Amateur Radio Volunteer Examiners from Clearfield and Jefferson Counties administered FCC license examinations for members of recently completed training classes and others hoping to obtain or upgrade their Amateur Radio licenses. The classes and the exams were held at the PA Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross in DuBois.

“This is the largest turnout for Amateur Radio exams locally for a significant number of years,” commented Volunteer Examiner Team Liaison Bryan Simanic WA3UFN of DuBois.

Ranging in age from 10 years old to senior citizens, those participating in the exams came from DuBois, Curwensville, Reynoldsville, Luthersburg, Brookville and surrounding areas. They became involved in Amateur Radio for a variety of reasons, ranging from interest in science and electronics, to emergency and disaster preparedness, and the desire to serve the public.

They will now be able to get on the air and join with thousands of other “hams” nationwide and around the world to participate in this growing and active radio service. Over the past year, the news has carried many reports of ham radio operators providing vital communications during emergencies across America including wildfires, winter storms, tornadoes and other events. During Hurricane Katrina, Amateur Radio—also called “ham” radio—was often the only means of communication with stricken areas. When trouble is brewing, Amateur Radio volunteers are often the first to provide rescuers with critical information and communications.

Their slogan, “When all else fails, Ham Radio works!” is more than just words to hams as they prove they can get the message through without the need of telephone, cable, cellular or internet systems which are usually rendered unavailable in a crisis.

In the local area, The Quad-County Amateur Radio Club offers training classes to prepare for license exams, and schedules regular examination sessions. The Club meets monthly in the Hiller Building at Penn State DuBois on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 pm. Meetings are free and the public is invited to attend. Following each meeting are programs and activities for radio amateurs and those interested in radio and electronic communications.