The identification now in use simply is a card signed by almost anyone and has no recognition by anyone not in our organization. It seems unlikely that a card defined by a volunteer organization such as ARES will be authenticated by the served agencies such as GEMA, FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or the local EMA, and give “privileges”. Crossing the barricades or tapes will always be controlled by the administering agency and we are unlikely to get such an agency to approve our card.

The ARES I.D. Badge Committee for the Georgia Section of the ARRL has developed a simple document which will generally show an amateur’s experience and abilities. For the Amateur interested in demonstrating his knowledge of the National Incident Management System and certified by ARES as “NIMS compliant” this is suitable for presentation at an event whether drill or emergency.

This identification is our own card sanctioned by ARES/ARRL and is similar to documents used in other volunteer agencies. The badge will be laminated, will have your picture in it and will document a background check, which must be provided by the amateur. It will be dated and have a term of ten years. It will be signed by the S.E.C. or his designee before lamination. Requirements include completion of an EC001 equivalent (or higher) course and completion of four FEMA courses: IC 100, IC200, IC700, and IC800 and will, of course, require a current amateur radio license which will also be documented.

The amateur will supply evidence of an acceptable background check (to be described) and a formal photo similar to that on your driver’s license for the card. Cost for production of the card is expected to be $15.00.

The FEMA courses are free on-line. The EC001 course may be satisfied by a free course that may be made available as developed by the GARS group which is now available from Hall County ARES. The background check may perhaps be satisfied by documents you already have in possession (such as weapons permit) or can be available inexpensively through Jim Cote at Wayne County EMA.

This card is not required, it carries no privileges and its absence will not diminish privileges. It certifies the amateur as “NIMS Compliant” and will serve to satisfy other agencies that a person carrying it has certain qualifications. It is designed to assist in recommendations of the amateur interested in deployment situations as ARESMAT.

Source: Georgia Section ARRL

Tom "Sgt. Major" Keith (SK) - Update

It is with great sadness that Hall County ARES informs everyone that Tom Keith, AK4FF passed away Tuesday evening at approximately 10:45 PM.

Tom will be remembered for his commitment to the things he undertook in amateur radio.  He was best known for his nickname "Sgt. Major" which he truly filled those shoes as making things happen when others would back away. Tom was an intergral part in forming the Appalacian Emergency Services,Inc. Group. When I visited Tom Last he was excited about moving to a rehab facility for a few weeks and then to return home so he could continue his "work" in Amateur Radio and enjoy his family. For a Man in his Eighties he was unstoppable and will be truely missed by many.