The current list of primary local repeaters to be used during emergencies:
ICS 205 Severe Weather Repeaters
Changes from initial posting are highlighted in yellow
Regards,
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
To all EC’s, DEC’s, ASEC’s and other interested parties,
Mr. Gerald Messerschmidt, K5GLM, has accepted the position of Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Montgomery County in District 1 of the South Texas Section. District 1 is composed of Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller County. Gerald replaces Mr. David Cantrill, K5DLD. Gerald was nominated for the position by DEC 1, Mr. Keith Brandt, WD9GET, and approved by the STX Section Manager Mr. Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX.
Gerald (Gerry) Messerschmidt, was first introduced to radio at Benson Polytechnic High School, Portland, Oregon. He became a regular on the school's radio station broadcasting and a DJ playing classical music. However, he was side-tracked from radio by attending the University of Oregon Medical School and eventually becoming a Hematologist and Medical Oncologist and then spending several years in training in San Francisco, Bethesda, Maryland as the Head of Experimental Hematology Section, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.
Gerry was primarily working as a researcher developing anti-cancer drugs and biologics for 43 years and a teaching physician of those physicians-in-training to be anti-cancer specialists in and around Philadelphia, PA. He retired 3 years ago and moved to Del Webb The Woodlands just north of Houston and reinvigorated his radio enthusiasm.
At Del Webb, Gerry founded a new CERT program and has been very active in FEMA-EMI and ARRL training for both CERT Incident Command, ARES Leadership, and RACES District 16. He is also very active in the Del Webb Veterans Club having spent nearly 11 years in the US Air Force where he founded the Department of Defense Bone Marrow Transplant Program (Approved and Funded in-person by Casper Weinberger) initially built at Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. This was subsequently relocated to the New Military Medical Center at the Joint Base San Antonio.
Gerry is married to Lisa Malseed, Esq, and they have 4 children. All three daughters are located in Texas: Jacqueline is a Psychologist living north of Austin, Victoria is a Biomedical Engineer Researcher in San Antonio and Janine is a Junior at Baylor University, Waco, majoring in Neuroscience. Their son: Jonathan, an MD, Ph.D. student at Duke University, Durham, NC.
This appointment is effective May 19, 2023
Regards to all,
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
Mr. Joe Craft, KI5IQE has accepted the position of District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) for District 6 of the South Texas Section. Joe was recommended by longtime Bandera County Emergency Coordinator (EC) Mr. Edward Ringgold, N5LVQ, and approved by STX Section Manager (SM) Mr. Stuart Wolfe KF5NIX. We thank the former DEC 6 Mr. Ernest Reich W5FQA for his many years of service as DEC and Texas ARES Net Manager. District 6 is composed of Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, Kinney, Medina, Real, Uvalde, and Val Verde counties.
Joe tells of his early intro to radio: “My first introduction to SW {shortwave} radio was at a young age. My father built a HealthKit radio and case. I can still see my little brother and me sitting by the window with the radio and a piece of wire as an antenna dangling out the second-story window. We had no idea what the languages were but interesting nonetheless. Later we had CB radios in our cars. This was the first radio conversation I had.”
Joe met his wife in Houston at a Bowling alley during league night and 42 years later she still bowls better than he does. They have one son, daughter-in-law, and grandson living in San Antonio. Our grandson is 6 and like all small kids, loves those Nintendo's.”
“I am retired now from Ecolab where I spent 32 years. I was the Senior Water Solutions Manager where I initially handled Boiler and Cooling water treatment and wastewater treatment.
After several years I took over the southern area responsibilities for our corporate water filtration and water softening. My largest customer was a very large burger chain with an Orange and White roof.”
“I took my technician test a few Februaries ago just before the major lockdown. I passed, then we got a break that May the same year and I passed my general that I retain to date.”
“I am currently the President of the Hill Country Amateur Radio Club in Kerrville, Texas.”
“The HCARC has a team (KARFA) affiliated with the Kerr County VFD and city fire stations to aid in communication assistance as needed by the county. The looming Eclipses will be a major event for KARFA to man these fire stations in case there is a Comm's breakdown during the solar event. I also belong to the Medina County Amateur Radio Corp that meets in Castroville, Texas.”
“I continue to participate in various ham radio from Club events to Field Days and Scout Jamborees. I support the Hams in our area that need help repairing their stations so they can get back on the air. If I can't help, I try to find a Ham near them to assist. I love antenna testing and building antennas.”
Being involved with a Club is a great way to learn more about the hobby and help those coming into the hobby. ARES is a great program to be associated with, it provides help in many ways from a small county to the whole country.
This appointment is effective April 18, 2023.
