ARRL Seeking Volunteer Monitors

The ARRL is in the process of replacing its decades-old Official Observer (OO) program with a new joint ARRL/FCC Volunteer Monitor program and is now accepting applications. According to the ARRL Letter, Volunteer Monitors will listen both for improper activity and exemplary on-air behavior. In one significant change from the OO program, all VM reports will go to ARRL headquarters, which will issue advisory notices.

VM applicants must be ARRL members who have never been in trouble with the FCC themselves, must be able to use state-of-the-art receiving equipment and must be able to access remote receive sites if requested. Applicants will be vetted and interviewed by ARRL staff, and then undergo a training and certification program. Appointments will be valid for three years, unless terminated sooner by the ARRL.

Complete information is available at <https://tinyurl.com/y2u5l4ud>; applications should be e-mailed to <volunteer-monitor@arrl.org>.

Milestones: Another Krenkel Award and YASME Recognitions

The E.T. Krenkel Medal is awarded for
"outstanding global contributions to
amateur radio."
(From kenkelmedal.org website)

AMSAT President Joe Spier, K6WAO, has been honored with Russia's E.T. Krenkel Medal for "outstanding global contributions to amateur radio." According to the AMSAT News Service, Spier held several leadership positions in the organization before becoming its president. He is also a longtime supporter of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Spier is the second U.S. ham awarded a Krenkel medal this year. Last month, we reported that Ellen White, W1YL, the grand dame of DXing, had been similarly honored.
 

The YASME Foundation announced its 2019 Excellence Award winners at the Dayton contest forum. Angel Vazquez, WP3R, the

Head of Telescope Operations at Puerto Rico's Arecibo Observatory, was honored for his disaster relief work following Hurricane Maria, and "as an outstanding ambassador for amateur radio," according to a YASME news release. Nikola Percin, 9A5W, was also honored for outstanding work in advancing amateur radio in Croatia and his work in recruiting young amateurs.

In addition, the foundation announced three $5000 grants, one each to the Foundation for Amateur Radio and the ARRL for scholarships, and one to Italy's WRTC2022 committee for "general support." YASME will also sponsor the so-called "Widow's Ball" at WRTC2022.

FCC Re-Charters Technical Advisory Council; 2 Hams Among Members

The FCC has renewed the mandate of its Technical Advisory Council (TAC) for another two years, and at least two hams will continue to serve as members. 

According to the ARRL Letter, the League will be represented on the panel by Greg Lapin, N9GL; and ARRL Hudson Division Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, reports that Ted Rappaport, N9NB, a professor of computer science and radiology, and director of NYU Wireless at New York University, will also remain on the committee. 

The TAC is comprised of a diverse group of technology experts who provide guidance to the FCC on a range of matters, including 5G wireless technology, spectrum needs of drone aircraft and the use of artificial intelligence in telecommunication networks.