The Marine Corps Marathon announced the Amateur Radio Service as its volunteer group of the year for their 30 years of service and support for the annual event. Amateur Radio, or "HAM" Radio volunteers began assisting with the Marine Corps Marathon in 1978 and have provided essential, mission critical communications to the medical staff on race day.

"The HAM Radio operators play a vital role in medical operations of the race," said Rick Nealis, Director of the Marine Corps Marathon. "The knowledge and expertise of their dedicated volunteers enables the MCM to provide all participants the highest level of emergency care and I am deeply appreciative of the HAMs' continued support."

Initially, HAM Radio served as a simple means of communications at both aid stations and mile markers. In the early 1990s this support expanded to include digital communications with the aid stations and tracking of the pace car and Tail End Charlie. Eventually, the aid station support evolved to automated digital communications, which includes 115 HAM Operations located at mile markers, water points, aid stations, two finish area medical locations, and as shadows to the division commanders. Today, the MCM is the largest HAM radio public service event.

The Award also recognizes two specific individuals, Mr. Rick Bunn and Mr. Tom Azlin, for their contribution to HAM Radio participation at the MCM. Bunn, N4ASX, was first licensed as an Amateur Radio Operator while in high school in 1971. He began volunteering for the MCM 1983 and served as the MCM Amateur Radio liaison from 1997 to 2001. From 2001 to 2005, he served as the lead Amateur Radio Operator, coordinating all aspects of HAM radio support to the marathon. Azlin, N4ZPT, has been a HAM Operation since 1990. He first volunteered with the MCM in 2001 and, since 2004, has been the HAM Radio Operator responsible for coordinating all aspects of aid station HAM radio support.

The Volunteer Group of the Year Award will be presented on Friday, October 26, 2007 as part of a special ceremony.

Since 1900, the Amateur Radio Service, popularly called HAM Radio, has supported international communications during times of crisis. Ham Radio is a fulfilling and challenging experience for those who enjoy electronics and radio, but it has also become an avocation for those who seek to communicate with others and want to provide public service in times of emergency.

Marine Corps Marathon web site