looking for recommendations and what not for communication via these types of radios...
And hurry before FreeRepublic is shut down....
First step is to get your Technician license.
Second step is to prepare to spend all of your money equipping your ham shack.
To broadcast on ham, you need to take a test, and get a licence.
If you’re not licenced and broadcasting on ham channels, the other hams will rattle on you, and the FCC will hunt you down.
Check out AARL and get inexpensive ( < $100) hand held vhf. Just search and listen for awhile. Study a little and if you want to transmit as well as listen get the entry level amateur radio license. Fascinating for those so inclined.
Icom 705, KX2.