LCMS World Releif and Human Care (LCMS WR-HC) and other Lutheran disaster response entities have identified an obstacle to providing assistance following a disaster: communication. In times of disaster, telephone and internet services frequently fail or are overloaded and become unreliable. Functioning public emergency communication services are dedicated to first responders involved in rescue and evacuation operations, and most established volunteer amateur radio services fulfill specific recovery missions and are not available to the general public.

As a solution to this obstacle, the LCMS Amateur Radio Support Network (LCMS-ARSN) was activated. LCMS-ARSN is based on the modestly-equipped Amateur Radio High Frequency (HF) stations that provide medium range emergency communications (400 to 600 miles) and on Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) stations that provide local communications.

"LCMS World Relief and Human Care supports and partners with LCMS ARSN in this important ministry," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of disaster response for LCMS WR-HC.

LCMS-ARSN is now calling amateur ham radio operators of all license classes to help them form nets of operators holding Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Amateur Radio Operators Technician Class Licenses, an entry-level license to the Amateur Radio Service.

"Ideally, each church, school, or facility would have a team of two or three licensed operators to support their facility in the event of a disaster. Each facility would communicate with a 'master station' capable of relaying their information outside of the affected area," said Charles Campbell, an LCMS-ARSN founder. "Operators supporting our facilities would best come from within the facility itself. They are already there; they know the facility, people, and area better than volunteers that may come in from outside the area."

Campell says obtaining an amateur radio license is not a complicated process. To get a license, operators must pass a 35-question test covering rules and regulations, basic radio operating practices, safety, and fundamental technical information. Morse code is no longer required to receive an amateur radio operator license. "You can learn through self study, combined self-study and attending a (usually free) training class offered by a local Amateur Radio Club, or use on-line resources," said Campbell. For information about Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, visit http://www.emergency-radio.org/.

Operators participating in local nets are asked to use basic hand-held or mobile and use time-tested, straightforward emergency communication procedures. Plain text language without complicated codes is a requirement for all operators. For development and training purposes, an internet based (VOIP) net takes place on EchoLink. For information about Echolink, visit http://www.echolink.org/.

For a net schedule, additional information about the LCMS-ARSN, or about obtaining an amateur radio license, contact Charles Campbell (K4AFN) by calling 520-458-1997, e-mailing k4afn@q.com, or by visiting www.lutheransonline.com/LCMSARSN.