We are an all volunteer, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to providing emergency and public service communications to our community. In January of 2007, Pahrump experienced a valley-wide power failure. At times during this crisis, the only form of communications our community had within the valley and the outside world, was utilizing volunteer ham operators.

These volunteers are trained to provide assistance during many kinds of emergencies and to operate the necessary equipment needed to establish communications. In addition, we participate in several community functions throughout the year to include, but not limited to: The Baker to Vegas Relay Race, the Pony Express Ride, the Pahrump Fall Festival and Parade, the Endurance Equestrian Rides, Town Clean-up Day and Sky-Warn weather watch activities. By participating in these local events, we not only support community activities, we train to keep our communication skills current and active.

In 2007, we were able to purchase a new repeater, which is vital to the communications needs for our group. Our goal in this chapter of ARES/RACES is to establish a continuous communications link between the cities of Las Vegas and Reno that is independent of commercial power or phone lines. This new repeater site covers over 400 square miles in the Pahrump Valley, Armargosa and half way to Las Vegas.

Over the past couple of years, our organization has held several training classes in order to prepare for any situation that we may be called upon to assist with communications. These classes included:

A Skywarn Spotter Class hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many Ham operators in the valley are active members and can help spot and report severe weather changes.

Our group sponsored a Ham Cram class that provided an introduction to Ham Radio, study materials and a forum that assisted in obtaining a Ham Radio license.

We also train by assisting organizations such as the Red Cross with their yearly disaster drills.

In addition, we introduced the benefits of Ham Radio to students at Rosemary Clark Middle School through classes focusing on applications of practical sciences.

There are over 300 Ham operators in the Pahrump Valley and we look forward to new members and making new friends throughout the Valley.

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Please join us at a regular monthly meeting, or contact one of the officers below for more information.

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