Wade, I'm with you 100% on this issue. Good comments. 73, Bernie-N3EFN -----Original Message----- From: Wade Walstrom [mailto:walstrom@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 8:57 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:10639] Re: Fwd: Suggested ARRL Name Change This identity crisis issue comes up at least once every 6 months or so in the Midwest Division. My answer goes like this: 1. Part 97 of the FCC regulations deals with the "Amateur Radio Service" not the American radio service. When this changes, come back. We will talk about it then. 2. How we are viewed by our served agencies is based on how we do the tasks expected of us, not by the name of the service we participate in. If people carry out their assigned tasks in what could be described as a professional manner, and there are already many who do, the name "Amateur Radio Service" is of little consequence. The intelligent people we serve have already figured this out. 73, Wade W0EJ dick@pobox.com wrote:

24 MAY, 2004 - 1420 CDT

To All ARRL Directors & Officers:

The Wisconsin Section of the ARRL Central Division has one of the most effective, integrated ARES/RACES organizations.

I'm forwarding the letter appended below without comment, at this time, other than to say that perhaps it should be seriously considered?

73 - Dick, W9GIG ======================================================================== May 24, 2004

Don Michalski, W9IXG ARRL Wisconsin Section Manager 4214 Mohawk Drive Madison, WI 53711

Dear Don,

As we discussed in late 2003, it is time for ham radio to take a fresh approach, and a new name, especially as it relates to emergency communications.

The name, Amateur Radio, conveys we are amateurs. While technically true, this is not the image ARES leadership and members want to convey to local, state and federal government and private disaster assistance agencies. With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the Citizens' Corps, now is the time to change and modernize Amateur Radio.

I propose we change our name from Amateur Radio to the American Radio. This name better conveys who we are and what we do.

What would this mean to ARES? This new organization would be called the American Radio Emergency Service or ARES. If a change is in order, now is the time. The Department of Homeland Security is still developing, the ARRL and the Citizens' Corps recently signed a memorandum of understanding and the FCC Field Organization is presently undergoing change and modernization. Now is the time of opportunity for the ARRL.

I believe this proposal would greatly benefit ham radio, and especially its service. There are two aspects of ham radio, hobby and service. We need to better leverage the service aspect, and being able to change ARES to the American Radio Emergency Service would spearhead improved service to our communities and the nation., If you, or members of ARRL Headquarters, would like to discuss this proposal in greater detail, please let me know.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards, Bill

William M. Niemuth, KB9ENO ARRL/ARES Section Emergency Coordinator, Wisconsin RACES Chief Radio Officer, Wisconsin W8088 Hillcrest Court Hortonville, WI 54944

920-779-0611 920-475-4819 (mobile) bniemuth@new.rr.com

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