Tuned in to help: Southeast Missouri Amateur Radio Club adopts sponsorship of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Colorful, flashing buttons proudly worn by Ernie Chiles and Phil Nash sport the saying, "When all else fails ... Amateur Radio."

The men are two leading members of the Southeast Missouri Amateur Radio Club. At a recent meeting, club members voted to adopt sponsorship of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, a national organization that aids emergency radio communications in times of disasters.

"We want to help. ARES gives us an avenue to do that," said Phil Nash, vice president of SEMOARC and emergency coordinator for Cape Girardeau County.

The ARES program is promoted nationally by the American Radio Relay League.

While current club members are under no obligation to participate with the ARES program, 17 of the approximately 40 members have already committed to the program. With the sponsorship of ARES, SEMOARC members will act as advisers to hospitals, medical facilities, fire stations, police stations, the Red Cross and all other emergency relief responders that purchase the amateur radio equipment, commonly known as ham radios.

"We are really doing nothing we have not done before, except being more structured," said Ernie Chiles, president of the radio club.

Each of the 17 ARES participants will be assigned to aid a specific emergency responder, such as a hospital or fire station that possesses the appropriate ham radio equipment, during a time of disaster.

By using ham radio, emergency relief responders can easily communicate with one another if other communication means like telephones, cellular phones or computers are not available. Chiles said this is in preparation for natural disasters in Southeast Missouri.

"We are looking at the big picture," Chiles said. "The infrastructure will not be here to provide the link, so we will be that link."

Charleston, Mo., resident Paul Rollins has no doubt the sponsorship of ARES by SEMOARC will greatly benefit the Southeast Missouri communities.

"I have been a lot of places with the military and seen a lot of disasters," Rollins said. "Chaos is a major problem, and communication always helps."

In the meantime, Nash said the radio club members spend much time training for disasters. In June, SEMOARC hosted Field Day at Klaus Park in Cape Girardeau. People were invited to watch as members set up and role-played for a disaster.

The group also offers free training classes to anyone wishing to become a ham radio licensed technician. Training is open to all ages. Nash said the group has had people as young as 11 receive their license.

"All you have to do is have an interest," Chiles said.

Nash said he thinks the driving force behind people becoming active members of SEMOARC and using ham communication is the desire and willingness to help in a time of need.

Ham radio "adds another dimension to your life, and it is challenging," Nash said.

Chiles thinks club members also enjoy ham radio because of the social aspect, and it serves as a constant hobby to all members.

"The club acts more as a focal point to bring everyone together to discuss how to help the communities in times of need," Chiles said. "When the chips are down, we do what we can to make a difference."

SEMOARC welcomes all individuals interested in ham radio. For more information about becoming a member, contact Nash at 243-4858.

Ham radio "is fun, a challenge and rewarding. What more could you ask?" Nash said.