METERS Newsletter - May 2007

A monthly publication of the Middle East Tennessee Emergency Radio Service, Inc.
METERS is a registered non-profit service organization based in Knoxville, serving all the surrounding area.
Club call sign: KG4NLF      Website: www.metersinc.org

Meetings are held at 7 PM, the 4th Tuesday every month. Our May 22nd meeting will be at the Knox Tennessee Technology Center, 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville 37919. (See the website for directions, or watch the Net Reminder.).
Licensed Amateur Radio Operators are invited to join METERS and assist in meeting the needs of our served agencies.
Members’ submissions are invited for this newsletter, in plain text formats, subject to space available and editing. Editor: John Randle, K9RSQ; e-mail to john.randle (at) tds.net; Phone (865) 675-1293, or mail to: John Randle, 10625 Summit Mtn Ct, Knoxville, TN 37922.

Editor’s note: The following was published in the Knoxville News Sentinel on 11 May 2007:
MOORE, JERRY F. SR. - age 71 of New Market, TN, passed away at 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2007 at Jefferson Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Moore graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1963 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a pilot and major in the United States Air Force. After working with NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC., he retired to East Tennessee in 1994. He served two years as president of the Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dandridge, and a member of the Knoxville Amateur Radio Group. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Lyla R. Moore of Nashville and Lee P. Moore of Memphis, and son-in-law, Gene Powell. He is survived by: his wife of 47 years, Mary Ellen Moore; sons, Andrew Moore and wife, Kathleen, of Tacoma, WA, and Jerry Moore, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth, of Naperville, IL; daughters, Katherine Powell of Tampa, FL, and Jennifer Pollard and husband, David, of Knoxville, TN. Memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 37760 (865) 475-3892. www.farrarfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Moore AF1P/SK … an Appreciation

Jerry Moore AF1P grew up in a railroading family in a railroading town: Henderson, Tenn.  Electronics was the dominant interest in Jerry’s life, leading to his interest in amateur radio.  Jerry took his first FCC license test in 1947.  Theory, OK.  CW, not OK.

He joined the U.S. Air Force as a reservist; applied for and took Air Force pilot training and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant with pilot’s wings in 1958.  He flew some hot rides: the T-33 trainer, the swept-wing F-84F fighter; and earned his multi-engine rating to fly KC-97 tankers as well as C-47s and other WW II aircraft.  At UT, he earned his Electrical Engineering (EE) degree in 1963. 

Amateur Radio recaptured his interest, and he took his FCC license test again; he and his son passed the same day in 1976.  Jerry was granted WD5EFE in Shreveport, La.

In 1978, now a civilian at Cape Canaveral, Jerry worked on Army and Air Force missile programs.  He went into the Space Shuttle program for the balance of his career.  He became involved in the investigation of the Challenger disaster in 1986.  NASA called Jerry to Washington, DC, as an EE (later Aerospace Engineer; he learned aeronautics, etc.)  He worked in the Return-to-Flight program until he retired in 1994. 

In New Market, Tenn., Jerry got back into Amateur Radio after retirement, and earned his Amateur Extra license in 1996.  He applied for and received vanity call AF1P.

Jerry was an accomplished presenter.  He prepared a Space Shuttle program for RACK in 2003.  He thought that no-code would promote ham radio.  “Continuing pressure on our bands,” Jerry said, “could cause us to lose all of the 2000 MHz band.”

“I don’t think we have enough Elmers out there; there aren’t enough folk devoting time to teaching.  Skilled people need to Elmer.  Otherwise, when our generation dies out, ham radio might die as well.  Too many people don’t understand how much ham radio applies to commercial radio and television, communications, and entertainment.  Elmering is our way to keep our hobby with us.”

Cathi Cogle, K4TMW: “Carter (K4ARO) and I wish we had known Jerry longer. He was a great help to me in getting my feet wet (radiologically speaking) at the Knoxville Marathon.”

Larry Osterman, W8JYQ: “Reliable, dedicated, a serious ham.  That was Jerry Moore, AF1P.”

Tyra Buczkowski, AI4KG: “Jerry embodied the spirit of amateur radio -- he Elmered others with patience, encouragement and kindness, and thought that this was the way to keep amateur radio alive. He was dedicated to emergency communications service and was a real gentleman.”

President's Statement for May 2007

This is the time of year when thunderstorms and other severe weather come our way in east TN. Please keep your weather radios on and be alert. If you do not own a weather radio, now is the time to purchase one.

