Amateur radio field day scheduled for June 27-28

Members of the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club (SFARC) will be participating in the national American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Amateur "Ham" Radio Field Day exercise, June 27 – 28 at Georgetown Airport. Field Day is an opportunity for hams to test their abilities in setting up a remote amateur radio station, operating, and communicating with others. With the Internet and different mobile devices available these days, it's easy to forget about the "roots" of the technology we use today. The use of radio signals reach beyond borders and bring people together while providing essential communication in times of need. Field Day highlights ham radio's ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. "ARRL Field Day is the biggest event for SFARC each year and an opportunity to build fellowship around a hobby we love so much" said Mark Koehler (W2MWK), president of SFARC. "Year after year, we're thrilled to introduce people to amateur radio and howit can still be used in times of need." Mike "Smitty" Smith (WB1G), director of public relations for SFARC, added, "As radio operators, Field Day sharpens our communication skills. With a battery, a radio, and a piece of wire, we can talk around the world while making friends and providing emergency support if needed. We like to say, we're a social club with a radio problem!" Anyone may become a licensed amateur radio operator. There are more than 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 9 and as old as 100. And with clubs such as SFARC, it's easy for anybody to get involved right here in Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties. Field Day will be Saturday, June 27-Sunday, June 28 at the Georgetown Airport, 6245 Aerodrome Way in Georgetown. For more information about Field Day or Amateur Radio, contact Mike 'Smitty' Smith at (916) 773-1999 or through the W6EK website at https://fieldday.w6ek.org.