Ham Radio Operators Prepare for Emergency Communications

"When all else fails" has become the unofficial motto of FCC-licensed amateur radio operators who participate in the annual nationwide emergency communications exercise known as Field Day. Harken back to last year's hurricane disasters and one instantly recalls the role "ham" radio operators played in providing health and welfare traffic via their radio systems when local internet and cell towers were wiped out. This was a perfect example of the role amateur radio operators play in local communities. Important enough that Governor Tony Evers, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley all independently recognized the Milwaukee Radio Amateurs' Club role in leading the amateur radio effort in Southeast Wisconsin through a proclamation designating June 22 - 29, 2025 as Amateur Radio Week. Amateur Radio Week culminates with Field Day, a public demonstration of emergency communications deployment. This year, the club has selected Ottawa Lake in Southern Kettle Moraine as the Field Day site for Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. The public is invited to observe the quick set-up and deployment of radio gear to establish a working set of radios and antennas to communicate with other "hams" around the country and exchange messages demonstrating the perserverance in passing messages with high accuracy. The public is also invited to participate on-the-air with passing messages as coached by one of the club's licensed amateur radio operators.

Our visitation and operating times are 9 am - 8 pm Saturday, June 28 and 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, June 29.

Ottawa Lake is located in western Waukesha County along highway 67 south of Dousman, WI.

For more information, please visit w9rh.org.