February 26, 2002
To: The Honorable J. Vitter
Congressman
Address
Washington, DC
From: Karen E. Johansen
513 P.O. Box 1056
Madisonville, LA. 70471
Dear Congressman Vitter;
Over the past years, I have heard from ARES and RACES groups from across the country.
They all seem to have one thing in common in that they have attempted to get help from the
Federal government to obtain surplus equipment. These groups are not looking for handouts,
nor do they expect the government to give them new equipment. All they wanted was the
ability to purchase surplus equipment as other groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, The
American Red Cross, Salvation Army and others have and still do.
They have followed all of the guidelines that were established as they incorporated
within their respective states, and applied for and received 501c3 status from the IRS.
But still they are turned down every time they approach the GSA (General Services
Administration) to purchase at a reduced price.
It seems that the GSA, along with many within the government on all levels does not
understand a few important things about these groups.
1. These groups are made up of volunteers that donate their time and personal equipment
to assist the American Red Cross, FEMA local and state departments of Emergency
Management.
2. They provide communications to assist not only governmental and relief agencies, but
to help the American civilians effected by natural and man-made disasters. The list of
these disasters are too long to list them all, but a few of them are:
| 1 |
The World Trade Towers Disaster. |
| 2 |
All Hurricanes that strike the United States |
| 3 |
All Tornado's that occurred in the US. |
| 4 |
All of the earthquakes occurred in the US |
| 5 |
Major to minor floods occurred in the US |
In the performance of their volunteer duties they do not seek fame,
fortune or status. All they ask that our government, the same government that calls upon
them to help in during and after a disaster, help them prepare by allowing them to
purchase surplus the same as organizations such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army.
It seems that in an age of Cellular and satellite telephones, many people think Amateur
Radio Operators and their equipment is out dated and out moded. And in a perfect world
were the cellular sites are not destroyed in a disaster, and where cellular as well as
landline telephones are not overwhelmed by users they might be right. However, I have seen
too many times when all normal means of communications fail due to a disaster. This is
when ARES and RACES members come into their own. Providing emergency communications that
save lives and property.
Some might think I might be blowing things out of proportion, and that the service they
provide is and was never that vital. To these I say ask someone in Disaster Services with
the Red Cross, or talk with a field agent with FEMA and see what they say. After al, FEMA
(Federal Emergency Management Agency) and before them DOD (Department of Defense) help
found and organize RACES (Radio Amateur Communications Emergency Service). So, if the
service was, and is not that important, why does FEMA and State Emergency Agencies
continue to rely upon Amateur Radio operators in disasters.
The answer is clear, Ham's can make contact into areas cut-off from the world due to a
disaster. When all of the high technology equipment go down because their antennas were
carried off by high winds, or their power is cut, Ham's continue to maintain
communications.
For the service they provide our country, they ask only one thing from the Federal
government and the citizens of our country. Allow us the equipment we need, and we will be
there when you need us the most.
Sincerely,
Karen E. Johansen - NE, MCP, A+
Amateur call sign WB5GEO
ARDS Web Administrator www.ares.org
