I got my advanced class in 79. I don’t even know if they still have that class. Since we have cell phones, e mail, face time, Skype, I just kind of lost interest in Ham radio, but I won’t let my license expire.
What would happen if all normal communications went down? It will be Hams that will make any communication possible.
We (I ride along, Hubby is the Ham Extra) do the St. Jude’s Marathon every year, it takes a big load off the PD and EMTS for those non emergency needs a private truck is sent to pick up a non injured runner. Frees up the EMT’s for real emergencies.
Every Aid station has a Ham operator on site. Which means they can also keep the aid stations stocked with TP, gator aid, etc too.
My buddy has his Advanced Class call. Now, it’s just Technician, General and Extra and no more Morse requirement at all. But, I’m leaning hard towards QRP since it’s most affordable to get started with. I’m starting morse-code study next. I could use a computer (and I still may) but I’m really interested in being able to send and receive with just my hands and ears.