04/14/2023

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) recently visited a hamfest and met with
Amateur Radio operators at DeVry University campus in Phoenix, Arizona, on
April 8.

Congresswoman Lesko's visit was a highlight of the event, as she is a major
supporter of Amateur Radio. Lesko arrived early and spoke with many Amateur
Radio attendees and ARRL leadership representatives. She toured the emergency
communications vehicles and explored with great interest the interrelationship
of Amateur Radio's emergency responders with federal, state, and local
agencies.

Congresswoman Lesko spent a considerable amount of time listening to how radio
amateurs integrate communications support with first responders and how Amateur
Radio supports civic activities and community events. ARRL leadership shared
how Hams support government programs and how favorable legislation strengthens
the effectiveness of the Amateur Radio Service's mission of supporting the
public.

Lesko said: "It was wonderful to join ARRL and ARRL-Arizona and meet with
amateur radio operators at Hamfest in Phoenix, Arizona. Amateur radio operators
play such a critical role in emergency situations, and our communities are
safer thanks to their information sharing. I will continue to be an advocate
for amateur radio operators in Congress and highlight the important
contributions they have made to our nation."

Her talk in the University courtyard highlighted her legislative efforts on
behalf of Amateur Radio and the substantial impact volunteer agencies, such as
ARRL and the American Red Cross, have on the effectiveness of government in
serving the public.

The ARRL's appreciation for Congresswoman Lesko's continuing support and her
attendance at the Hamfest was echoed by ARRL leadership. Southwestern Director
Dick Norton commented: "I was pleased to see a Member of Congress engaging with
the Amateur Radio community." Arizona Section Manager Rick Paquette, W7RAP,
added that "She understands how we operate and knows the scope of the work we
do."

Members of ARRL and the coordinating agencies meeting the Congresswoman
included Southwestern Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA, Southwestern
Division Vice Director Ned Stearns, AA7A, Arizona Section Manager Rick
Paquette, W7RAP, ARES¿ emergency operations coordinators, and four current and
former Section Managers from California, Wyoming, and Nevada.

The American Red Cross Communications Club, ARRL Arizona Section, the Amateur
club coordination association for Arizona, Amateur Radio Council of Arizona
(ARCA), and the Arizona Amateur Radio Club hold the Hamfest and Emergency
Services Convention annually on the DeVry University campus in Phoenix,
Arizona.

Organizational support was provided by ARRL Legislative Advocacy Committee
members West Gulf Division Director John Robert Stratton, N5AUS, and Fred
Hopengarten, K1VR, and by Congresswoman Lesko's District Director Keith Forte
and Deputy Chief of Staff Brendon Gallo.

---
■ Synchronet ■ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS