MARC/ARES  provides communications for March of Dimes Walk

   --Dwayne Fox, W5ZOX

  The Midland Amateur Radio Club and ARES provided communications for the March of Dimes Walk on May 13, 2000. The march of dimes meets each year to raise money to save babies' lives throughout the whole world. The monies that is raised saves millions of lives of babies all over. Some of the money goes to ensure that these

same babies have a healthier childhood as they grow.
   The event was a five mile course for the walkers. The course started at Clay Desta Plaza at the Conoco Building. It went down A Street to Louisiana and turned around and came back down A Street to the  starting point, which was the Conoco Building. The walk was a successful. All 687 walkers finished the five mile course. I want to thank

all the amateurs that took part in this event.
   The amateurs, that were involved with communications for this event, were Ken Williams, K5JOG, Trey Watkins, KD5HGE,Pete Stull, WB7AMP,Robert Boyd,  KC5ZJO, Dick Titchens, W5RCB, John Peterson, KG5ZA, and Dwayne Fox, W5ZOX.

   This was another public service project for the amateurs.

Our WTX ARRL Section Manager, Charles Royall, WB5T, will not seek another term

   --Letter from Charlie Royal, WB5T, 5/18/00   

   The purpose of this correspondence is to announce that I will not be running for a 3rd term as SM for West Texas Section. I have really enjoyed holding the office and attempting to establish a relationship between the SM and section hams, even those that are not members of ARRL.
   I just do not have the endurance that I once had. My eye sight is getting really bad. It is correctable with cataract surgery. I did not pass the eye test for my driver's license renewal. I have to be chauffeured around everywhere. My wife will not always be able to take time off from her job to accommodate my travels.
   I would like to add that I think the ARRL should establish that in order to hold the office, the candidate must have a computer and be on

line. I do not know how anyone could do justice to the office with out one. I know I have reached the point that I do not appoint anyone unless they are on-line. It is very important to be in contact on at least a weekly basis with the field appointee's.
   The best candidate would be some one in the middle of the section as the distances are so vast.  This reduces the mileage traveled by 50%. It takes 17 months to travel to all of the affiliated clubs in the section. That means one per month minimum plus 5 hamfest that are necessary to attend. To be an effective SM it is required that the SM would visit every club at least once per term of office.
   My SM Report for QST that I sent in this month contains this message. That will allow sufficient time for folks to give some thought

about the position and get some following or support for running as a candidate. I will pass the baton to the winner of the election along with all records etc. and assist in the conversion from me to him/her. I plan on still serving in another capacity if the winner will appoint me to some position where I can help out. Will attempt to preserve some of the funds allocated to the section for the new SM.
   I have enjoyed working with all of you. See you in Dallas.

Charlie Royall, WB5T
WTX Section Manager

Editor's Note: Charlie, you have been an excellent WTX Section Manager. We are sorry that you are not running for another term. However, we understand.
   Best wishes to you and your lady in the future. Hope to see you from time to time.