Field Day Memories

For those that have been a Ham for a while know that every year the fourth weekend of June is Field Day.

Field Day for those new to the hobby is a 2-day event where hams gather at a location outside of their own homes - usually a public field or big location and throw wires into the trees, erect massive vertical structures and yell into microphones things like “Five Alpha November Hotel.”

All the while eating food your wife would disapprove of and hanging out with friends and family around the campfire between radio sessions.

You see, field day is more than a bunch of “old men” hunkering down in a dark radio room listening to the drone of Morse code in the background.

It’s a place where people no matter your skill level - engineer, physicist, or corrections officer meet and swap stories, share experiences and swap a craft beer or two. We learn about how our voices travel far distant places over waves in the atmosphere. We seek out that illustrious DX station is giving 59 signal.

But I learned a thing or two from a mentor…….

The thing I learned with field day isn’t how much you know about impedance or the velocity factor of LMR 400 - which is coax to the average human. The memories you make with all different people, young and old, make you remember why you started this hobby.

You see, often, the gap between the older and younger generation widens, eroding the opportunity for passing on the “stories” of the past. Everyone’s busy lives can create a gap to keep us from “slowing down” and pause to listen to the wisdom of our senior generation.

I also throw a challenge to the older, wiser generation. Use the moments presented to you to come alongside a “younger” ham and “be curious.” You might be surprised that you build a connection that becomes a “bridge” to a great friendship and connection to growing your club.