Amateur Radio Saves Family in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is in a remote desert in southern California, where mobile phone networks are spotty at best. On Saturday 6 April 2024, a radio amateur and his family were enjoying the park when their vehicle became stuck in mud in a dangerous area. Without access to a cell network, the ham called for help on the 10-meter band.

According to a news release from the Black Swamp Amateur Radio Club, Caleb Gustwiller, KD8TGB, jumped into action.

“Without Caleb hearing this distress call, it could have quickly become a very deadly situation for the operator and his family.”

— Facebook Quote

Gustwiller was monitoring from Ohio when he picked up the distress call. He was able to hear the call sign and the general location of the ham in distress. He lost the signal to the noise, so he wrote a post in the Parks on the Air® Facebook group asking for other hams to listen for the calls.

Several hams contacted emergency officials in southern California, which led to the ham and their family being rescued within a few hours by park rangers.

ARRL Story - https://www.arrl.org/news/view/amateur-radio-saves-family-in-death-valley-national-park

NASA confirms ISS debris hit Florida home

NASA has confirmed the claims of a Florida homeowner who said his house was struck by debris from the International Space Station which had jettisoned old batteries. The space agency came to that conclusion after examining it at Kennedy Space Center where it had been taken after the damage was discovered on March 8th. According to various news reports, the homeowner had been away at the time but discovered that part of the ceiling and floor had been damaged.

No one was reported injured.

Programs for Disabled Amateurs marks 57 Years

The Courage Kenny Handiham Program is marking 57 years of providing service, training and experience to disabled amateur radio operators. In celebration of the program's longevity and success, the Handiham Radio Club is holding a 48-hour QSO party and all currently licensed program members are encouraged to get on the air. The action starts at 1900 UTC on Friday the 26th of April and continues through 1900 UTC on Sunday the 28th April 2024. Operators will be on all amateur bands using all modes, including digital and VOIP to spotlight the Minnesota-based program and the club.

Operators will be calling CQ Handiham 57. Logs are required and due no later than June 1st. Contacts can request an anniversary QSL card by QSLing directly to the program.

More Details - http://www.handiham.org