June 30, 2025 — Licensed amateur radio operators from The Villages Amateur Radio Club (TVARC) took part in the 2025 ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Field Day on Saturday and Sunday, June 28–29, joining thousands of amateur radio clubs across the United States in one of the nation’s largest emergency communications exercises.

As part of the event, TVARC members set up operations “off the grid” to demonstrate how amateur radio can provide reliable communication during disasters or other emergencies—without relying on commercial power, the internet, or cellular networks. The club erected antennas in the Eisenhower Recreation Center parking lot and operated three radio stations from inside the Sumter County Emergency Services communications trailer, which was generously made available for their use.

Operating under the club’s call sign, K4VRC, all equipment ran on emergency power supplied by the trailer’s generator. Starting at 2:00 PM Saturday, club members engaged in a 24-hour radio operation, making approximately 600 contacts with other amateur stations across North America. Each contact included an exchange of call signs, geographic locations, and operating classifications.

TVARC’s participation highlights the ongoing commitment of amateur radio operators to serve their communities when traditional communications may fail. Field Day is not only a technical challenge but also an opportunity to promote public awareness of amateur radio as a vital emergency resource.