May 2025 Newletter
My Motivation
A substantial part of my motivation to run for SM was based on observing things in Linn County that were not helping unify the hams in the community. Just the opposite: people were dropping out and no longer participating. This was due to poor leadership and a lack of respect for the volunteers.
A Vision for Renewal
I am deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me as your Section Manager. The 2:1 majority with which I was elected speaks to our shared desire for positive change and real leadership. During my campaign visits to clubs across Iowa, I heard your concerns and aspirations. The message was clear: you want a unified, respectful, and vibrant amateur radio community that serves both our passion for the hobby and our commitment to public service. I am committed to performing the tasks expected of me.
Rebuilding Trust and Community
I’m pleased to report that my newly appointed Linn County EC is actively working with EMA and NWS. Training was just conducted for new Net Control operators. This demonstrates how quickly positive change can happen when we approach our service with professionalism and mutual respect.
New Leadership Team
To fulfill my commitment to positive change, I’ve appointed several qualified and experienced operators to key positions:
- Clint KØGR as Section Emergency Coordinator, who brings extensive ARES experience and is currently reviewing EC and DEC appointments
- Dave K9DCR as Traffic Manager, whose expertise will be invaluable
- KBØL and KØDPL as Net Managers, whose ongoing dedication is greatly appreciated
- Tim NØCKR is the new Club Coordinator
- Elizabeth KDØKQX is the new Public Information Officer
These appointments are not just ceremonial. They increase member participation and spread responsibilities to active and competent amateur operators in Iowa. Their participation is valued and I am happy to accept their advice. My thanks to each of you for volunteering. Remember, I need you way more than you need me. I am here to serve you.
My review of the existing appointments revealed that proper records had not been maintained—ten Silent Keys remained listed as active appointees, including my mentor WØYLS and my friend WØSS. Part of rebuilding trust is ensuring our organization operates with accuracy and respect.
My Commitment to You
My approach as Section Manager differs significantly from past. I want to provide real LEADERSHIP.
– I will not appoint myself to additional positions
– I will not micromanage our volunteers
– I will recognize and value your contributions
– I will maintain open, respectful communication
– I will focus on unifying our community rather than dividing it
Activity Report
The Des Moines Hamfest was held April 26. This was my first hamfest as Section Manager. I was overwhelmed with the number of people coming up to the ARRL table and introducing themselves. Many folks were representing various clubs around the state. Honestly, I’m still trying to digest all of the clubs. I know I talked to someone from Council Bluffs, several from Mason City, DMRAA and others. Thank you for all the work you do for your local clubs!
Mostly importantly, there was LOTS of good stuff at the hamfest. Sadly, there were several estates represented and I knew the SK’s. Some very nice Collins equipment and lots of the usual shack accessories. It isn’t all gone. If you missed out, check with Dean NØXR as there is still quite a load remaining.
I met with the folks from Iowa State Univ Campus Amateur Radio Club. Btw – HOW can this not be CYCLONE ARC, like it was when I was there??? We chatted about their recent balloon and discussed some technical challenges. Guys – keep in touch. There are several of us who can give you more practical advice for the next time. Oh, and we want to look at phase noise from those cheapo HT’s. That could be a real issue.
On April 19, the River Bend ARC from the Quad Cities did a zoom meeting. Both the Illinois and Iowa SM’s were able to get in and we each gave a short presentation. This seems like an active club! Thanks for inviting me.
If your club is interested, I’d be happy to do zoom or whatever to address your club. I want to hear from you, regarding ARRL or any issues.
Please have a look at:
https://arrl-iowa.org This is the new and improved web page. I’ll try to keep it up to date.
https://groups.io/g/IA-ARES This is the new Iowa ARES group, because the old one got hijacked.
Also, please log into the ARRL.ORG and subscribe to the Midwest Division and Section lists.
New Appointments
The following appointments have been made:
This ARES disaster is being rectified. Clint KØGR has been appointed Section Emergency Coordinator. He is well respected in the EmComm community and will do a fine job. He is in the process of contacting all of the county EC’s, AEC’s and DEC’s. The list hasn’t been touched in years and we need to verify that the appointees are able and willing to perform their duties. There will be more emphasis on District cooperation. Clint is also planning a state ARES leadership event.
Tim Busch NØCKR is the new Section Clubs Coordinator. Tim and I have been working to contact all of the nearly 100 clubs in Iowa. We very much want to invite each club to have a representative participate in a club discussion where we plan to share success stories and lessons learned. This information can then be shared with each club to improve their respective operations. At your next club meeting, ask if you have a participant in the discussion group.
NTS has several new appointments. David Roberts K9DCR is the new Section Traffic Manager. Assisting him are Net Managers Bernie Lewiston KBØL and Dave Lucas KØDPL. I welcome them to their new positions and thank them for their service.
There is a new person helping with publicity. Elizabeth Cowley KDØKQX is the new Public Information Officer. She is a great asset assisting with preparing press releases and other items. This is an important position and I greatly appreciate her volunteering to help.
There were several (10) names on the appointment list who were SK. Unfortunately, I am not able to thank them for their service. If you are aware of other names on the appointment list who are no longer serving, please send me an email.
As you can see, there are lots of people willing to help. I am very conscious that advice and participation from the membership was not used in the most advantageous manner. I’ve received numerous calls from folks I’ve never met. They are all offering to help. I am humbled and truly appreciate your support.
It is worth mentioning that as we are all working to improve amateur radio in Iowa, there may be things which are broken but I’m not aware of them. Please feel free to contact me, email preferred. I will do everything I can to make amateur radio better in Iowa.
I also want to thank others who have donated time and effort to making things better. We share in that success.
Barry WØIY
You can always get the latest news from ARRL HQ. Just follow this link.