Sussex County RACES will hold a regular monthly meeting in the EOC Training Room on September 9 at 7:30pm. One item on the agenda will be the Make-A-Wish Triathlon Communications Plan.

The 27th Bethany Beach Triathlon is September 25th. We will be using much the same plan as last year, and could certainly use more operators. Please, at your earliest convenience, let me know of your interest and availability. This is a great way to serve the community, get experience in large scale operations, and work with other hams and first responder organizations in a real life event.

For those of you not familiar with a triathlon, it is a three venue event (swim, bike, run) covering a fairly wide area. The Sussex County Mobile Command Unit (MCU) will be the Control Center located at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach. The hams will be spread out along the bike and run courses, and Sea Colony in the Transition Area, to report on progress and problems as they occur. A really great picnic for the participants, staff and volunteers follows the event, last year catered by Bethany Blues.

For those of you from last year, looking forward to having you back, and hope you talk it up and encourage new participants to come out and enjoy the fun.

Again, please let me know your availability and interest as soon as possible.

Later, 73

John S. Ferguson K3PFW
Communications Director
Sea Colony / Make A Wish Triathlon
(302) 855-9385

Click here for snapshots of the event from 2008

Click here for photos of the event from 2009

Are you a "ham" radio operator who wants to turn your hobby into a way to help? Do you want to make a valuable contribution to your community by serving in the emergency and disaster communications field? If so, there is a program that may be just right for you.

The Sussex County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is looking for a few good men and women.   Duties include supporting the civilian communications arm of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center during times of inclement weather, natural or man-made emergencies or large public gatherings.

RACES members benefit from the program's training opportunities and weekly "Open Operating Nights". Rather than a paycheck, RACES members receive a sense of pride and accomplishment while fulfilling Amateur Radio public service activities. You will be recognized for your skills, knowledge, participation, and willingness to learn.

While an amateur radio license is preferred, training will be provided to those interested in obtaining their FCC license.

For more information, call John Ferguson-K3PFW, Sussex County RACES Radio Officer, at (302) 855-9385 or email John at:

The Sussex County RACES Group will continue to host "Open Operating Nights" at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Specific dates will be announced here, so check back often. Amateur Radio Station KB3HEV will be open and available to any licensed amateur radio operator who wishes to learn more about the county's RACES program, or become more proficient with using the EOC station equipment. All are welcome. KB3HEV is active on 80m, 40m, 20m, 2m, 70cm, and EchoLink (as KB3PML). Refreshments will be available. Come enjoy the fun, the fellowship, and the FOOD!