ARES Leadership changes noted

There are changes  in  the ARES-Oklahoma senior leadership for the North East Region.  And to especially say Thank You to Floyd Grant NV5N for working as the North East Regional Emergency Coordinator (the area formally known as the ZONE4) for the past several years. Thank you Floyd, your work and time invested in ARES-OK is appreciated.

As of February 24, 2017, following my recommendation and by the appointment of ARRL Oklahoma Section Manager (SM), Kevin O’Dell, N0IRW; I am pleased to announce that Johnny Rentfro N5XQK, has been appointed to the position of North East Regional Emergency Coordinator. The Regional EC is an Assistant-Section Emergency Coordinator and is appointed assist the SEC with matters pertaining to emergency communications and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service-Oklahoma (ARES-OK) for the North East Region.  Johnny is a current member of the ARRL.

Since 1992 Johnny has been licensed radio amateur and currently holds an Extra Class license. He’s a VE for both W5YI and ARRL. He is an active member with in both the Mayes County Amateur Radio Club and the Rogers County Wireless Association.

He has worked with Washington County Emergency Management and was an Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC) for ARES-OK in Washington County, under EC Ann Tierney, WB5SZQ.  He has helped WCEMA is as liaison between the Emergency Operations Center and the local radio station, KWON/KYFM for several years and worked in the EOC as dispatcher and communicating via amateur radio with the NWS.

In late summer of 2015, he formed Ham Rescue. This is an endeavor has him traveling around green country helping ham operators who need a helping hand (or two) with their stations. Such as installing or removing antennas and even helping to improve the operation of their stations.

Since he retired from Conoco Phillips in 2011, after 42 years of service, he's enjoy the opportunities ham radio has brought his way.  

I know each or you will welcome Johnny N5XQK and work hard to support him as together we serve Oklahoma through Amateur Radio.

Thanks to 

Mark Conklin, N7XYO

Oklahoma Section Emergency Coordinator

Amateur Radio Emergency Service

for this update.