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