A LITTLE BACKGROUND: David (KK4WW) & Gaynell (KK4WWW)
Larsen made several trips to the
former Soviet Union back in the early nineties, when FAIRS was a fairly new
non-profit organization. Alex (now VE3DX), was from the Soviet country
of Moldova and would come by train overnight to Ukraine to be a support, and
a part of the FAIRS activities. Alex participated in the radio
training and took exam for American license. He traveled to the U.S. to be a part of Dayton Hamvention in 1998,
and since keeps up with radio amateurs around the world. The Cosolapov
family now resides in Barrie, Ontario (north of Toronto)-- they are quite
happy there, and have made the most of every opportunity.
SEPTEMBER 2006: David (KK4WW) & Gaynell (KK4WWW)
were so pleased for the invitation to visit in Canada with Alex, Oxana and
Valerie. It was so nice to see them in their home, and to hear about
their family adventures. Time was taken to visit with other hams/FAIRS
members who live in the Toronto area, to talk about the "present and future"
of ham radio, and follow up on various projects. Our Canadian friends are
doing some amazing things, including volunteer work and communications
training. All of the fellowship was heartwarming. The Cosopolavs were
wonderful hosts, and handy tour guides. David and Gaynell were able to
take in many of the sights around Toronto, toured the countryside and saw
the Canadian Niagara Falls!
The FAIRS
motto is “Building Global Friendship Through Amateur Radio“. Even though
today we have advanced to internet and other forms of communication, we still use
amateur radio for personal interaction. Radio communication becomes even
more important when natural and other disasters
strike. As all other lines of communication fail, amateur radio is still
fully operational.
Photos of Trip
|
Photo 1 |
David VE3/KK4WW Larsen operating Echolink, using a handy-talkie
to talk to Dominican friends from Canada. |
|
Photo 2 |
Breathtaking! L-R: Oxana and Alex VE3VDX Cosopolav
and David VE3/KK4WW and Gaynell VE3/KK4WWW Larsen--at Canadian
Niagara Falls. |
|
Photo 3 |
Alex VE3VDX meets FAIRS member Noel Denny. |
|
Photo 4 |
David VE3/KK4WW and Gaynell VE3/KK4WWW with Canadian ham
friends. |
|
Photo 5 |
Brunch meeting was a time to "catch up" and discuss amateur
radio & FAIRS activities. |