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
Ms. Carolyn Young, KE5VYG has accepted the position of Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Victoria County in the South Texas Section. Carolyn was recommended by the DEC 10 Mr. John Taylor KE5HAM and approved by Section Manager Mr. Stuart Wolfe KF5NIX. District 10 is comprised of Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Karnes, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Victoria, and Wharton counties.
Ms. Young was born in 1953 in Austin, Texas. Her family moved to Victoria in 1961, two weeks before Hurricane Carla. In 1970, she married James Nordin. The Nordin’s had a daughter and lived in Houston. They were involved with the Lone Star CB club. This was Carolyn’s first experience with radio. James’ aunt and uncle had been in ham radio for years.
Carolyn continues with her story: “We divorced in 1980. I moved back to Victoria. I went to work in retail and went to college and raised my daughter. After my daughter was out on her own, I moved back to Austin. I went to work for an electrician as a bookkeeper, payroll clerk, and estimator. I learned to be an electrician and became licensed and ran a crew. I moved back to Victoria in 2000 to care for my mother, up until her death”.
“James and I got back together in 2008. By then he then had his ham license, KM5UR, and got me back into radio. He was a member of the Victoria Amateur Radio Club and got me involved in club activities. He asked me to study and take the ham test. I was promised a trip to Las Vegas if I passed. I passed the test and instead of the trip, I got a Kenwood 710. He thought that was a better reward”.
“We participated in Field Day events, Fox Hunts, Water Safari, and Bike Rides. James put up a 50 ft tower in the backyard and set up in the house with a radio room, and generator for emergency communications. James has since become silent key due to an extended illness”.
“I am now getting more involved with radio since his death. At present, I am the secretary for the Victoria Amateur Radio Club. I am trying to become more familiar with ham radio and the many bands and activities. At one point, I was the Victoria County ARES EC, but had to step down in order to care for James. I am now prepared to step back into that role, …..”.
This re-appointment is effective April 2, 2023.
Welcome back Carolyn,
Regards to all,
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
Hello all EC’s, DEC’s, ASEC’s and other interested parties,
Dr Keith Brandt, WD9GET, has accepted the position of District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) for District 1 of the South Texas Section. District 1 is composed of Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller County. Keith replaces Mr. Lee Glassman, WA5LEE, who remains active regionally with ARES.
Dr. Brandt was first licensed in 1977 and progressed from Novice to Advanced within a year. He achieved Amateur Extra in 1986. He has broad interests in Amateur Radio, but most especially Public Service, Skywarn, and satellites. He is active in Brazoria County ARES and the Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club.
He is employed by the University of Texas Medical branch where he works as Flight Surgeon for NASA, a position he started in 2016 after retiring from 28 years in the Air Force. He has maintained his service to his country through the Civil Air Patrol and the Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System. His other interests include aviation, history, weather, astronomy, and scuba diving.
Keith is an Elder at First Christian Church in Alvin, a member of Alvin Masonic Lodge, Captain General of the Pasadena Commandery of Knights Templar, and has been the chief medical officer of an international educational medieval historical society.
He is married to Melinda Kaye Brandt, KA9MHO. They are looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this summer. They have 3 children and one grandson that live in the Houston area.
Appointment made January 23, 2023.
Regards to all,
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
RACES 16-201-U
281-467-8595 Cell
Hello all EC’s, DEC’s, ASEC’s and other interested parties,
Mr. David Cantrill, K5DLD, has accepted the position of Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Montgomery County in District 1 of the South Texas Section. District 1 is composed of Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller County. David replaces Mr. Mark Taylor, N5MDT, who will remain active with the ARES group.
Mr. Cantrill was first licensed as a technician radio operator in March 2018 and received his general license in June 2021. He became a Volunteer Examiner (VE) in August 2021.
David is active in local events such as the Woodlands Marathon, Ironman, and Houston Marathon.
An adult leader for the Boy Scouts for over 20 years, David has held the positions of Cub Master, Training Team, Cub Day Camp Director, Assistant Scout Master, and Camp Director for several District Camps, and Scout Master.
He also volunteers with his church as an A/V assistant, Youth Sunday School teacher, and Mission camp leader.
Now retired from the daily 8-5, he worked as Department Manager for Builders Square, Furrows Building Materials, and Lowes.
David is married and comments that “We are both retired. We have one son living in Austin.”
This appointment is effective January 16, 2023.
