Villages Amateur Radio Club demonstrates how important ham radios can be during emergencies

By MATT DIXON, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — In 2007, after a tornado ripped through George Rutkoskie’s native Kansas, the Village of Hadley resident used his skill as a ham radio operator to become an important cog in the emergency communications that helped the area recover.

“We helped coordinate police and emergency services with the hospital,” Rutkoskie said.

Because cell phones and other traditional communications were unavailable, Rutkoskie said ham radio operators, or “Hams,” were the only viable method that emergency workers could use to communicate.

“It was the only form of communications,” the president of The Villages Amateur Radio Club said.

The group was out in force Saturday at Lake Sumter Landing as part of its 13th annual Radio on the Square event where group members were showcasing ham radios while trying to garner interest in their passion.

Tom Schuler, the group’s treasurer, said that ham radio operators are able to form bonds with people around the globe.

“You get to know people all over the world,” he said.

Rutkoskie said that one of the weekend’s biggest draws is helping people send “radio grams,” messages that can be sent anywhere in the world via ham radio.

“We have a message going to Iraq — someone in The Villages has someone over there and we are getting a message out,” Rutkoskie said.

Schuler, the club’s treasurer, reminded Villagers who want to send a message to a distant relative or friend that they can come to Lake Sumter Landing where a club member will try to send the message on their behalf.

“All they have to give is a name, address and telephone number and we will try to contact someone,” the Village of Winifred resident said.

The weekend event also has caught the attention of a national representative from the American Radio Relay League.

“This is fabulous. These guys are building a relationship with the community,” said Paul Eakin, ARRL’s Northern Florida section manager.

Eakin pointed out that ham radios are fun to operate and a good way to connect with people all over the world, but he stressed their importance during times of emergency.

“They are the last line of defense,” he said.

Matt Dixon is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9089, or Matthew.Dixon@thevillagesmedia.com.