Sooland ARA (K0TFT): A Strong Option with Diverse Activities, Recent Information, and Public Service Focus (Sioux City, Iowa)

The ARRL search revealed Sooland ARA (K0TFT) as a strong contender. Their recent information, diverse offerings, public service focus, and active online presence make them a very promising option.

Diverse Activities and Active Community

Founded in 1976, Sooland ARA boasts a membership of around 19. Here's a glimpse into what they offer:

• Public Service: They likely participate in community events and prepare for emergencies.
• Repeaters: They manage repeaters to facilitate communication among members and with other stations in the area.
• Mentorship: They offer mentorship programs to help you learn and grow in your ham radio journey.
• Contests: They might participate in ham radio contests, which can be a fun way to test your skills.
• DX: They have an interest in DXing (long-distance communication).
• Digital Modes: They seem to be open to exploring digital communication modes.
• General Interest: They cater to a wide range of ham radio interests.
• Hamfest (Confirmation Recommended): Their listing mentions a Hamfest, but confirmation is recommended.
• License Test Sessions: They offer license test sessions, aiding new hams.
• VHF/UHF: They seem to have a focus on VHF/UHF communication.

Recent Information and Active Online Presence

• Annual Report: Their annual report is dated September 2023, indicating very recent activity. This suggests a thriving club.
• Facebook Group: Their Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/591123127614974/) can be a good source of additional information and a way to connect with members virtually.

Reaching Out and Getting Involved

Here's how to connect with Sooland ARA:

• Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM (except for December) at the Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation (2600 Expedition Court, Sioux City, IA 51102).
• Contact: Reach out to Gary L. Johnson WY0V, the secretary, using the provided email address (wy0v@msn.com).
• Facebook Group: Join their Facebook group to connect with members and learn more about club activities (https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/591123127614974/).

Making a Choice

Sooland ARA might be a great fit if:

• Location: You're in Sioux City, Iowa and the meeting location works for you.
• Focus: You're interested in a variety of ham radio activities, including public service, repeaters, mentorship, contests, DXing, digital modes, and VHF/UHF communication.
• Experience Level: You're a beginner looking for license test sessions or a seasoned ham radio enthusiast seeking a diverse and active community.

Recommendation

Given the recent information, diverse activities, strong community focus, mentorship opportunities, and active online presence, Sooland ARA seems like an excellent option, especially if you're interested in contests, DXing, or digital modes. However, you might also consider exploring other options in your area (Southwest Iowa Amateur Radio Club, South West Iowa Amateur Radio Association, Iowa Wireless Amateur Radio Network, Buchanan County Amateur Radio Club, Iowa City ARC, or Northland Amateur Communications Group) to compare based on your preferences and desired focus areas.