Louisiana Section ARES Award Program

A new program will recognize the most outstanding ARES group (parish level) in the LA Section starting this year. The criteria that WA5LQZ (SEC), W4DLZ (STM), and I have agreed upon for this year's award is as follows:

1. Monthly reports to SEC by EC (1 point each)
2. Annual SET participation and report (10 points)
3. Annual Field Day participation in F category (10 points)
4. Local drills/public service events duly reported to SEC (3 points per event)
5. ARES members holding OES or ORS appointment (1 point per 10 percent)
6. ARES members holding Level I course certification (1 point per 10 percent)
7. ARES members earning PSHR at least 4 times during year (1 point per 10 percent)
8. Liaison of local ARES net with LTN or LCW (0.25 points per week)
9. Formal messages passed on local net (0.25 points per week)

Items 8 and 9 are specifically included to encourage stronger ties between ARES and NTS. If a local ARES net sends a representative to either LTN or LCW at least one time during a week, then that ARES group receives 0.25 points for that week. In addition, if at least one formal message is handled on the local ARES net during the week, then the ARES group also earns 0.25 points for that week.

The maximum number of points per category per year is as follows:

1. 12
2. 10
3. 10
4. 12
5. 10
6. 10
7. 10
8. 13
9. 13

Here are some examples to show how to determine the scores for items 5, 6, and 7.

On December 31, 2004, 33 percent of the members in the Podunk Parish ARES Group hold either an OES or ORS (or both) appointment. Therefore, the group earns 4 points for item 5.

On that same day, 57 percent of its members hold at least Level I certification; thus the group earns 6 points for item 6.

Finally, because 21 percent of the members have earned PSHR at least 4 times during 2004, the group earns 3 points for item 7.

The total number of points for each ARES group will be determined by simply adding the points for items 1 through 9 at the end of the year. The ARES group with the highest total score will be declared the "Most Outstanding" and will be presented a plaque. Further details (report formats, etc.) will be available soon on the section's website. Each ARES group, whether big or small, should be able to compete for this honor. Good luck to all!