We got the official word from Washington this weekend with approval of the $100,000 grant from CNCS to reimburse some expenses incurred by volunteer radio operators who have been in the field supporting response and recovery from Hurrican Katrina. While the grant limits ARRL to modest awards, it is a clear recognition by CNCS of the value of ham radio when all else fails. At this point we have $107,000 to disburse and additional contributions to this Ham Aid Fund may come in and will be added to the coffers. We are not conducting a full public campaign, since this is the time of year that we seek contributions for Spectrum Defense....and Katrina has certainly highlighted the value of our frequencies like never before! Those who inquire may send a contribution payable to ARRL and earmarked for Ham Aid.

Rick Lindquist will post a story with the details of the rant and how these grant awards will be made, but I wanted you to read the procedures and view the form in advance of that. (See attached) We are trying to keep this process as simple as possible, and our Finance staff will handle these disbursements. I explained the process at the SW Division convention this past weekend and no serious questions arose. I hope that is an indicator that our procedures and goals are clear. Any questions or comments about the grant or the process should come to me.

My only regret is that we cannot cover all expenses for all hams who have given so much....no only in this crisis, but for so many other disasters over the decades. So those who apply for and receive a per diem expense reimbursement, approved by their SM or SEC, receive it for themselves and for so many ham volutneers who have gone before.