Amateur radio operators prep for Field Day

Mayor Lee Dragna has signed a proclamation that makes June 23-29 Amateur Radio Week in Morgan City.
The proclamation acknowledges that ham operators and members of the Bayou Emergency Amateur Radio Service have repeatedly donated their time, equipment and services in the interest of all citizens, especially during local emergencies. BEARS also has donated time and equipment to provide communications support to local service clubs and organizations and offers services to assist city, parish and state officials.
BEARS will take part in a national event, Field Day, June 28-29. The purpose of Field Day is to prepare ham operators to be able to set up remote operations, such as would be needed after a catastrophic emergency, and to have the training, skills, and knowledge to put up a complete working ham radio station.
In order to make this event a training session but also a fun operation, BEARS will be joining over 30,000 other operators from over 4,000 stations across the nation.
BEARS Field Day will be set up at Larry Doiron Memorial Park, 3257 La. 70, Stephensville, in the Concession Pavilion area.
Operations begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28 and continue for 24 hours. Two transceivers will be in operation, and a variety of portable antennas will be utilized.
BEARS welcomes the public to come out and observe operations 1-5 p.m. n Saturday.
Educational materials will be on hand for anyone interested in the hobby, and club members will welcome the opportunity to greet visitors and answer questions about amateur radio.
BEARS club meetings are also open to the public and are held the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 201 Everett St., Morgan City, in the downstairs conference room. Anyone wanting further information on ham radio or Field Day can call 985-385-0730.
Pictured with Mayor Lee Dragna at the Proclamation Signing are BEARS members Mike Galler
WD5JTZ, Tina Galler KA5HSL, Deborah Price N5FMI, Frank Price N5BOD, and Willy Darce
KC5OHM.