SPARCS Ham Radio Emergency Communication

6 Brand New National Weather Service Ham Operators!

Rio Grande Valley ham radio operators are now welcoming 6 new hams to the Amateur Radio Service fraternity this week!  Congratulations for passing the exam go to Nezette, Barry, Geoff, Joe, Jason, and Robert all NWS employees who decided it was time to take their test and enter the world of ham radio.  The course was taught by W6LUY and tests administered by Volunteer Exam operators Ron AC9RM, Bonnie KD5VMD, Ralph WA9IES and Bob K5VC on hand to administer exams right after the one-day course was given. 

K5REW Ric, former ARES DEC for District 3 said “This is very exciting news for the Rio Grande Valley, Skywarn storm-spotters, local government served agencies and citizens!  The six new ham licensees coordinated by Nezette Rydel the Meteorologist In Charge will make a big difference in ”manpower” available to operate the NWS Brownsville station call sign WX5BRO during emergencies and weather events…  the amateur radio station at NWS has recently been upgraded to digital capability featuring WinLink 2000 and the 6 new operators couldn’t have come on board at a better time”.  K5REW says that the biggest challenge to both the ham community and the weather service office has been the ability to provide ham operators to report to the NWS at the Brownsville Airport whenever required and at all times of day.  ”Few if any hams have served as many hours at NWS over the years as CHARRO ham radio club of Brownsville”, says K5REW. ”K5VC, and KB5TMC have been serving NWS for years… KF0MP comes to mind, along with WA9IES and of course WA5ZIP serving as Skywarn net control… have all been essential in providing hours and hours of service when called upon there in the Brownsville area”, he says. 

 As soon as call signs are available SPARCS.US will report them on this page. For those who want to email their congratulations you can visit their web site using THIS LINK and click on their names to bring up your email program to send congratulations!