This month Tim Berry WB4GBI will be making a presentation at our general meeting about repeaters. He will have the parts from a repeater for "Show and Tell" and will lead a Q & A session. Now is your chance to ask all those repeater questions!

June will be a busy month for us. METERS will have a table at the RACK hamfest on Saturday June 9, 2007. If you are interested in manning the table, please contact our Acting Membership Committee Chairman Larry W8JYQ or sign up at the May meeting.

Field Day is Saturday-Sunday June 23-24 2007. METERS will be operating at Lakeshore Park as we did last year. We will operate from the TN Homeland Security District 2 Mobile Command Post to familiarize ourselves with its operation and with KEMA personnel.

Lastly, on the passing of Jerry AF1P, he was a good friend and METERS member and will be missed! Please remember his wife Mary and his family in your thoughts and prayers. We will provide funeral details when they become available.

-- Tyra Buczkowski AI4KG METERS President

Vice President's Statement for May 2007

This month I'd like to give tribute to a life well lived. I speak of Jerry F. Moore, Sr., AF1P SK. I'd be willing to bet that none of us knew Jerry very well. The reason is that he did not talk about himself very much. In fact, Jerry never said much until he had something to say. He didn't waste words or time. Yet we all knew what we needed to know about Jerry as a human being. How can that be? The simple answer is that Jerry always said what he meant and he meant what he said. He always spoke from the heart tempered by first thinking through how he was going to say it. But there was more to Jerry, much more.

My first up close experience with Jerry was during my first year as METERS president. Jerry was Board Member At Large. He also volunteered to head the Bylaws committee that same year, when we had undertaken the challenge to completely re-write them. Jerry was always eager to help and he always did his level best whatever the assignment.

My first year of being president was a tumultuous one. We deliberately chose to reshape METERS to meet the challenges of a post 9/11 world. There were a few sometime members who were more interested in making trouble by choosing to be anarchists. A lot of invective was directed at a few of us on the board. In fact, a better word for many of the comments is slander. But it wasn't until it was directed at Jerry that something interesting happened. Jerry chose to publicly resign his position by forcefully, but eloquently stating that such abusive behavior had no place in ham radio and no place in his life. In hindsight, this was a turning point for METERS.

Jerry enjoyed such a high level of respect among the membership that his resignation shocked us all into action. As if by a silent command, one-by-one the responsible members turned to positive action. By the time Jerry's bylaws revision were accepted by majority vote, the anarchists had all turned tail and have not returned.

I chose this bit of ancient history only to reveal the power of Jerry's character. Jerry's actions have something to teach us all. Perhaps in the grand sweep of Jerry's life this episode is but an insignificant moment. But it is the small things that often reveal timeless truths and the depths of an individual's character. Jerry didn't run away from a problem, he did not throw a tantrum, nor did he acquiesce. He literally stood up before all and firmly stated his position on the situation. He confronted the troublemakers. He declared that their behavior was off limits, without pointing fingers at the guilty. Behind the scenes Jerry continued to support METERS, but he refused to be a victim.

It took several of us, perhaps many of us, to convince Jerry to again become an active METERS member. We are much the richer for his return. When he became a silent key, he left big shoes for us to fill, but he left a towering legacy to which we can aspire. My only regret is that we did not have the opportunity to get to know Jerry better. I am proud to have known him and to have served with him. May Jerry F. Moore, Sr., Air Force One Pilot, Silent Key, rest in peace.

