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Ham radio operators from the Stanly County Amateur Radio Club, call sign K4OGB, will be
participating in a national amateur radio exercise from 2-6 p.m. June 25 at the shelter on the summit of Morrow Mountain State Park. The event is an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933 by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio in the United States.

Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work
reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless
communications network.

Some hams from the Stanly County area will also use the radio stations set up in their homes or
taken to their backyards and other locations to operate individually or with their families. Many
hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative energy sources
such as generators, solar panels, and batteries to power their equipment.

This year’s event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Jeff Balfrey, call sign KY4EJ.

“Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Balfrey added.

During Field Day 2021, more than 26,000 hams participated from thousands of locations across
North America. According to ARRL, there are more than 750,000 amateur radio licensees in the
U.S., and an estimated 3 million worldwide.

Among the tenets of the Amateur Radio Service is developing and practicing skills in radio
technology and radio communications, and even contributing to international goodwill. Hams
range in age from as young as 9 to older than 100. For more information about ARRL Field Day
and ham radio, contact the Stanly County Amateur Radio Club via Facebook or their web page
www.K4OGB.org and visit www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.