[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DAYTON PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE IN AMERICA'S AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE

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                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2009

  Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, last weekend the Dayton, Ohio area played 
host to America's Amateur Radio operators. The Dayton Hamvention, 
located in Trotwood, has been a fixture of the Amateur Radio community 
since the event's founding in 1952.
  There are 663,000 FCC-licensed amateurs in the United States and Ohio 
ranks fourth nationally with a total of 27,800. Many traveled to the 
Dayton area to attend the Hamvention.
  The Amateur Radio Service, which began in the early 1900s, is both a 
challenging hobby and a valuable national resource in times of local 
and national disasters. Amateur Radio has repeatedly proven its value 
in providing two-way communications for local emergency operations 
centers and public safety officials during hurricanes, tornadoes, 
floods, earthquakes and even terror attacks. Its motto, ``When all else 
fails . . . Amateur Radio,'' is more relevant today than ever.
  For most of the 20th century, Amateur Radio attracted and nurtured 
telecommunications skills in America's youth, inspiring many to seek 
careers in communications and engineering while advancing the art of 
radio communications. Today, Amateur Radio satellites link hobbyists 
around the globe, and Amateur Radio operators combine the latest 
computer technology and digital communications with a commitment to 
public service.
  The Dayton Hamvention, sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio 
Association, has steadily grown in size and popularity to become the 
premier annual gathering of ham radio operators from around the world. 
The three day event offered exhibits of the latest in radio and digital 
communications technology and forums for hams to share their skills and 
interests.
  Thanks to the never ending hard work of the Dayton Amateur Radio 
Association, hams eagerly look to Dayton each year for innovation and 
inspiration.

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