June 6, 2026
By ANASTASIA PENCHI
CHASEBURG, Wis. – An event designed to test emergency communication preparedness in North and South America will be held later this month in Chaseburg and hundreds of other locations across the two continents, too.
The National Association for Amateur Radio estimates 33,000 amateur radio operators will participate in the 2026 Field Day from 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28. The event “provides the perfect opportunity for radio clubs to set up stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation,” according to the Association’s Web site.
“A big part of ham radio is emergency service,” added Drew Neve, vice-president of the Riverland Amateur Radio Club, the La Crosse-based club organizing the 24-hour overnight event at the Chaseburg Legion Ball Park, just southwest of Chaseburg.
The objective for Field Day is for clubs to contact as many stations as possible on certain radio bands, and for members to learn to operate the equipment in less than ideal conditions. Many clubs set up in “camp-style fashion,” according to the Association, with portable equipment, temporary antennas, and off-grid power sources.
Neve said Riverland will have six transmitters available for use: two will use voice mode (talking); two will use Morse code; and two will use digital mode (computer). Riverland has about 40 members, and the public is invited to come out and learn more about ham radio, he said. Attendants can also join members at their Saturday evening potluck (usually held between 5-6 p.m.; just bring a dish to pass).
Ham radio operators must be licensed, and Neve said the club can help anyone interested pursue that path. Neve got interested in ham radio in 5th grade thanks to his guidance counselor who was married to a ham operator.
“I’m a vet, and there are a lot of us who are,” Neve added. “But I was doing this before I went into the (U.S.) Army.
Neve said he has learned a lot as a ham radio operator – he once had contact with a station in Ceuta. Since he wasn’t familiar with that location, he researched it to learn it is a city that is part of Africa, but governed by Spain.
Neve also used his portable ham radio to call for help during a bike ride in Montana when another biker had a heart issue a couple of years ago. The doctor later said the ham radio call probably saved the man’s life.
“That felt good,” Neve said.
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