ARRL’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) program provides a framework for volunteer groups to integrate with served agencies in their local communities to use the value of the Amateur Radio Service before and during times of crisis. Last week, ARES was represented by Johnston at the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Johnston met with leaders of dozens of organizations to raise awareness and build relationships. “Blue skies are the time to build bridges and make plans. Many groups have used ham radio for years, but it’s always encouraging to share information with people who may not understand the capabilities and value ham radio provides,” he said. Johnston was also a speaker last month at the amateur radio workshop at the National Hurricane Conference.
