I have been getting one or two e-mails each day wanting to know what the ARRL is doing (or not doing) about Homeland Security. Many of our members feel that the League is not doing anything. I have tried to reply to as many as I can telling them to sit tight and let us find out just where the best place amateur radio can serve. Below is a copy of a message that may help you explain to the members that we are indeed working hard to determine amateur radios role in Homeland Security. I plan to send the same out to the SM's so they too, can see that we are not just sitting on our hands. Jim Haynie, W5JBP President, ARRL =============================================== AMATEUR RADIO AND HOMELAND SECURITY WORKING GROUP As discussed with you concerning meeting as a group of individuals representing critical organizations involved in the use of the Amateur Radio Service in emergencies, disasters, and homeland security, a time and place has been arranged in the Washington, DC Metro area to consider how we can better utilize this valuable national resource in support of homeland defense/security. This meeting is planned for open discussion with information provided by the participants present. That is why the description, "Think Tank" has been used. Meeting time and location: 9 AM – 1 PM, February 27, 2001 Embassy Suites Alexandria 1900 Diagonal Road Alexandria, VA (The location is at the Alexandria King Street Metro stop) 703-684-5900 We will meet in the East Wing. The meeting will be listed with the hotel as the Amateur Radio Working Group. A closed/restricted list serve group has been set up to distribute information among this working group: NPSTC-ARS-WG@yahoogroups.com The following is a list of invitees: John Perry, American Red Cross Maj. Pat McPherson, Salvation Army Paul Reid, FEMA Riley Hollingsworth, FCC Jeanne Kowalski, FCC Michael Wilhelm, FCC Jim Haynie, ARRL Steve Mansfield, ARRL Chris Imlay, ARRL Tom Sorley, Orange County, FL Richard DeMello, FCCA, NPSTC David Boyd, NIJ OJP OS&T Ron Haraseth, APCO Gene McGahey, NLECTC/NPSTC Should you have questions or need additional information I can be reached through the contact information below. Regards, Gene Gene McGahey, Deputy Manager Communications Technology - Technical Assistance National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center Rocky Mountain Region - NPSTC Support Office University of Denver 2050