July 9, 2013

28




Women and Ham Radios

I grew up listening to Bill Gaither's music long before his popularity sky-rocketed around the world. Although Bill and his wife Gloria have written, recorded, and performed more songs than I can possibly remember, one of my favorites is... 'It Get's Sweeter As The Days Go By'.

Recently the two most important women in my life passed their Amateur Radio Technician Exam and I must admit that I found myself humming 'It Get's Sweeter..." for several days following their testing.

My wife and daughter gave me a wonderful Father's Day gift; however, they didn't plan it out this way. The calendar simply worked in our favor as well as the location.  It was held at the Columbia County (Georgia) EMA facility which is located just a mile from our QTH.  American Radio Supply was a sponsor of this two-day training class so I was there to witness their 'sweet' success.

I've been in the hobby for more than 30 years and I've attended and exhibited at hundreds of hamfests. Over the years, my wife often asked me... "Why aren't more women in the hobby?".  Honestly, I don't have a good answer to her question.  Most women are smart, they're great conversationalist and let's face it they make the hobby look better. So, it seems to me that amateur radio would be a good fit for them.

Nevertheless, my wife and daughter have now join the other women who have entered the radio hobby and I hope many more ladies will follow in the years to come.  My wife and daughter are eager to learn more about the hobby and only time will determine just how involved they become.  I will certainly do my part to encourage their participation. My daughter is interested in SKYWARN® and meteorology and my wife, who is a Registered Nurse (RN), is interested in The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES), RACES, CERT, etc., the emergency preparedness aspect of ham radio. All of this is a reminder to me of just how broad our hobby is. There is something for everyone!

The training class was very successful with fourteen new Technicians and three more upgrading to General Class.  So, congratulations to all!

BTW - A former member of the Gaither Vocal Band is an amateur radio operator. Do you know who?

Answer:  WD4LZC

Have a great week & 73,

Terry Burton, W4ALK
AmericanRadioSupply.com


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