Randy Randolph’s Seminar

Tue 1/14/2025

“Army 1st Class (RET) Randy Randolph (K4WWB) presented an in-depth presentation on Navigation and Traveling in compromised and potentially hostile circumstances, using various methods of orienting, from maps to dead reckoning, stellar cues and GPS.  

The presentation included map orientation, pros and cons of paper map and compass vs GPS, basic stellar navigation and safety protocols to ensure safe transit and passive self protection in the event of a survival, EMP, or any other compromising challenge.

A well thought-out presentation, it included profiling potential threats, and real life considerations for survival from “Point A to Point B.” 

The Amateur’s Delight

 In a world of static whispers, ham radio comes alive,  
Where waves of connection, across vast distances, strive.

 
Operators with call signs, in the ether they roam,  
Seeking distant signals, like sailors seeking home.

   

With QSOs and CQ calls, they embark on their quest, An amateur’s delight, this radio bequest.  
They tune their rigs with skill, like musicians tuning strings,  
To catch the elusive DX, on the airwaves it sings.

  

Through the ether’s dance, Morse code comes to life,  
Dits and dahs like fireflies, cutting through the strife.  
With keyers and paddles, they tap a rhythmic code,  
A symphony of dots and dashes, across the airwaves stowed.

  

Their antennas stretch like arms, reaching for the skies,  
To touch the far-off lands, where distant voices rise.  
In ragchews and nets, they share stories of delight,  
Building bridges of friendship, as day turns into night. 

 

They pass along QSL cards, like postcards through the air, Confirming contacts made, a treasure to declare.  
In contesting’s fierce domain, they strive for highest score,  
A battle of the airwaves, where skills are put to the fore.

  

When storms rage and signals fade, they stand firm and true,  
Emergency traffic handlers, brave and noble crew.

 
With ARES and RACES, they serve their fellow men, Amidst the chaos, they bring order, time and time again. 

 

With IARU and ARRL, their community they bind,  
A brotherhood of hams, a unity of mind.

 
Amid the crackling static, friendships they amass,  
For in this radio realm, the distance cannot surpass.

  

So here’s to ham radio operators, with their passion deep,  
Chasing frequencies and dreams, while the world’s asleep.

 
Through ether and ionosphere, their signals they deploy,  
With hearts that hum in harmony, and radiate pure joy.