KN4RPA

The 2023 After Action report summary has been uploaded to the files section.

The After Action Report Summary has been upload to the files section. @W4FSO

It has not.  I was sent out of the country for work that slowed my progress.  I will be finishing the AAR summary for Ham Community tomorrow.

@KC3KZ, @KC2EFA, @KB3VBU please see above.  Are these yours?

MCM 2023 Update #6 - After Action

2023 MCM Amateur Radio Volunteers,

Thank you for helping to make the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon a success! Without your dedication and support we would not have been able to complete our mission to the Marine Corps. We had ±100 amateur radio operators spread across the 26.4 miles of the racecourse.  Your timely and professional communications were essential to race operations and the safety of the runners and spectators.

This was a difficult year. There were a number of significant medical events experienced during the race. As you may have observed the DC and Arlington Gauntlet were exercised early. This was due to the higher than expected humidity, large number of medical issues being seen, and most importantly for the runner's safety. Your information and timely reporting made a difference. I know at times response was delayed. This has been noted, but your actions were still important and were necessary for the safety of the runners.

Regarding your feedback, even if I say things were noted, we need to hear it from you first hand. What went right, what went wrong, and how can things be improved. We need for you to provide us and the MCM with feedback through your After-Action Report.

The AAR form is available at https://hamvolunteers.com/mcm2023aar from now until this Saturday, November 4 at 2359 EST.

My intent is to provide a summary of the AARs back to you by Thanksgiving. Your reports will make a difference.

If you did not turn your vest into the ARO in the rear pace convoy or to an aid station please mail it back to the MCMO at:

MARINE CORPS MARATHON

3399 RUSSELL RD

QUANTICO VA 22134-5135

I look forward to working with all of you again next year.


73 and, again, thank you for volunteering for the Marine Corps Marathon!

Scott - KN4RPA 

Everyone should have gotten their email this morning.  I once again wanted to personally thank everyone who volunteered to help with this year's Marine Corps Marathon.  Without your help we couldn't have done it.  I look forward to working with all of you again next year.

Please remember to submit you After Action Reports by this Saturday, November 4th, at 2359 EST at https://hamvolunteers.com/mcm2023aar.  Your AAR are critical to us and the MCM Office to make things better and to know what went well.

Once again, THANK YOU!

73's,

Scott - KN4RPA

A correction to the directions for the Check-In lot from I-395N in the Operating Guide.  There were some extra steps that are not necessary. Once you come off I-395N you will be able to make a right turn onto Army Navy Dr and then a right turn into the Check-In parking lot.  None of the extra directions are necessary any more.  Thanks to KN4SYO for pointing this out.

As of this point any changes in assignments will not be reflected on Ham Community.  We are now in tactical mode.  I'm managing everything with local spreadsheets.  Changes will be handled directly with individuals affected by the change.

A couple of more items:

Any issues contact me directly.  Please don't put in a ticket through Ham Community.  It just slows down the process.  Message me directly though Ham Community, email me at kn4rpa@arrl.net, or call/text the ROC phone number 520-462-6426.  As of 1200 Saturday please just use the ROC phone number.

Check-in opens at 0200 Sunday morning and closes promptly at 0500.  Please do not ask for a different size shirt that what you requested in your Marine Corp Marathon sign-up.  Those were the sized packed by the MCMO.  Taking a different size will take someone else's shirt.

Please make sure you turn in your vest to the amateur radio operator in the sweep convoy.  If you miss the amateur radio operator you second choice is to turn your vest into an aid station.  You third and final choice is to mail you vest back to the Marine Corps Marathon Office at: 

MARINE CORPS MARATHON

3399 RUSSELL RD

QUANTICO VA 22134-5135

I know last year was a mess with the vests but the MCMO got less than 30% of the vests back.  If you miss the sweep vehicle, and don't turn it into an aid station, please make sure you send it back to the MCMO.

Current weather forecast has it in the upper 60's when we start to arrive.  There is a slight chance of rain and a drop in temperature to the low to mid 60's at the start of the race. By noon temperatures will approach the low 70's and continue to climb to the mid 70's through the end of the race.

@KU4CG Parking passes were sent out Saturday night from Harr CIV Charles W • Charles.Harr@usmc-mccs.org.  Please check your spam folder.  If you don't have it email or call me ASAP.

MCM 2023 Update #5

We are down to the wire.

We had a great All-Hands Training this past Saturday. There was good in-person and Zoom attendance. We had great questions and interactions. The Zoom meeting was recorded and can be viewed by those who missed the training or just want to review it. See the link below. The brief has also been posted to the files section on Ham Community. Also, in response to questions at the meeting and something I had planned to do anyway, PDF maps and a Google Earth KMZ file for all races have been posted.

