OVH Supports 76th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Santa & Mrs. Claus holding court

What a difference a year makes.  On December 3rd, the Ole Virginia Hams supported the 76th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. While just cloudy last year, this year’s forecast called for poor weather. They got it part right. While the weather was gloomy during the preparation phase or setup phase of the parade, the weather did improve as the day went on. John, KG4NXT, Theresa, KG4TVM and yours truly met at the Manassas City Yard at 6:30 AM to collect & decorate the OVH trailer. It was about 50 ° at that time. Overnight and that morning we had about .3” of cold rain, which made lying on the ground to hook up the trailer and electrical just miserable. It was too wet to put a lot of decorations on … Read more >>

OVH supports Turkey Trot

Duane KK4BZ and XYL were runners

Early in the morning of Thanksgiving Day, OVH did communications support for the Manassas Turkey Trot, which is a 5k race event. We provided communications. The OVH members helping where Wayne, N7QLK (lead); Ken, KN4DD; Theresa, KG4TVM and John, KG4NXT. The race went smoothly. We did notice a large number of participants whose philosophy was ” Walk, don’t run”. Nevertheless, we all got home in plenty of time for Thankgiving dinner.

OVH VE Session Nov 19, 2022

OVH VE examiners

On November 19, 2022, OVH sponsored a VE session at a Centreville Library. Byron, AK4XR had secured the space. The VEs assisting were John, KG4NXT; Al, KB4BHB; Ken, KN4DD; Luther, WA3FMO; James, KQ4CAX, and Mark, WA4KFZ. Theresa, KG4TVM assisted with registration and ID checking.  She also prepared a handout which included a club application and the steps to follow to check on the application and pay the new $35 FCC fee.  We had 7 applicants and all passed. We have 5 new technicians and 2 new Generals.

President’s Letter for November 2022

Greetings to All, I hope that everyone had a happy and safe Halloween. I was going to say something about leftover candy, as if there would actually be any candy left over. But, never mind. November 11th is Veterans Day. As you probably know, originally it was designated as Armistice Day in remembrance of World War I veterans. It has since evolved in the US to honor ALL veterans of our military services.  So, I’d like to take a moment to thank all of our members who have served, and also all who are currently defending, those who have served, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank You. Our Former VP Jeff, WB6UIE, always a fine writer, has written another enjoyable article for Veteran’s Day, on our website. … Read more >>

Prince William Forest Park – WWII Radio History

SSTR-1 suitcase radio

Jeff Fuller WB6UIE       Constructed by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the park was originally designed as a getaway for inner city youth during the Great Depression. Today its rustic cabins and idyllic trails are available for all to enjoy. There is another interesting and, until recently, little known slice of the park’s history – its role as a training site for OSS operatives during WWII.                     America entered WWII with no national agency responsible for coordinating intelligence and covert action. Before Pearl Harbor, such activities were conducted piecemeal by the individual military services. President Roosevelt addressed this deficiency by creating the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) under WWI Medal of Honor recipient Brigadier General … Read more >>

Sunshine Corner

Happy birthday wishes to our club members celebrating this month – Wayne, N7QLK; Kevin, W4RKU (formerly KX4KU); Baofang, KK4JFK; Theresa, KG4TVM; Butch, W4HJL; Greg, KM4CCG; Jeff, WB4TT; Charlie, WA4YGI; Joe, AB4QV; James, N5TE; James, KA4BOL; Paul, K4GZR and Allan (no call). Wishing you all a great day! If you have a birthday this month and are not listed, please let me know! Manassas Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 3rd. We are entered in the parade as a unit with the club trailer. If you are available to decorate the trailer, please let me know at kg4tvm@hotmail.com or 703-257-3566. If you would like to work your radio during the parade, please contact George, K4GVT. He is coordinating communications throughout the parade route – george@k4gvt.com OVH Holiday Party will be on Sunday, … Read more >>

Why We Do It – 2022 Tri It Now “SEASON WRAP UP”

and John Heartney, KG4NXT On October 23rd, the Ole Virginia Hams wrapped up its support for the 24th Annual Tri It Now season with its eponymous Tri It Now “SEASON WRAP UP”. There are normally 6 events per season occurring either on a Saturday or Sunday. The OVH usually fields 5 to 8 volunteer spotters. That is, we are there to provide eyes, ears & communication support throughout the event. Normally, we spot riders with broken down bicycles and riders who haven’t trained enough, so they are suffering from sore limbs. I myself took one rider with ankle pains & his bike which had 2 flat tires (related perhaps?) in my truck back to the finish line. In short, usually nothing serious happens. What many of you do not see … Read more >>

Sunshine Corner

Happy birthday wishes to our club members celebrating this month – Chris, KN4IJF; Richard (no call); Robert, KK4MXU; Ray, KM4EKR and Phil, AC4PL. Happy wishes for a great year. If you have a birthday this month and are not listed, please let me know! Manassas Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 3rd. We will be entered in the parade as a unit with a club trailer. The OVH will also support the parade with radio communications throughout the parade route. We do need a club member to pull the trailer thru the parade with their truck. If you are available, please let me know at kg4tvm@hotmail.com or 703-257-3566. We will also need help with decorating the trailer. If you would like to work your radio during the parade, please contact George, … Read more >>