Field Day Bulletin #12
The Final Edition
July 3, 2008
Well, Field Day 2008 came and went, and what a ride it was. I want to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this year's Field Day a success. So, basically, I'm saying a big “Thank You” to the entire club, our families, our friends, etc.
This year saw several things past Field Days didn't have. Of course, we ran the usual Class 3A. We had a successful GOTA station and even managed 41 QSOs on 6 meters. But what was really exciting was the 195 total visitors to our site this year. That surpasses any number of visitors we've had any year. Or maybe the seven (Yes, I did say seven) elected officials (Senator Johnny Isakson, Congressman Tom Price, state Representatives Wendell Willard and Harry Geisinger, Mayors Jere Wood and Mike Bodker, and Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley) who all stopped by the site Saturday afternoon were the cause of the most excitement. We also got a visit by ARRL Southeastern Region Director Greg Surratt, W4OZK, who showed up just in time for Saturday's dinner.
But all in all, I think the real reason we had such a successful Field Day this year is because everyone came and had a great time with family and friends, old and new. Everyone met someone new and got to know a fellow club member they hadn't spent time with. Everyone learned just a little something new about our wonderful hobby (I hope). And that is an important part of what Field Day is all about.
OK, the sentimental mushiness is over. Now it's time for the good stuff – like how we did. So here's a breakdown of the score. Please bear in mind, this is an early estimate (kind of like the preliminary election returns we get each election day). We recorded 2,987 QSO points, with a 2x multiplier for running everything under 150 watts. We got bonus points in the following categories:
We are still computing the Youth Participation and GOTA bonuses. Our preliminary score as of this release is over 7,000 points. Let me repeat that – over 7,000 points!!! We did an incredible job this year, more than doubling last year's score.
Finally, we're going to strike while the iron is hot. We're already thinking about Field Day next year, because we'd like to do even better. I'll be Field Day Captain again for next year. We'll need station captains, set-up and take-down captains, all kinds of captains. I've already got two volunteers for food captains. So, think about how you'd like to help (after all, this is a group effort). I'll be speaking on this at future club meetings and I'll also contact you personally and ask for help. Let's make next year better than this year.
It was fun. I enjoyed it. Now I'm ready (I think) to do it again.
73,
Ian, AK4IK
