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By Mark Varin | May 29, 2026

Senator Ted Cruz Praises Amateur Radio Operators for Emergency Preparedness

Senator Ted Cruz, in a strong pre-Memorial Day message publicly highlighted the critical role that Amateur Radio Service volunteers play during disasters, praising and thanking ham radio operators who provide essential communications when storms and emergencies knock out power and cellular networks and communities are cut off. Sen. Cruz observed that in these emergencies it is ham radio operators who step forward, bringing with them the tools, expertise, and the commitment to reconnect people when it matters most. He noted this dedication was clearly demonstrated in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey’s catastrophic flooding devastated communities across Texas and that it was demonstrated again more recently in the horrific Camp Mystic floods. He emphasized that as the Nation prepares for yet another summer storm season, ham radio’s role remains just as vital as ever.

Stating that while future emergencies will come, Sen. Cruz pointed out that so would Amateur Radio — ready to respond, ready to serve, and to make a difference. He ended his statements, thanking ham radio for its courage and commitment, noting that Amateur Radio’s work strengthens our communities. Senator Cruz is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. His comments align with the ARRL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and protect Amateur Radio’s role in emergency preparedness and public service communications. His comments also reflect growing Congressional recognition of the value Amateur Radio Operators bring to communities across the country. ARRL continues to advocate for legislation that protects and strengthens Amateur Radio’s role in emergency preparedness and public service communications.

Ironman 2026

By Mark Varin | March 31, 2026

Ironman-Lake Placid will be July 19, 2026. The volunteer link is:

Upcoming Conventions

By Mark Varin | November 26, 2025

Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions – 2026

July 11 | SVARC Hamfest, hosting the ARRL North Dakota Section Convention, Minot, North Dakota

July 17 – 19 | Glacier Waterton Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Montana Section Convention, Essex, Montana

July 25 | ARRL South Dakota State Convention, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

July 25 | ARRL West Virginia State Convention, Sutton, West Virginia

August 1 | ARRL Maine State Convention, Augusta, Maine

August 7 – 8 | Shreveport-Bossier Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Delta Division Convention, Shreveport, Louisiana

August 13 – 16 | Northeast HamXposition, hosting the ARRL New England Division Convention, Marlborough, Massachusetts

August 15 | Cincinnati Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention, Owensville, Ohio

August 21 – 23 | Huntsville Hamfest, hosting the 2026 ARRL National Convention, Huntsville, Alabama

August 28 – 30 | Wyoming HamCon, hosting the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Casper, Wyoming

Save the Date
August 7 – 8 | Shreveport-Bossier Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Delta Division Convention, Shreveport, Louisiana
August 13 – 16 | Northeast HamXposition, ARRL New England Division Convention, Marlborough, Massachusetts
August 15 | Cincinnati Hamfest℠, hosting the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention
August 22 – 23 | Huntsville Hamfest, hosting the 2026 ARRL National Convention, Huntsville, Alabama
October 10 | North Star Radio Convention, hosting the ARRL Dakota Division Convention, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
October 16 – 18 |  Pacificon, ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California