Everyday People: In Emergencies, a Radio Cure:

Hillgaertner 'can talk to the world' When a hurricane-like storm lands in Clatsop County, as was the case in 2007, 911 telephone lines often stop working. In these moments, a retiree and his team of 36 fellow volunteers rush to fill the void. Don Hillgaertner has operated amateur radio, commonly referred to as ham radio, for more than 50 years. He's led the team in coordination with the county Emergency Management Division since the 1990s. Hillgaertner spends 10 to 12 hours of his time each week in the volunteer position. He and his wife, Terrie, both keep ham radios in their cars and have participated in multiple local ham radio clubs. Hillgaertner, 69, spent 31 years as a communications maintenance specialist with the Oregon Air National Guard, retiring as a master sergeant. He also served in the Oregon wing of the U.S. Army's Civil Air Patrol and in Washington County as a volunteer firefighter. His career has taken him to 44 states and 17 countries on five continents. He has regular conversations over radio with other enthusiasts around the world and as far away as Antarctica.

from Ham Radio Times http://ift.tt/2qO3Cd4
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