Volunteering

Over the past few years I've taken on increasingly involved roles at large public events, moving from hands-on first aid work into radio communications and net control. I've supported coordinated medical operations at events where clear, disciplined communications genuinely matter. It's some of the most satisfying work I do - sitting right at the intersection of communication, problem-solving, and being useful when it counts.

Tulip Time

My Tulip Time involvement started on the communications side with the Holland Amateur Radio Club (HARC), where I was paired with a Red Cross first aid team to support parade operations. Eventually I made the jump to the medical side myself, first with the Red Cross and later the Medical Reserve Corps, providing first aid along the route. As things grew, I moved into stationary first aid stations — working alongside nurses and EMTs to assess and treat patients and escalate when the situation called for it.

Coast Guard Festival

At the Coast Guard Festival parade, I served as assistant Net Control Operator on the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), coordinating radio communications in support of medical operations. That meant directing medical teams in the field and keeping information flowing cleanly between NOARC, police, fire, and ambulance services — the kind of role where staying calm and precise on the radio actually matters in a multi-agency environment.

Van Raalte Civil War Muster

At the Van Raalte Civil War Muster, I started out as a first aider before moving into Net Control for the event's first aid radio network. In that role I coordinated communications between field units and the first aid station — managing radio traffic and keeping everyone's situational awareness current throughout the event.

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