Assignments have been posted to Ham Volunteers at https://hamcommunity.com/hamvolunteers/opportunity/11-mcm-2023/.On Sunday, check-in opens at 0200 and closes promptly at 0500. Everyone must check-in (with the exception of net control personnel). At check in you will get your wristband, MCM ARO vest, t-shirt, and food. The MCMO will be providing a Bagel, granola bar, cliff bar, Otis muffin, piece of fruit, sunnyD or juice, GoGurt, and PBJ for dipping for breakfast and an MRE for lunch. If you have dietary restrictions or these don’t appeal to you, be prepared to bring your own food.

Last minute assignment changes as necessary to fill critical holes due to “no shows” at check-in will start no later than 0515. We will attempt to contact those being relocated no later than 0615. The goal would be to only move you ≤1 mile if you would be reassigned.

As of now, please call or text the Race Operation Center (ROC) phone number – 520-462-6426 – with any critical issues such as needing to drop. Any routine issues can be handled via email or Ham Community. After 1200 on Saturday please direct all issues to the ROC phone number until the Race Nets open. I will most likely not be checking email or Ham Community after that point.

Feel free to reach out to me via the MCM Ham Volunteers Club or via email (kn4rpa@arrl.net) with any questions or concerns.

73 and, again, thank you for volunteering for the Marine Corps Marathon!

Scott - KN4RPA

Zoom meeting recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/8uXsMn61z1d3AD4XrK14GpbIlj5zQoOElii6R-c_GmX173H0LDYpA0vVogzqVvS1.h6vCHhrhlw3mHfzi
Passcode: &v4T0CF7

Just finished up the Commanders Brief.  We are all go for this year's Marine Corps Marathon.  A few take aways from the briefings.

Expect normal than warmer temperatures at this year's race. Make sure you bring plenty of water for yourself. Also expect a higher than usual number of heat related issues with runners. Volunteers are not exempt from heat related issues, so please watch out for yourself and those around you.

The Staff Sergeant discussed the four A's, Accountability, Attitude, Appearance and Alertness. While he was talking directly to the Marines and attendance, those four A's apply to us also. Make sure we are accountable for all of our gear and for those around us. Make sure we have the proper attitude and treat everybody with kindness and respect. Make sure our appearance is professional. Finally, be alert to your surroundings. If you see something, say something.

From MCMO Official:  "Forecasts for MCM weekend events predict warmer than average temperatures.  Those traveling for the event should plan to include clothing option which suit potentially warm and sunny conditions.  Please prioritize hydration and listen for weather updates from the Marine Corps Marathon Organization."

Please download the Marine Corps Marathon App from the Apple or Google Play store for updates like this directly from the MCMO.  There is a "ton" of information available in the app.

Last minute discussion topics leading up to the Marine Corps Marathon

MCM 2023 Update #4

Dear MCM amateur radio volunteers,

If you have received this update in error (due to withdrawal or other) apologies.

We are now just 13 days away from the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). Please find below essential updates and reminders to prepare for this significant event.

IMPORTANT: All-Hands Training Session

The All-Hands Training session is scheduled for THIS SATURDAY, October 21, from 08:30 to 15:00, at the Dolly Madison Library, located at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave, McLean, VA 22101. The first 30 minutes, from 08:30 to 09:00, will be dedicated to social interaction and light refreshments, including coffee and bagels. The formal training will commence promptly at 09:00. 

For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom meeting option will be available. A recording will be provided afterward for your convenience. The Zoom meeting link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82314027712?pwd=MVg2c0t1ZkUxZWZlM3Vwd2lmbzZIQT09. You can also find this link in the MCM Volunteer Club Calendar.

Radio Programming Support

We currently have three volunteers who have offered to assist with radio programming. Additional support in this area would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to contribute, please contact me directly (see below for contact info).

Initial Assignments

Initial volunteer assignments have been posted on the Ham Volunteers website, accessible at https://hamcommunity.com/hamvolunteers/opportunity/11-mcm-2023/. Please note that these assignments may be subject to change due to various circumstances, such as volunteer availability and priority locations.

Preparatory Action Items

Review the Operating Guide.
Create a checklist for items to bring to the MCM.
Program your radios (see note below).
Breakfast and lunch options will be available, but they may not cater to all dietary needs. If the offered options are unsuitable for you, we recommend bringing your own meals.
Note on Radio Programming

While software solutions like RT Systems and CHIRP offer valuable assistance for radio programming, please be cautious as they are not infallible. Specifically, issues have been noted with the importation of CTCSS Tone or Tone Squelch frequencies. Refer to the Operating Guide to cross-check and correct any discrepancies.

Official MCM Smartphone Apps

The official Marine Corps Marathon apps are now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via the MCM Ham Volunteers Club or via email at kn4rpa@arrl.net.

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The entire leadership team is forward to seeing you at the All-Hands meeting and thanks you for your commitment to the success of the Marine Corps Marathon.

Best regards,  
Scott - KN4RPA

When you have the assignments open in your browser use your browser's find/search function to look for your call sign.  It will take you right to your specific assignment.

