gather
>at events to pay tribute to those that have died for our freedom."
>
>This year, amateur radio operators will participate from several states --
>Florida, California, Washington, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, Colorado, Texas,
>North and South Carolina and others. Operators in several foreign countries
>also are slated to participate, including Australia, Greece, Kuwait and
>England, and members of the Iraq Amateur Radio Club are expected to join in as
>well, according to McClendon.
>
>"We expect many others, including ships and military hospitals, as we approach
>the event date," he said. "Last year, we had more than 25 different groups in
>the U.S. and about 15 foreign countries participating in ARMAD," McClendon
>noted. "We expect participation to triple for the 2005 event. We've had great
>response just by word of mouth. With publicity, we will grow, and reach many
>more troops and communities."
>
>McClendon served four years on active duty in the Air Force, including 15
>months at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, and two years in the active
>Indiana Air National Guard.
>
>McClendon said he received several heartwarming comments during last year's
>ARMAD, which was held at Fort Wayne Memorial Stadium. Noting that local
>government officials read proclamations of support for the military during a
>small ceremony, McClendon said, "After hearing these local officials speak
>over
>the radio, some of our military members remarked that they were pleased and
>felt privileged that a government official would take time away from families
>for such a cause.
>
>"There were also many heartwarming comments from young children expressing
>thanks to our men and women for what they do to keep America free," he
>noted. "Many kind words were exchanged from all over the world to American and
>coalition troops. One man from Kuwait joined us on the air to say thanks to
>America for freeing his country from Saddam Hussein. His statements moved the
>crowd in the stadium."
>
>McClendon emphasized that ARMAD is not affiliated with the Military Affiliate
>Radio System in any way, except that many MARS operators are amateur radio
>operators. But MARS plays an active role in ARMAD.
>
>"ARMAD is for those that serve our great country," McClendon said. "We want to
>spread the word to as many military members and communities as possible so
>that
>we can help boost the morale of those that serve in this positive and manner."
>
>Related Sites:
>America Supports You [http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/]
>Amateur Radio Military Appreciation
>Day [http://www.freewebs.com/kb9ibw]
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>
>_______________________________________________________
>NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK,
>the official website of the U.S. Department of Defense, at
>http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2005/n02162005_2005021611.html.
>
>
>
>====================================================
>
>Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at
>http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are
>doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.
>
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