President’s Letter October 2026
At our next OVH meeting on October 20, we will have an Emergency Communications presentation by Bruce KN4GDX. The main purpose of the presentation is to introduce members to the recently created R3Emcomm Digital Communications group (R3EC); and to discuss the technical focus of the group which includes HF and VHF digital messaging and FM voice nets. R3EC is focused on regional readiness and training on digital techniques, as well as national digital communications among Emcomm groups. R3EC includes BBS and File access services on both HF and VHF. R3EC members have access via HF across Eastern US; and via VHF from NoVA and parts of MD to the Charlottesville area. Training is provided through several knowledgeable digital communications veterans and is also supported through the testing facilities at the KN4GDX home QTH.
On September 12, many past and present OVH members participated in the Serve Our Willing Warriors Ride. They are Dianne, KI4FVV; Gene, KN4JMB; John, KK4TCE; George, K4GVT; Greg, KM4CCG; Jack, WC4J; Chris, KN4IJF; David, KG4GIY; Andy, KJ4MPT; Bruce, KN4TS; John, KG4NXT; Gene, N4HFW and Jerry, KR4EZZ. I asked for race pictures and got pictures from Jerry KR4EZZ and Gene, N4HFW. There were 211 bike riders and the event raised over $85,000 for veterans and their families.
Looking to the future, OVH will again do communications for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. We show up in the morning and are released by 11:30 am or thereabouts. So, you can participate and not miss Thanksgiving dinner. We need a few more volunteers so contact me at kg4nxt@arrl.net or Theresa at kg4tvm@hotmail.com.
We also do communications for the Manassas Christmas Parade on December 5 and we will have the OVH holiday party on December 6.
As a final note, my 13 colonies certificate finally arrived.
