Big Island amateur radio operators Richard and Barbara Darling of Puna received the prestigious 2016 International Humanitarian Award from the American Radio Relay League during a program April 8 at Aupuni Center in Hilo.
Big Island amateur radio operators Richard and Barbara Darling of Puna received the prestigious 2016 International Humanitarian Award from the American Radio Relay League during a program April 8 at Aupuni Center in Hilo.
For many years, the Big Island Amateur Radio Club members have provided material support and on-air communication for residents of the Federated States of Micronesia.
“The nightly health-and-welfare phone patches and messages go all over the United States and the emotion involved can be heard, especially since some of the people have not talked to their relatives in several years,” said former BIARC past president Bob Schneider.
“The folks in the Federated States speak in several Micronesian languages and it is wonderful to hear them hook up with their loved ones.”
“We are extremely proud of the Darlings and their combined decades of service to amateur radio,” said BIARC President Gary Schwiter. “Their admirable dedication has made, and continues to make, the lives of individuals and communities, near and far, better in many ways, including basic safety.
The Darlings have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific and are very familiar with many islands along with the problems of travel and communications.
The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent sovereign island nation and a United States associated country consisting of four states, from west to east, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, that are spread across the Western Pacific Ocean.
Combined, FSM has about 607 islands that cover a longitudinal distance of about 1,677 miles.