Good morning, everyone.

Tonight I will be trying to partly host our semi-annual vote of the members of the Five Essential Positions digitally. Prior to this, I have a few words to say, though.

Firstly, if you would like to apply for any of the Five Essential Positions, you still can apply here: https://forms.gle/bhiSLm6btvBeKjsx6

If you have applied to this, and have changed your mind, just mention that you abstain from applying for that position to the secretary any time prior to the actual vote. You can contact the secretary at secretary@arid.club or call/text at +1 (470) 869-2743.

Secondly, in light of how the world seems to be falling apart many days now, I wanted to share some words:

Pillars of light are built off of hope, inspiration, and continuity of compassion. When things fall apart in the world, the most bold thing one individual can do is try to carry on words with life, and try to keep normality. When conflicts arise, we need to build past the boundaries that seem monumental to the occasion. Undoubtedly, this is something very difficult to do, and it said way easier than done. With the pandemic that seems to never end, and the conflict arising in the Russo – Ukrainian war right now, these values and hopes diminish, but holding true to these values will unequivocally bring light back, someday. I have faith that things will be brought back to normality, but we have to keep pushing. Don’t let glimmers of light burn out.

Lastly, I wanted to announce I am abstaining from reapplying, and subsequently stepping down from the Vice Presidential position. I am having to start college very soon, I have videography projects I need to focus on, and I of course have work that keeps inevitably taking too many days out of my availability as it is. As much of a difficult decision as it to do this, I need to focus on what I need to be a successful individual in life, and I feel someone else would be more fit and ready for this position in the near future. And as such, I want, in my true and honest opinion, to let this position go to KD4DRR, as he is a founding member of ARID and truly understands the goals and aspirations for the club.

Lastly, when voting, I want you, the individual, to remember the goal of this club at hand. “Our common goal for this dichotomy is to both preserve the common art of amateur radio operation, by using standard and basic methods of communication, whilst revolutionizing the way people use amateur radio, bringing new member interest, and using new modes of communication.”

Thank you, and 73.

Blake Ross

Amateur Radio Interest Dichotomy

Vice President

KO4LIW