Regards to all,
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
RACES 16-201-U
Mr. Wayne Johnson, K5OB has accepted the position of Emergency Coordinator (EC) for the Southwest Unit in District 14 of the South Texas Section. District 14 is composed solely of Harris County, subdivided into 4 quadrants. I-10 is the north-south divide. I-45/HWY 288 is the east-west divider. Wayne replaces Mr. Russell Richter WP2AHG. Russell will remain active in local service with area hospitals, and community public service events. District 14 EC (DEC) Mr. Sherwin Klemp K5SEK and Section Manager, Mr. Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX, approve of the new appointment.
Wayne was originally licensed in 2005 as KE5FYO, operated as W3DGE from 2006 to 2017, and grabbed the K5OB vanity call soon after earning his Extra ticket in 2017.
Wayne was born in El Paso and became an avid follower of the XEROK and XERF/XERB border blaster stations during the sixties. When the family moved away from the border, he started building antennas to receive the border stations. The family moved all over the States, so there was the opportunity to build antennas in different environments. This evolved into shortwave listening. In the seventies, he became involved in CB radios and started “repairing” them to ensure the best propagation.
Interesting reading at this link for border blaster station XEROK:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XEROK-AM
Most of Wayne’s undergrad and graduate work (public administration, geology) was at UT El Paso, with an MBA added much later. He has worked mostly in public service and healthcare. Wayne has supported contracting activities at UTMB Galveston for 24 years, serving as its Institutional Contracting Officer for the last 10 years.
Wayne joined the SW ARES unit four years ago and has served as AEC for the last two years. He has also been an official relay traffic station for the past year. He is also interested in supporting emergency communications for neighborhood-level groups.
He has been married to the brilliant and kind Lisa Christion for over 30 years, has family and kids scattered around the country, and has a houseful of pets in the Katy area. His interests are classic cars, blues and jazz, barbeque cook-offs, geology, ham radio, child advocacy, Texas history, and travelling back roads.
This appointment is effective July 3, 2022.
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
I want to welcome Juan Garcia Jr - KI5WMN as our new Affiliated Club Coordinator for South Texas.DPS/TDEM has agreed to accept up to 21 ARES members that would be interested in becoming a Certified AUXCOM Instructor for the State of Texas. The goal of this program is to increase the number of authorized instructors in Texas from 4 to 25 instructors. Recognizing the depth of resources ARES has and the level of skills we have, they are looking to us to develop this expansion. Now, for us, this means that ARES will be recognized as being able to provide this certification to our members. Once certified an ARES AUXCOM instructor will be able to schedule training classes that will be coordinated through TDEM. This will eliminate the challenges of lack of instructors and also eliminate the budgetary constraints that TDEM has to host the classes. To review the requirements - Each candidate must meet the following -
- The candidate must have completed AUXCOM within the past three years
- The candidate must have completed the Task Book (more on that)
- The candidate must have completed current ICS courses (No longer than 3 years ago)
- OR Must be willing to take and complete the Texas AUXCOM course
- Then they will take an AUXCOM T-T course
- DPS then will certify them to offer AUXCOM training
Each individual meeting these qualifications and wishing to become an AUXCOM instructor must email me, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their name, callsign, their qualifications, and any references they have.
Mr. David Fanelli, KB5PGY, has accepted the position of 3873 Texas ARES Net Manager. David replaces Mr. Mark Mireles AD5CA who has served this position since October 2016. Both gentlemen also serve as a net control in the monthly rotation.
The 3873 net is held on Monday each week immediately following the Texas Traffic Net at about 7:30 PM.
A bit about David.
Mr. Fanelli has been licensed in the Amateur Radio Service since April 1991 and held an Amateur Extra Class license since September 1991.
David is also an active Volunteer Examiner in the ARRL/VEC who has participated in over 470 test sessions since accreditation in October 1991. He also acts as the VE Liaison for both the Clear Lake Amateur Radio Club and Johnson Space Center ARC and has held that position since July 1996.
Mr. Fanelli has been active in public service events and local ARES organizations since 1991 and presently is the Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Training for the Harris County – Southeast Unit. He also holds the Official Relay Station designation for his activities in the National Traffic System.
Professionally, Mr. Fanelli earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering in August 1996. He has worked at the Johnson Space Center in the capacity of software engineer for Lockheed Martin, Hamilton Sundstrand, and Jacobs Technology since February 1997 in both a facility testing International Space Station Guidance, Navigation, and Control flight software and at the Energy Systems Test Area. He has earned both a Group Achievement Award and a Space Flight Awareness Team Award from NASA Headquarters for his efforts in software development for tests at the Energy Systems Test Area.
We will be looking for additional net control and scheduled relay staff as we move forward.
This appointment is effective September 5, 2022.
Jeffery A Walter – KE5FGA
ARRL STX SEC
RACES 16-201-U
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