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In February on 1968, Don Tinari, W3RYQ submitted a proposal to the Government Employee Welfare Association (GEWA) for approval to organize a radio club. In April of that year a committee was selected to draft a constitution and by-laws under the direction of Don Bennett (WA3MIK).
The club was officially approved in May 1968. The first meeting was called by Ben Ferer, Chairman Pro-Tem on Wednesday May 29th, 1968 at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Bldg 26, Room 200. Soon after, an application was sent to the FCC to establish a club station.
The Goddard radio club participated in Field Day activities in June, 1968 at the old WWV site (what is now the Goddard Visitor's Center). All transmitters were furnished by club members. The club operated on 40, 20, 15, 6, and 2 meters for 16 hours making 483 contacts in 45 states including Hawaii. Fifteen meters went dead on Saturday morning. The feed line was found to be neatly torn at the level of a deer's antler.
A work party was held Saturday August 16, 1968 at the old WWV site (now the GSFC Visitor's Center) for the purpose of setting up the club's antennas and getting a station on the air.
A QSL design contest was underway by November 1968. The first place winner received a one year's subscription to QST or a magazine of choice.
There were 34 Chartered members by November 1968. (Editors Note: Any member joining the club by January 2, 1969 was designated a Chartered Member.)
The 1968 officers were:
1993 marked the 25th aniversary of the club's inception. Our current membership is around 130. Since its inception, the club has been a focus for sharing technical knowledge, promoting the growth of amateur radio, and for boosting the public image of amateur radio and the space program.
The amateur radio service was formed primarily to open the lines of communication during natural and man-made disasters. Members of GARC have been extremely active in providing this public service by relaying health and welfare information during disasters such as Hurricane Gloria in 1985, the Mexico City Earthquake in 1985, the AMTRAK/CONRAIL accident in 1986,and Hurricane Hugo in 1989. In addition, GARC participates in the nationwide amateur radio emergency preparedness exercise called Field Day. During this event, makeshift antennas are strung up at some remote location and emergency generators are used to open up the lines of communication.
Because of its NASA affiliation, GARC has made it a strong point to foster goodwill towards America's space program. Many of our members are also active members of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) which has been responsible for developing OSCAR (Orbiting Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio) satellites. In addition, we have sponsored many special event stations during manned spacecraft missions including special events stations for the Apollo Moon landings, OSCAR launches, and the STS-1 mission.
In August 1983 the GARC initiated its boldest project of all; the retransmission of Space Shuttle air-to-ground communications on the ham bands. This activity has been widely received by ham radio operators, shortwave listeners, and scanner listeners throughout the United States and all over the world. 1993 also saw the celebration of the 10th aniversary of this activity.
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Web Author and Curator
GARC Contact Information
Last Update 22 July, 1996