Amateur Radio Service Named Volunteer Group of the Year by Marine Corps Marathon
On Friday, October 19, the Marine Corps Marathon announced that the Amateur Radio Service is its Volunteer Group of the Year in light of the 30 years of service and support hams have provided for the annual event. Amateur Radio volunteers began assisting with the Marine Corps Marathon in 1978 and have provided essential, mission critical communications to the medical staff on race day. The Volunteer Group of the Year Award will be presented on Friday, October 26, 2007 as part of a special ceremony.
"The ham radio operators play a vital role in medical operations of the race. The knowledge and expertise of their dedicated volunteers enables the Marine Corps Marathon to provide all participants the highest level of emergency care and I am deeply appreciative of the hams' continued support," said Rick Nealis, Director of the Marine Corps Marathon.
Initially, ham radio served as a simple means of communications at both aid stations and mile markers. In the early 1990s, this support expanded to include digital communications with the aid stations and tracking of the pace car. Eventually, the aid station support evolved to automated digital communications that includes 115 ham operations located at mile markers, water points, aid stations, two finish area medical locations and as shadows to the division commanders. More than 100 Amateur Radio operators volunteer for the Marine Corps Marathon.
The award also recognizes two specific individuals, Rick Bunn, N4ASX, and Tom Azlin, N4ZPT, for their contribution to Amateur Radio participation at the Marine Corps Marathon. Bunn was first licensed in 1971 while in high school. He began volunteering for the Marine Corps Marathon in 1983 and served as the Marine Corps Marathon Amateur Radio liaison from 1997-2001. From 2001-2005, he served as the lead Amateur Radio operator, coordinating all aspects of ham radio support to the marathon. Azlin has been licensed since 1990. He first volunteered with the Marine Corps Marathon in 2001 and, since 2004, has been the Amateur Radio operator responsible for coordinating all aspects of aid station ham radio support.
Voted "Best Marathon for Families," the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Runners from all walks of life have participated in the world's largest marathon to not offer prize money, deservingly earning the nickname "The People's Marathon." The 32nd Marine Corps Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2007 in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Page last modified: 01:32 PM, 23 Oct 2007 ET
Page author: awextra@arrl.org
Copyright © 2007, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Previous: World Radiocommunication Conference Set to Start in Geneva
Next: Tornado Touches Down in Michigan, Three Dead
