(L to R) Gary WBØRUR, Nathan K5KAC, Andy K5PO, Kevin K5KVN. Not pictured is Jeff K3DEI.
For the fourth year in a row, not one of us was physically hurt while directing traffic for the Wreaths Across America event in Fayetteville, Arkansas. However, some feelings were hurt when a guy in a kilt told us in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t happy with the parking accommodations. But that’s a story we’ll save for the 80m net.
Once again, K5KVN’s Kenwood D700 served as a crossband repeater, using 2m in and 70cm out. That configuration provided the coverage we needed from the cemetery to the parking lot at the baseball stadium a mile away.
A new addition this year was WBØRUR’s APRS beacon in a box, which we were sure would be tagged as a suspicious item by passers by. No problems there, thank goodness.
Here’s a video of the motorcade bringing the wreaths, led by patriot riders, veterans and other motorcyclists:
The Combat Vets arrive to assist this morning at #WAA2015 in #NWArk pic.twitter.com/ZKvhAdiQa0
— The Noise Blankers (@WR5P) December 12, 2015
It’s become an annual tradition for us; a rare event that is placed on our calendars months in advance. We are honored to be able to use our skills/hobby in such a way. When the day was done, we had successfully controlled traffic and coordinated parking at the National Cemetery and Baum Stadium on the University of Arkansas campus. Thanks to WBØRUR, K5PO, K5KAC, K3DEI and K5KVN for another great event.
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- Gary WBØRUR working traffic control.
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- Andy K5PO practices traffic control.
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- Our APRS beacon tactical callsign was “WREATH”
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- Kevin K5KVN (left) and Andy K5PO
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- The motorcade arrives.
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- One of the trucks full of wreaths. 8,000 wreaths were placed on graves.
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- Arkansas Highway Police helped us control traffic.
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- Fayetteville (Arkansas) National Cemetery prior to decorating.
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- We had a few motorcycles show up.
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- The crowd of volunteers gathers.
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- (L to R) Gary WBØRUR, Nathan K5KAC, Andy K5PO, Kevin K5KVN. Not pictured is Jeff K3DEI.
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- All done! 8,000 wreaths were placed.
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- The APRS beacon, with antenna mag-mounted to the air conditioning unit.
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- Nathan K5KAC takes this VERY seriously.
