The regular monthly meeting of the Sussex County RACES Group is Thursday, September 8 at 7:30pm in the Training Room of the EOC. The primary topic on the agenda is the Make-A-Wish Triathlon at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, DE.

All: Mark your calendars. Sign Up for the 28th Sea Colony Make A Wish Triathlon in Bethany Beach is underway. It's a fund raiser for Make A Wish of the Mid Atlantic, the group that grants seriously ill kids a wish. It's a great cause and a great event.

September the 24th, Saturday morning, with a 6:30 AM start for the early assignments (swim, transition, MCU). Later assignments are at 7:30 (Bike) and 8:00 (Run). We need mobiles on the Bike and Run venues, a couple of HT's in the Transition Area and on the beach. We are also looking for another NCS, and two Asst. NCS's. This will be a RACES event in support of the county EOC/MCU, Sussex EMS, and several fire companies. As such, you must register ahead of time to be covered by the county. There's no better time than right now, and get your choice of assignments.

New to this, let us know and we will team you with an experienced operator. Want to team up anyway with a buddy, do so, and we will assign you that way. Team up with your spouse, ham or non-ham; great idea, come on. We had several husband and wife teams last year. Talk it up among your fellow amateurs. If you haven't heard, this can be fun and a satisfying experience in helping a good cause and playing with radios. It's also great training and experience working in simplex nets in a real life situation. this is where you train for what we don't want to happen, and have fun doing it. Great picnic afterward.

Later, 73

John S. Ferguson K3PFW
Communications Director
Sea Colony Make A Wish Triathlon

One of the reasons we do public service events is to train for the time when Amateur Radio is called on to provide critical communication when our communities are faced with disaster. So here’s an opportunity to look at Return Day event as a great big exercise simulating assignment in a disaster.

The assignments are outside, in the weather, they are somewhat removed from sources of support, and you will be out there a while. Think about how you will prepare for your deployment.

Weather, since you will be outside, are you prepared for what ‘Mother Nature’ might bestow? Have you checked a weather report? Do you have appropriate gear?

Away from sources of support, what will you do for food, drink, and personal items? If you don’t have it with you, you won’t have it.

Out there a while what about creature comforts, like a folding chair?

What will you need to do your job as a communicator? Have you checked your radio? What about an extra battery for the HT? Do you have all the accessories, like the antenna and the speaker mic? Something to write with, and write on?

Operationally are you ready? Do you know where your position is? Do you know what frequencies are being used?

This event and the one coming might just be a really good reason to think about a “Go Kit” and what might be in it.

The above are just a few questions to get you thinking about Thursday. Oh, by the way, enjoy yourself and have fun while doing something for your community.

Later, 73
John S. Ferguson-K3PFW
Sussex County RACES Radio Officer

NBEMS is now operational at the Sussex County EOC on 146.425 MHz using digital mode MT63-2000. You can send the EOC a message using the NBEMS package available for a free download at the NBEMS development website.

The Sussex County RACES Group is now holding a bi-weekly "Digital Training Net" on Thursday evenings following the ARES net. We gather on 3583.5 kHz, USB, 1000 Hz offset. We accept check-ins using Olivia 8/500. We switch to MT63-500 for RACES bulletins.

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, and 70cm. Refreshments are available. Come enjoy the fun, and the fellowship!