7 3, Gary AG4XO

-- Gary Buczkowski AG4XO METERS VP

Secretary's Notes - May 2007

• A Shock, and Reminder – Our loss of Jerry Moore AF1P on May 7th is and was a real shocker. Jerry has been such a strong participant in METERS affairs over the years that we are still recounting his many contributions and the effect of his untimely death on our collective memories. Perhaps this is a reminder of how fast things can change for any of us. (God Speed, Jerry, in your next assignment!)
• Change of Focus – Recent information from the HSD says the "government" is now going to examine how to best serve the public After the big blast or major disaster, instead of concentrating on avoiding or preventing the big event. This doesn't bode well for our ability to maintain organizations and communications. We are again reminded that having a survival plan is critical, as many Katrina victims found out already. Some folks have speculated that our biggest unforeseen infrastructure damage might be to our national distribution system (food, drink, produce, gas and electric services), our banking system, and perhaps most importantly to our collective psyche.
• Last Meeting (4/24) at the KCHD had 29 participants, a high for the year. Being at KCHD allowed some members to acquire their KCHD ID cards so they can participate in our hospital exercises as needed. Reminder: If you do not have a hospital assignment, please let Tyra know you'd like one. Most hospital teams can use one or two back-up operators. METERS Hospital Teams also perform dual duty and become our Rapid Response Teams for major events that might occur in our communities. Team leaders have been asked to inform members of potential alternate assignments.
• Next up: the RACK Hamfest, on June 9th at the Kerbela Shrine Temple. We will have a table there with primary purpose to recruit new members. When you stop by the table, please be as friendly as possible, lots of smiles, please. And, please identify yourself and tell any new people how much you enjoy being part of METERS and contributing to both the community and to our activities, so we can continue to show the value of our hobby.
• Field Day is June 23 and 24, and everyone is asked to please sign up again. Our last sign-up sheet has gone away with AF1P, and we must re-create the list. Also, please check the METERS website for the on-line version of the sign-up sheet which will ask what else you might be willing to contribute, besides your valuable time. As per last year, we will be at Lakeshore Park, a very nice place for this event.
• Thanks to WB4GBI for his continued maintenance of his high profile repeaters throughout the area. Tim announced that 145.470 on Cross Mtn. is now operative while the 146.625 machine is down for maintenance.
• Certifications and credentials are solicited from all members as we continue to build our database for the METERS ID Badges. Even though you may have received your new badge, your credentials will likely continue to build, so it is important that the Secretary keep this file up to date. Your help on this is appreciated.
• Minutes of our meetings are available by request, and can easily be e-mailed to you, as a paid up member. Just e-mail me a note. As you may recall, we have dispensed with reading minutes at meetings due to time constraints at our meeting locations.
• Meetings serve as our training sessions and information transfer opportunities. Please join your fellow members in staying up to date with all that we are trying to accomplish and come on over to our meetings, the fourth Tuesday evening every month.

Treasurer’s Talk – May 2007

Hi Gang!

This month I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped me in getting all the information together for the ID Badges we ordered. I think they really look good, and am proud to wear my ID badge showing my METERS Affiliation! I will be making another order in a month or so.... and if you haven't gotten your certifications in to our Secretary, do so as soon as you can. Also, if you have made some upgrades in License class or other qualifications, you can order an updated ID Badge if you would like. The cost is $6 for a replacement, and you have to turn in your old badge. We can order replacements anytime we make a regular order.

Speaking of affiliations, remember we are an affiliated group of the ARRL, and as such, the majority of our members are also ARRL members. To this end, remember that when it comes time to renew your ARRL membership... why not let METERS do it for you?! All you have to do is fill out your registration form from the ARRL... and give it to me, along with your renewal check (made out to METERS, Inc.). I can take it from there, and renew your ARRL membership for you. (You won't have to even buy a stamp!) Those of you who are NOT currently members of the ARRL, can join through METERS if you wish. I will have application forms, and all I need from you is a check for the membership fee. I will handle all the paperwork for you, so if you are interested in being an ARRL member, just see me for all the details!

I also still have plenty of the METERS logo patches available, suitable for placing on a jacket, a shirt, or a hat. They are still only $3 each, or 2 for $5.00.(They really do look sharp!)

Talk to you again at the next meeting!

- Dave KE4YBZ

Recent and Up Coming Public Service Events:

Knoxville Hamfest and Electronics Exposition
and
ARRL Tennessee State Convention
June 9 (Saturday), 2007

Please join us for the 41st Knoxville Hamfest and Electronics Exposition on June 9 (Saturday) at the Kerbela Temple in Knoxville. This year, we are honored to be designated as the ARRL Tennessee State Convention. Vice President Rick Roderick (K5UR) from the League will be our guest and featured speaker. The theme for the hamfest this year is "Exploring HF Communication" and is aimed at the growing number of new hams with upgraded privileges for HF. In the various forums and exhibits, information will be presented about the many facets of HF communication such as contesting, DX and traffic handling. There will also be a special youth forum centered around amateur radio.

There will be a large and diversified number of inside dealers selling a wide range of amateur radio items and electronic components. Outside, tailgaters will have additional items for sale. We'll have on site concessions, serving both breakfast and lunch. Amateur radio examinations will be given on site in the afternoon. Parking is free. We'll have several HF stations on exhibit to complement the theme for our hamfest, along with others such as AMSAT. Several amateur radio organizations will also be in attendance.

