Amateur Radio Station WD8RIF | NPOTA Activation Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

Two members of the Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team succeeded in activating Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument as part of the ARRL's year-long National Parks on the Air (link). Eric McFadden, WD8RIF, and Miles McFadden, KD8KNC, activated Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, MN18 (link) on the way home from Dayton, Ohio after attending a USO concert at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and touring the newly-opened fourth hanger at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Eric and Miles were accompanied by Vickie McFadden, KC8MAJ, and Kate McFadden, KD8KNB.

The family arrived at the park at about 2100 UTC, almost an hour earlier than had been planned. The park being closed, there were no rangers to speak to. (Eric had stamped his Passport 2016 the day prior at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.)

As at previous activations, Eric's station consisted of his Enhanced KX3 Travel Kit, his MFJ-1910 33' fiberglass telescoping mast, and a custom clipboard. The sky threatening rain, Eric chose to set up in the shelter of the family van and was on the air by 2114 UTC.

Eric operated CW on 40m. His first QSO was with AB5X at 21152 UTC. Thereafter, QSOs came steadily until Eric's 12th and final QSO with AC2C at 2127 UTC. All QSOs were made at the 5-watt level.

Miles did not operate but helped Eric with set-up and tear-down and did all of the activation photography. Neither Vickie nor Kate operated.