The assignments can be found on the Ham Volunteer site at the link below: 

https://hamcommunity.com/hamvolunteers/opportunity/11-mcm-2023

2023 VOLUNTEER UPDATE #1 (26 Aug 2023)

First of all, thank you for volunteering for the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon's amateur radio team despite the serpentine sign-up process. We have heard you, and the IT team are already at work changing the system for next year: it will be simple, with only one sign-on and much less information to enter.

Next, I wanted to provide you with an update on behalf of the MCM Amateur Radio Leadership Team, who, in collaboration with the official MCM Organization, have been diligently planning MCM 2023. Race day is approaching rapidly, as of today, Saturday, 26 August 2023, there are only 63 days remaining until the marathon on Sunday, October 29.

The race course this year will be identical to last year's. We are currently working on an updated Operator’s Guide, and our plan is to have it available to you by the end of September. The Net Control Team has made some minor tweaks to the frequency plan (primarily corrections) after verifying every repeater used last year through over-the-air tests. In addition, they will perform a mile-by-mile test of every repeater. We are also exploring solutions for difficult locations we have encountered in the past. Please stand by for further details. The full, finalized frequency plan will be published with the Operator’s Guide. A Radio Check Day (times TBD) is scheduled for Monday, October 9th (a federal holiday), when people will monitor all repeater frequencies from the frequency plan, enabling you to test your radios and programming.

In a welcome change this year, boxed lunches have been discontinued. Instead, the MCM will provide an a-la-carte selection of prepackaged food for you to choose from at check-in via a “buffet line.” Shopping bags will be provided, but you may want to consider bringing something more substantial. We are working on procuring a menu of items to share with you.

The All Hands Training is currently slated to be back at the Armed Forces Retirement Home on Saturday, October 21st, from 0800 to 1500. We will make every effort to offer onsite assistance for last-minute radio programming help, though we cannot guarantee it at this moment. We will also strive to conclude the session before 1500.

We are still in need of more volunteers.

If you have any amateur radio friends who haven't volunteered yet, please try to recruit them. Also, please promote the opportunity on any nets you participate in and at your clubs; simply direct prospective volunteers to https://hamcommunity.com/mcm-register. For those who have club events coming up, if you would like to hand out printed MCM Volunteering flyers, we have plenty and will deliver them to you.

I look forward to working with you all on race day and hope to meet many of you in person at the All Hands Training. Feel free to reach out to me via the MCM Ham Volunteers Club or via email (kn4rpa@arrl.net) with any questions or concerns.

Final note, in coming days you will receive more technical emails, including links to this year’s operating guide.

73 and, again, thank you for volunteering for the Marine Corps Marathon!

Scott - KN4RPA

Edited Less than a minute after the initial post 

2023 VOLUNTEER UPDATE #2 (27 Sep 2023)

Dear MCM Volunteers,

The Marine Corps Marathon is fast approaching. We are just 31 days away.

First, a quick thank you to the MCM Amateur Radio Leadership Team, you've been working hard and I appreciate it.

Next, thank you for signing up as a volunteer, and though our volunteer numbers are improving, we still need a few more. Please continue to promote MCM 2023 to other hams, your clubs, and on nets; send prospects to https://hamcommunity.com/mcm-register.

The finalized 2023 Operating Guide is attached to this email. However, if you need to download it later:

you can download the latest version on Ham Community here.
the current version is also available on Google here.
Regarding this year’s frequency plan, the CSV files can be imported into CHIRP or RT Systems.

download the CSV frequency plan here.
A Radio Check Day is scheduled for Monday, October 9 (Federal holiday) from 1200-1400. Net control personnel will monitor race net repeater frequencies listed in the frequency plan, enabling you to test your radios and programming. Contact net control personnel on one of three repeaters: ECHO, HOTEL, or KILO.For the radio test, you should locate safely, near your assigned location. We will not be testing the simplex frequencies, only the 9 repeater channels.

As our volunteer numbers reach the critical number, we are focusing on assignments. Our goal is to have the first round of assignments out no-later-than October 9. Some changes will likely be made beyond October 9 (a minimal number).

The All-Hands Training is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 21, from 0800-1500. We are awaiting final confirmation for the facility – location details will follow in a few days. If you can help other operators by providing radio programming support on the day of the All-Hands, please contact me either via email (kn4rpa@arrl.net) or via the MCM Ham Volunteers Club.

In the meantime, it is time to start checking your equipment and planning your MCM outing, it is just around the corner.

73 and, again, thank you for volunteering for the Marine Corps Marathon!

Scott - KN4RPA

History of the Volunteer Update Emails in case you missed one or can't find yours.

Edited 1 minute and 52 seconds after the initial post 

Hey Ham Community, this is an automated post on behalf of our new member: KN4RPA,

On behalf of Ham Community, let's give KN4RPA a warm welcome.

KN4RPA, we encourage you to browse around and get to know the Community's many sections. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, as with all things HAM, we all love to give advice 😎

For everyone's information, KN4RPA joined on the 04/12/2023; this is their profile: View Member.