Montana Amateur Radio Emergency Services

April 16, 2008 - NEW Montana Section Emergency Coordinator Appointed

Just a note to inform the membership that we have a new Section Emergency coordinator in Montana.

Jim Fuller, N7VR has resigned as SEC. Jim seeks to pursue other opportunities. He has served for several years in this capacity and has done an excellent job. We will miss him.

Todd Gansel, AE7V has stepped up to the challenge, accepting the SEC position. Todd has served for a year now as Net Manager for the Montana Traffic Net, and has done a great job. The net has grown over the year and has many newer and active members in the net, credit goes to Todd for his leadership. Todd will be replaced by Mike Kasner, W7MPK who will guide the net into the future.

We also need volunteers for several leadership positions in our State ARRL structure. If you have a knack for working with people in your community and would like to join our team, contact me or Todd with your questions.

Thanks to all

73

Doug, K7YD
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ARRL Montana Section
Section Manager: Douglas R. Dunn, K7YD
k7yd@arrl.org
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April 15, 2008 - Montana Section Emergency Coordinator Resigns

Effective April 15, 2008, I have resigned as the Montana Section Emergency Coordinator. All requests for assistance and information are to go to Doug Dunn, Section Manager, until a replacement has been named.

I have other interests that I wish to pursue. I intend to have more time to be Radio Active, again.

Jim Fuller, Former Montana SEC

Up Dated 08/01/2007
American Red Cross request for background checks.
October 25, 2006

The American Red Cross has issued policies for background checks for volunteers and affiliates. The American Radio Relay League has responded in an Article entitled "ARRL President Airs Concerns about Required Red Cross Background Checks".

Update 08/01/2007: On 07/21/2007 the ARRL Board issued policy regarding MOUs on the subject of background checks. Please see ARRL Board of Directors Acts on Background Checks, Digital Issues at July Board Meeting. The Montana Section will support this action, as it addresses the concerns expressed.

The Montana Section will not require you to register for this check. We will leave it up you each of you to make your own decisions. We understand the Montana American Red Cross Chapter has been in a state of turmoil during the last year. Hopefully, they can provide you with information relevant to their requirements. Calls from this post ion to the CEO or Interim CEO have gone unanswered. Therefore, we will not require stations to assist with communications until this has been resolved. We, also, will allow stations that have completed the Check to volunteer for communications duties should they desire.

If you do complete the check please provide the documentation to your EC, DEC or SEC, for inclusion in your information for assignment.

Update - Requests for Opinion

I have been asked about my personal background check with the ARC, by several hams. I have not submitted to their check due to concerns on my part about the agreement I am asked to sign on the ARC's contractors web page. I would advise all hams to review this carefully and make your decisions accordingly.

Jim Fuller, N7VR, MT ARRL SEC

Update - 11-13-2006 - Red Cross Response

The American Read Cross Director for Response and Marketing has made a statement to the ARRL about the Background Check Policy. The article entitled "American Red Cross Clarifies Background Check Policy" is on the ARRL Web Site.

As this still leaves them with broad powers, I suggest each of you make your decisions carefully.

Jim Fuller, N7VR, MT ARRL SEC

ARRL Proposes changes to SM, SEC, DEC, EC, STM Position Requirements

The ARRL has proposed changes to the duties and requirements for the SM, STM, SEC, DEC, EC positions. You can read about it here in a PDF format.

Field Org Report Recommendations 40