McAllen, Texas – March 2025
The Rio Grande Valley ARES Team proudly participated in the 2025 All Hazards Conference held in McAllen, Texas. Over the course of the two-day event, our team engaged with more than 200 attendees, including representatives from key served agencies across the region.
Our booth served as both a showcase and a hands-on experience in the power of amateur radio emergency communications. One of the highlights of our presence was the interactive Winlink demonstration and giveaway. Participants were invited to submit entries via Winlink email, offering a real-time experience in using radio-based email messaging.
We received an impressive 106 Winlink entries, many of which came from individuals experiencing Winlink for the first time. This creative outreach effort not only introduced the system’s capabilities to new audiences, but also emphasized how Winlink can be a vital tool in disaster response scenarios where traditional infrastructure is compromised.
“It was incredible to see the ‘aha’ moment when people realized you could send an email—without the internet—using ham radio,” said one team member.
Events like the All Hazards Conference help strengthen the bond between amateur radio operators and the public safety community. Our presence at this event reaffirmed ARES’s commitment to preparedness, interoperability, and public service communication.
We thank everyone who stopped by our booth and especially those who participated in our Winlink demonstration. We look forward to continuing this kind of community engagement throughout the year.
