HAM RADIO And disaster communications

[Greg]

In the Vietnam war, HAM radio operators helped the troops stay in contact with their loved ones back in "the world". Long before the internet and portable computers, solders would go to a M.A.R.S. (military assist radio?)facility in their area and hook up. It was somewhat awkward, as the troop would be calling the HAM operator,(who would have his phone by a microphone), who would broadcast to another operator in the states, who would have a phone connection to the family. The people talking would have to say "over" after each sentence so that the HAMs could press and depress the mike switch.

Technology has evolved, but HAM operators continue to help folks around the world. Mahalo!