Bob Vanson - K2VUH

Just as I was sitting down to write the President’s Message for this edition of the newsletter, terrorists ruthlessly attacked the foundation of what it is to be an American. My first thought, when WTC-1 & 2 were struck and collapsed shortly after, was for a good friend, Gene Pfeiffer, who worked for Channel 47 as the Transmitter Engineer on the 110^th floor of building 1. He had survived the bombing in 1993, at which time he lead everyone on his floor down to safety. A couple of days later I finally reached Gene’s wife and thankfully discovered that he had worked the midnight to 8 AM shift Sept. 11^th and had decided to leave promptly at 8 rather than waiting for an expected delivery. As Gene puts it, "They tried to get me twice and missed both times". He returned to the seen of the horrendous destruction later that day to assist Channel 47 in its live TV coverage of the aftermath and has spent long hours there every day since.

Every one of us knows someone or knows someone who knows someone who lost a relative or friend in the attack or who was directly affected. To all of them goes our deepest sympathy in this time of tragedy and recovery. Yes, I said recovery. Though it seems too early to think of recovery at a time when thousands are still looking for word of their missing loved ones, the slow process of recovery for those left behind has already begun. And, with our help and support, this recovery will be spurred onward. The amazing outpouring of help by fellow New Yorkers reminds us that in time of tragedy, we are never alone in our grief. If you haven’t yet helped, let me urge you to do so soon. It is the solidarity of Americans that sends the message to the terrorists that they have failed.

I hope to see you all at this months meeting. Bringing a friend with you would be even better. With SSARC’s 4 meetings per year schedule, this meeting will see both the nomination and election of officers for the next year. Though a small thing in the overall scheme of things, it is our right to vote, even for our club’s officers, that separates us from the Terrorists who would destroy this precious freedom along with our way of life.

See you Friday and let your voice be heard!

73's, BV