Hello everyone,
We are back with another “Meet our members” blog post. Today we will be talking about Rusty Seastrum (KE2PW). Rusty was the club secretary for many years. He had done a fantastic job keeping the club together so to speak. Rusty’s big contribution of knowledge especially around Emergency Communications has been huge for the club. Rusty also was key in helping the club conduct our first in-person technician class which was very successful. In fact, that class is how Joy became a member and now our secretary. Rusty is an Extra class licensed operator and a member of Montgomery County RACES, as well as ARRL and the ARRL Ares program.
When asked for some defining information Rusty replied with this:
“As a very young lad everyone’s entertainment was from tube type AM radios. When my neighbor’s radios would fail, I would remove the tubes and take them to the hardware store and test them, and get a replacement. Afterward I studied books and learned how each section functioned. After graduating from high school I went in the Navy and got a lot of training in electricity and electronics. After four years in the Navy, I obtained an Associates degree in electronics. In 1981 I got my amateur radio license. I joined two ham radio clubs and put together two repeaters and two packet radio nodes. I am a life member of those clubs. I was RACES radio officer for many years for Chautauqua County. I got promoted in my work and moved to the Capital District and joined clubs. I have continued to support repeaters and packet nodes. Being prepared for emergency response is my primary goal. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for 50 years.”
Rusty has many stories about his times and trials surrounding emergency communications. If you ever want an example, just ask him. Rusty is a coordinator by nature and is a strong reason he does so well in emergency situations. Probably all those years in the Navy and Firefighting! Rusty, thank you for your time and service to country, community, and club! We appreciate you.
Very nice. Rusty is an actual “fountain of knowledge”
Rusty is so knowledgeable! His stories are great examples of the importance of ham radio. Many thanks for his willingness to answer questions and his help with ham radio!