One of the most time-honored traditions in amateur radio is that of being an Elmer - a more experienced ham willing to answer questions and pass on knowledge to newer hams.

The origin of the term is still up for discussion, but the impact they have on the hobby is not.

On October 3rd, 4th and 5th, Rich Guerrera, KB1FGC, was on the air with a special event celebrating Elmers - particularly the ones who shaped his own life as a ham.

In an email to Newsline, Guerrera said that two things inspired him to do the event — articles he’d read on QRZ.com about hams who had helped others get into the hobby and the positive impact that they had on their early years as hams. He also drew from his personal experience with those hams who had given him a warm response and encouragement when he first started out.

Guerrera said that operators had confirmed approximately 100 QSOs during the event and received positive responses from hams they worked. He’s planning on doing it again next year, and said that there might be a European team as well.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to have two exceptional Elmers as a teenager - Bob Heil, K9EID and Steve Ramsey, K9SR who had been friends since they were kids. Sadly, I lost Bob last March and Steve on September 26th of this year. But the lessons they taught me and their memories continue to drive me as a ham, and inspire me to pass along what knowledge I have when someone asks a question. Elmering should continue - there’s always something to learn in this hobby that someone else has already tried.