This event is sponsored by the Friends of Loudoun County Mental Health, a private non-profit organization which operates in partnership with the Supported Living Services of the Loudoun County Mental Health Services. As listed in Loudoun County Government Support Listing:  "This group advocates for mental health needs throughout Loudoun County, educates the general public about mental illnesses, and raises money to fund our various consumer-focused programs. Loudoun's Supported Living Services works directly with consumers of the county's programs who are experiencing serious mental illnesses."

Comm Support - Loudoun ARES & Loudoun ARG

 
L-R: Denny Boehler - KF4TJI, Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ, Tom Garasic - NA4MA, Pepper Garasic - "K9PG",
Angi Garasic - KG4AVR, Kurt Reber - KI4FWB and Paul Dluehosh - N4PD

           On beautiful Saturday October 23rd, LARG members wearing their ARES hats provided communications for the Hike for Hope 2004 sponsored by Friends of Loudoun Mental Health. The event was supported by Denny Boehler - KF4TJI; Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ; Paul Dluehosh - N4PD; Kurt Reber - KI4FWB; Tom Garasic - NA4MA; Angi Garasic - KG4AVR and Pepper Garasic - "K9PG" Tom, Angi, Kurt and Pepper enjoyed walking the trail while providing support. The hike was on the C & O canal beginning at Brunswick, MD. They walked upstream along the Potomac River about 2.5 miles, had a snack, and hiked back. The pledges the walkers collect for each mile they hike goes to help defray housing costs for mentally disabled Loudoun citizens.

         Although we had very short notice, we were able to provide support needed for this activity. Denny got a chance to check out his "flag pole" mast as net control. Out stations were able to communicate with HTs.

         Fortunately there were no emergencies to deal with. The hike's sponsors were very appreciative of our being there to help.