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Emergency communications requires many things.  We not only need equipment that operates properly and training on how to pass traffic efficiently but we also need to establish effective relationships with those whom we serve.  Many of our people have gone out of their way to promote meaningful emergency communications.  Joe Koester, W4NSA, recognized the need to add a wide coverage repeater in our area to serve not only a greater portion of Cumberland County but to be able to reach into adjacent counties as well.  Cliff Segar, KD4GT, has had extensive experience serving as a responder during many large scale emergencies.  He saw a need to promote the Emergency Communications aspect of Amateur Radio.

Joe fulfilled his goal by obtaining, modifying and installing the 146.895 repeater.  Cliff fulfilled one of his goals by working with the ARRL to install a large banner on a billboard located on his property (westbound I-40 near the eastern part of Cumberland County).  Rather than just posting a standard banner Joe and Cliff worked together to make the billboard far more meaningful to fellow HAMS as well as the general public.

A decision was made to include two repeater frequencies on the billboard.  Joe's repeater in Cumberland County would be used by west bound traffic and the Cliff's repeater in Roane County would be used by eastbound traffic.  The net result was the billboard shown below.  It is the only one of its kind and a great start toward promoting one of the most important aspects of Amateur Radio - and that is Emergency Response.  Many thanks to Joe and Cliff for their cooperative effort!!

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To be USEFUL, you MUST be READY.
To be READY, you MUST be TRAINED.
To be TRAINED, you MUST plan AHEAD.

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