Each year the ARRL Field day is different for the Dauberville DX Asso (DDXA). This year we decided to concentrate on inviting policeman, fireman and one particular congressman,Congressman Gerlach, who we thought may be moving up through the Washington's ranks. As the hot day wore on and our tower , buddy and NVIS were set up and adjusted and the steady hum of our generator filled the air, we set up our stations wondering where everyone else was.

We had expected a great turn out but few showed. Yet our spirits were not low as the pile ups shouted through the Orion, Icom and Yasue. Oh yeah ...each contact was weighted as the wall of pile ups roared

Then finally the Congressman's secretary arrived and soon telephoned him that we were amiable. In five minutes both of them were walking among the antennas that stretched across the fields. NT3O , Charlie Lazarz,chatted for 20 to 30 minutes teaching the works of radio and it's function in our community. NT3O then showed him how it was done and of course the Congressman attempted and succeeded with his first call for K3TI. In less than 30 seconds his first contact was made.. He could not believe it was so easy with no numerous knobs or gadgets to adjust . It was just like making a phone call only better. We had to tell him several times he had made his first contact.

I am convinced showing how easy and fun ham radio is rather than explaining it may be the ticket in others understanding this great way of communication.

With an article in our local paper and the way news filters through a small community I am sure our next field day will show a better turnout in numbers because “ fun and simplicity” has it's own trendy way of spreading news. As for us in the DDXA club we always”rather be on radio”