Bringing Amateur Radio to Veterans at the Manchester VA

There are moments in this hobby that remind you why amateur radio is so special — and one of those moments happened recently when the Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) had the opportunity to visit the Manchester VA Medical Center to introduce veterans to the world of ham radio.

Our club was invited to give a presentation on the hobby, and several GSARA members were excited to step up and share not just the technical side of amateur radio but also the stories, friendships, and experiences that come with getting on the air.

From the very start, the energy in the room was fantastic. Many of the veterans had experience with radios during their military service, and it didn’t take long for the conversation to turn into a mix of memories, curiosity, and excitement about how accessible amateur radio is today.

Sharing Real Stories from the Hobby

One of the highlights of the presentation was hearing from Tim (KC1WID), a veteran himself, who shared his experiences with digital modes.

Tim talked about how amateur radio has opened the door to meeting new people and building friendships around the world — all from a radio in his shack. His story resonated with many of the veterans in the room who were excited to learn that modern ham radio blends technology with traditional radio skills.

We also heard from Tim (WM1H), who shared his journey into CW (Morse code). He told a great story about how Morse code has become part of everyday life in his home

— even sharing how he and his wife, Kimmy (KC1VYM), sometimes sit at the dinner table tapping out Morse code to each other in conversation. It was a perfect example of how this hobby can become a fun and meaningful part of daily life.

Getting Radios Into Hands

Of course, the best way to introduce people to amateur radio is to get them on the air.

That’s where Ralph (KC1TLY) stepped in. Ralph brought several handheld radios and helped several veterans make live contacts on local repeaters with other operators who were standing by for QSOs. Watching the smiles as veterans picked up the microphones and made their first amateur radio contacts was a moment none of us will forget.

For many of them, it was the first time they had been on a radio in years — and the excitement was immediate.

A Hobby That Connects People

Amateur radio has always been about connection — connecting with people across town, across the country, and across the world. But more importantly, it connects people through shared experiences, mentorship, and community.

Events like this remind us that the hobby has the power to bring people together and open new doors, especially for veterans who already understand the value of communication and teamwork.

Just the Beginning

This visit to the Manchester VA Medical Center was just the beginning. Our hope is that this presentation sparks curiosity and excitement that leads more veterans to explore amateur radio for themselves.

There’s something powerful about putting a radio in someone’s hands and letting them experience that first contact.

And if the smiles we saw that day were any indication, we may have a few future hams in the making.

From all of us at GSARA, it was truly an honor to spend time with the veterans and share a hobby that has given so much to all of us.

We look forward to getting even more veterans back on the air. 📻