Honor Roll DXer, Assistant ARRL Director H.O. Townsend, K5CX - SK

ARRL Life Member Howard O. 'H.O.' Townsend, K5CX (ex-WA5MLT), of Naples, Texas, died on May 30. He was 69. Townsend was a retired software designer and a US Army veteran.

An Honor Roll DXer, West Gulf Division Assistant Director, and past Section Emergency Coordinator, Townsend participated in the W1AW/5 Centennial QSO Party operation from Texas (12 meters SSB).

“His obituary fails to capture Townsend’s importance as an advisor to him and to past West Gulf directors. He was active in several clubs and continually promoted Amateur Radio. He leaves a big hole in the Amateur Radio community.”

— ARRL West Gulf Division Director Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV

“His obituary fails to capture Townsend's importance as an advisor to him and to past West Gulf directors. He was active in several clubs and continually promoted Amateur Radio. He leaves a big hole in the Amateur Radio community." ARRL West Gulf Division Director Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV

Obituary - http://www.batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2545160&fh_id=13960

South African RAE results released

Many new radio amateurs will be on the air from this week as the results of the May 2014 Radio Amateur Examination have been published on the South African Radio League web

The South African Radio League RAE Manager, Gideon Jannasch, ZS4GJA, reported a good pass rate, 118 candidates were successful.

Congratulations to all the successful candidate and welcome on the air. If you did not make it this time, you are encouraged to write the October examination.

May RAE Results - http://www.sarl.org.za/Web3/RAE/ExamResultsPublic.aspx

Connecticut ham uses radio to save girl's life

On 5th May 2014, Keith Mutch KB1RBI of Torrington, CT was on Ocean Beach looking out over New London harbor when he spotted an unidentified 12 year old girl and her dog, in distress as she attempted to paddle her canoe in the rough waters and increased winds on Long Island Sound.

Mutch quickly attempted to contact the U.S. Coast Guard with his cell phone, only to find that device did not have reception.  Of course, When All Else Fails.....Mutch turned to his handheld amateur radio.

Mutch, a Technician Class licensee, was able to communicate with the Coast Guard who alerted the nearby cross sound passenger ferry "John H" to be on the look out for the girl. Meanwhile the canoe in which the girl and dog were paddling had capsized.

The ferry located the girl and the crew began "Man Overboard" procedures, tossing her a life ring, which she clung to until a boat crew from Coast Guard Station New London arrived to complete her rescue.

The dog swam 3/4 of a mile back to land, where ironically,  Keith Mutch spotted him. Mutch says that he chased the German Shepherd up and down the beach for more than a half hour before being able to grab the leash and calm the animal. Mutch contacted the Coast Guard and he was able to reunite the dog with the girl's family.

A ceremony at New London City Hall honored those involved in the rescue.  The boat crews from the ferry and the Coast Guard received commendations

Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire  - http://www.nevadahamradio.com/