The Press Release For
The K4LRG ARRL Field Day Operation

Hello All:

The following Press Release, which incorporates the changes suggested by the members, has been sent to all local media outlets.

If anyone would like to have a copy of the file to print out and post at their work, stores, etc., please reply to this message and I will send you the file.

Thanks.
73, Larry K3HE

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

L. Hughes

Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, P.O. Box 1004, Purcellville, VA 20134

Phone: 703-779-0113

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS SUMMARY: Loudoun County Hams Gear Up to Set Long Distance Contact Records and Practice Emergency Communication Skills
(Lovettsville, June 27, 2003) - Scores of Loudoun County Amateur Radio operators will work 'round the clock this weekend to set up field radio communication stations, get on the air, and contact thousands of other operators in the US and Canada as part of participation in the American Radio Relay League's Field Day.

According to Larry McCaig, President of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, Field Day is the annual "shakedown run" for the ARRL's National Field Organization.

"Field Day is a way for hams to get outdoors and have fun under some difficult conditions," McCaig says. "But it's also a chance to fine-tune emergency communication skills. We use generators and battery power, and we set up antennas in the field. The idea is to put together a self-sufficient, working station quickly and begin making contacts."

The ARRL Field Organization has been effective in establishing emergency communications nets during floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes and other major disasters. During the 9/11 crisis, members of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group provided emergency communications at the Red Cross Headquarters in Leesburg, at the Red Cross center at Dulles Airport, and at the Pentagon disaster site, for the Salvation Army. The League estimates that more than 35,000 hams participate in Field Day every year.

Loudoun County's Field Day operations will be at 14282 Rehoboth Church Rd, Lovettsville, VA. Setting up emergency antennas in trees using slingshots, etc. begins at 4 PM, Friday, June 27. The Field Day runs from 2 PM Saturday, June 28, to 2 PM Sunday, June 29. The public is invited to observe, and to participate by talking on the radio to people around the world. Directions from Leesburg: take route 7 west and turn right onto route 9 west towards Charlestown. Travel about 5 miles to traffic light at Route 287. Turn right onto route 287 north (Berlin Pike) and go 2 and 3/4 mile and turn right onto Ash George. Drive 3/4 mile and turn left onto Rehobeth Church Road. Drive 1/2 mile and turn right into drive way marked by address sign with 14282 on it. For more information, contact L. Hughes, 703-779-0113.

SUMMARY: Loudoun County Amateur Radio operators to contact thousands of other hams throughout North America in the nation's largest ham radio on-air event.

WHO: Licensed Amateur Radio Operators in Loudoun County, and all interested persons.

WHAT: Hams will set up and operate field radio stations to contact other hams throughout the US and Canada over 24 hours. Objective is to see who can make the highest number of contacts during the contest period.

WHERE: 14282 Rehoboth Church Rd, Lovettsville, VA

WHEN: June 27- 28- 29, 2003.

WHY: Participation in the American Radio Relay League's Field Day. Amateur Radio operators practice communication skills under primitive conditions, with generator and battery-powered equipment and portable antennas. Special awards are given for "alternative" power sources such as solar, wind and methane. Field Day is a competition as well as a "trial run" for emergency communication skills used during disaster situations. Photo opportunities, interviews, activities of local participants in important national Amateur Radio event. See all Amateur Radio communication modes in action, including voice, code, packet radio, teletype, and satellite.

CONTACT: L. Hughes, 703-779-0113