Outside, we are again pleased to have the UT Amateur Radio Club demonstrate a high altitude balloon launch from the parking lot. The balloon will have an electronics payload fabricated by the students. Gould Smith from AMSAT will demonstrate satellite communication using a simple Yagi antenna with low power HT from the parking lot. And Paul Lewis from UT will have a telescope in place for solar observing. The Jack Goforth Communication unit will also be on display and operational.

The hamfest officially opens at 9:00 am and closes at about 4:00 pm (depending on activities). There will be hourly prize drawings with prizes to also be given away in the various forums. The grand prize is a two meter transceiver with antenna. There are still a few Advance Hamfest tickets available for $ 7.00 (same price as for general admission). The Advance Hamfest ticket holders will be admitted early at 8:30 am, and there will be a special prize drawing during this period.

More information is available on the Radio Amateur Club of Knoxville's web page at www.W4BBB.org.

We're looking forward to seeing on June 9 !!!

73,
David Bower, K4PZT (d.bower(- at -) ieee (- dot -) org)
Hamfest Director
Radio Amateur Club of Knoxville

And from the west of us…

Fellow Ham,

Would you mind passing this hamfest flyer on through email or your website to any interested parties in your club?  Our club accidentally missed the advertisement deadline in QST. Thank you.

Michael Allen
KD4KCD

Tennessee (Silver Point) – June 16, 2007

What: Sixth annual free Hamfest/Tailgate Party

Who: Sponsored by the Upper Cumberland Amateur Radio Association, Inc.

Where: Silver Point Community Center, 13565 Hwy 141

Directions: 70 miles east of Nashville and 13 miles west of Cookeville; Exit 273 off I-40 (Center Hill Dam Road). Turn west on Hwy 141 by the Suzuki shop (turn right immediately before the railroad tracks) and follow Hwy 141 one half mile to the community center (community center will be on your right).

Talk in: 145.11 repeater.

Time: Gates open at daybreak – hamfest lasts until whenever.

Testing: VE testing at 9:00 a.m. Spotter’s class tentative.

Fee: Entry and tailgating are free (donations accepted); bring your own table or tailgate arrangement.

Food: Concession stand is available.

Contact: Jack at kg4mfj(- at -)frontiernet(- at -)net or Dave at 931-858-6886.

Notes from The ARRL Letter

==>AMATEUR RADIO VOLUNTEERS SERVE THOSE DISRUPTED BY KANSAS TWISTERS

Amateur Radio volunteers responded after an EF5 magnitude tornado with winds exceeding 200 MPH swept through southwestern Kansas over the May 5-6 weekend, essentially wiping out the town of Greensburg. The town, population 1500, lost its hospital, schools, churches and all of its business and infrastructure. A National Weather Service meteorologist called the tornado "one of the most destructive tornadoes in the last 10 years."

A team of Amateur Radio volunteers entered the area Saturday morning and began setting up communication, according to District 6 Emergency Coordinator Godfrey Flax, KC0AUH. District 5 Emergency Coordinator Robert Hanke, WG0Q, activated ARES in Pratt, Stafford, Reno and Barton Counties. Hams deployed to Greensburg and Haviland, and net control operations were established in Pratt.

According to ARRL Kansas Section Manager Ron Cowan, KB0DTI, repeaters that remained on the air were some distance from the affected area. He and other hams were monitoring 3.920 MHz Saturday in case there was HF.

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) was conducting logistical nets at 9 AM, 3 PM and 9 PM each day on 3.920 MHz, and HF and 2 meter operations were been established in Haviland. Kansas and Western Missouri SATERN Coordinator June Jeffers, KB0WEQ, says SATERN members will be utilized in Kiowa County to support Salvation Army canteens and the service center in Haviland.

Twelve people died as a result of the severe weather, 10 of them from Greensburg, which is located some 45 miles east of Dodge City in Kiowa County.

The entire town evacuated Friday night, and more than 400 people took refuge in shelters in Haviland and Pratt. The Salvation Army dispatched canteen units from Dodge City and Hutchinson. A shelter was also opened in Mullinville. On Sunday night, the Red Cross requested radio operators to provide communications between the hospital in Pratt and the shelter in Haviland.

President Bush declared Kiowa County a major disaster area, making federal aid available to people and communities affected by the storm. "Our hearts are heavy for the loss of life in Greensburg, Kansas," the president said Sunday. "It's going to take a long time for the community to recover."

Editors Note: It will be very difficult for you to respond effectively as an Emergency Communicator for a community-wide disaster if your own family is not prepared for such an event (to include your potential response). Please review Your Family Disaster Plan available from FEMA and the American Red Cross as well as other information available from the Department of Homeland Security at http://www.ready.gov.