Bob Wilson, W3BIG
It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. While operating in public someone takes notice of the equipment asking if it’s a CB. Depending on how often you’ve had this experience, your reply could either be somewhat awkward or more educational.
Having been actively engaged in ARES for nearly 20 years, serving both as an EC and SEC, I’ve had many opportunities to demonstrate amateur radio to curious onlookers. “Amateur radio,” I usually explain, “is a radio service administered by the FCC where members are licensed and operate in compliance with federal communications regulations.” I often explain that while amateur radio is a hobby and we do it for enjoyment, many operators are members of specialized volunteer communication teams that augment local, county, state and federal emergency management departments.
While many people are familiar with the term ham radio, the phrase amateur radio is somewhat less understood. I’ve even witnessed institutional bias directed at ARES teams by less enlightened government employees based on perceptions derived from the term amateur radio. But, I’ve also heard more experienced emergency managers question the description amateur, stating, “Not sure why they call you folks amateurs. Your members are more experienced and knowledgeable than our pros.”
To those among our fraternity who bristle at the term amateur, take solace knowing that it is both an accurate and positive description. The definition of an amateur is a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit. The word origin is from Latin, and later French, meaning to love.
Being an amateur radio operator is something of which to be genuinely proud. One of the greatest golfers to ever grace the links was Atlanta’s Bobby Jones. An amateur, Jones routinely bested tour professionals and remains the only golfer in history to complete the grand slam, golf’s holy grail. His influence on the game was immeasurable and in addition to his tournament victories, Jones founded and helped design Augusta National Golf Course, home of the Masters.
Like Bobby Jones, amateur radio has its own masters. Our brothers and sisters have accomplished great things and their technical achievements advancing the communication arts, too numerous to mention here, have made our lives better. And, the thing to remember about these wizards among our ranks is that they did it all for love of the game.