On March 18, 2023 there was a Hamfest in the town of Indianola, IA. It was a small affair, as Hamfest’s go, but it was a great time. there were a few venders, and there were deals to be had. But the bigest reason that there were so many that turned out was for the camaraderie, and the chance to meet people behind the voices that are heard on the air.

While this may sound sentimental, but this is the feeling that I got yesterday, a feeling of community, of friends getting together face to face and actually enjoying themselves. Sure you can purchase some “new to you” radio gear, but seeing old friends, or even making new ones is what amateur radio is all about, right? As I sat and watched, I marveled at how people from all walks of life are a part of this community, and boy I am so very glad that I am too.

There was, as at all Hamfest’s testing for new licenses, and upgrading your current license. The test is administered by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator, and the tests are scored by 3 Volunteer Examiners (VE’s). Per the ARRL’s web site:

“Volunteer Examiners (VEs) are US licensed Radio Amateurs holding a General Class license or higher, who offer their time to administer the FCC licensing exams through a FCC authorized Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) organization. The ARRL VEC is the largest VEC organization in the US.  A team of three or more ARRL VEs are able to test candidates applying for a new license or upgrading an existing license.“

http://www.arrl.org/volunteer-examiners

To become a VE one must pass a test with either the ARRL, or one of the other Volunteer Exam Organizations out there. There is no charge for the test to become a VE.

Well I am a VE, and have been for a while now, but I had not had the opportunity to sit in on a test session as a VE. That was until Saturday 3/18/23! On that day I was given a seat at the table as a VE. Now as I am only a General Class license holder, I can only score the Technician’s test, this is the first licesnce for amateur radio here in the United States. In essence I score the first level tests of those brave souls who desire to be among the Amateur Radio Community. It may not seem like something that would get anyone overly excited about, but to see the joy and elation in their eyes when they are told that they passed it just feels good.

Conversly, if someone does not pass the test, there is a look of determination in their eye, and resoluteness to study harder and pass the test at a later testing session that is palpable in the very air.

Either way those people who have taken the tests are congratulated, or encouraged to try again. And this is what I love about the Amateur Radio Community as a whole, the willingness to encourage others to try, and to revel in the success of others, or encouraging those that did not make it this time.

Just know, Dear Rader, that should you choose to take the Technicians test, know that you will be joining a community that is both technically minded, but that has a heart to be a community. I hope to meet you on the air sometime, or in person at a Hamfest.

Remember, nothing can stop your signal!

This is K0MRD, your Radio Prepper, signing off,