Amateur Radio Supports Toughman Half Ironman

The Cadet Amateur Radio Club’s support of the Toughman Half-Triathlon (Half Ironman) at Harriman State Park was a success. The event coordinator was severely short volunteers to assist with directing race participants through the course. Without the assistance from the seven Cadets, the event of 500 race participants would have failed. The Cadets were able to make use of the amateur radios purchased from last year’s operating funds and the safety vests purchased with mid-year funds over the summer. The Cadets were paired with experienced Amateur Radio operators from the Orange County Amateur Radio Club in order to learn more about how to operate their radios and manage a race. Our club executed our planned timeline according to schedule including formation at 0400 and SP’ing NLT 0430 in order to drive to Harriman State Park by 0500 and link-up with event coordinators by 0515. Our adherence to the event coordinators’ schedule reflected well upon the Cadets, the Club, and USMA. Due to the close proximity in timing of the Toughman Half-Triathlon to the bombings in NJ and NY, many race participants thanked us for making them feel safe. In fact, most thought we were there as a direct result of the bombings. Our participation and presence during this event promoted the DoD, the US Army, and USMA in a very positive light.