[UK-CONTEST] Vanishing Hams

[David Barber]

Sort of related to the current discussion, this just appeared on the Amsat
BB care of Bob, K5GNA.

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"Hi All,
 
I read the article yesterday that Frank had referred to and forwarded it to
a few friends.
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I received this URL today.  Read number 16.  

(http://www.walletpop.com/specials/top-25-things-vanishing-from-america?i)
cid=100214839x1205495530x1200282778
 
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Every time I go to an annual swapfest, the average age of attendees is one
year older. We need to spend some time reaching out to a younger generation
or #16 on the list will come true.
 
Many years ago, it was in the national interest to have a cadre of trained
radio operators. Today, with CB, Cell Phones, cordless phones, FRS, etc. --
everyone is a radio operator. Now, military communications is done with a
keyboard or microphone -- pretty much universal  skills now.  
 
As the article mentions, the airwaves are valuable property and we could
lose them.  Although the Amateur Radio Community shines when there is loss
of communications during a disaster, with newer technology, even that could
change.
 
A few years ago at the 2002 AMSAT meeting in Ft. Worth, Tony, AA2TX was
giving a talk on his antennas made from cardboard boxes and aluminum foil.
There was a grade school class in attendance with their teacher.  When the
talk was over, the kids swarmed over the boxes and aluminum foil to make
antennas with great enthusiasm.  Very inspiring -- this is the kind of
reaching out we need.
 
Instead of our self serving pursuit of DXCC, WAS, VUCC, WAC and  others,
maybe the ARRL needs to sponsor an award for bringing new Hams into the
community. Otherwise, someday, no one will remember what those letters even
stood for.
 
 
73 & TNX,
 
Bob
K5GNA"