Thomas Q. Kimball of Ridgefield, CT, also known as WA8UNS, is currently deployed with the American Red Cross in Muncie, Indiana, supporting tornado and flooding response as part of Disaster Services Technology (DST). Our team provides the communications backbone that keeps disaster operations running — and this week has shown just how essential that work is.Yesterday afternoon, tornado sirens went off across Muncie, including right outside our Red Cross office. When severe weather hits during an active disaster response, reliable communication becomes mission‑critical for keeping volunteers safe and ensuring help reaches the people who need it most.
As part of DST, my role is to set up and maintain the technology that keeps our teams connected in the field and at Disaster Operation Headquarters. That includes:
Starlink deployment for high‑bandwidth connectivity
Cradlepoint networking for secure, stable internet
Field laptops and cell phones for volunteers heading into impacted areas
Technical support for sheltering, feeding, logistics, and casework teams
While I’m not using amateur radio on this deployment, I do have that capability as a licensed operator (WA8UNS), which strengthens my overall communications background and supports my work in DST.
And in true Muncie fashion, I had the chance to take a photo with Garfield, proudly dressed as a Red Cross worker. While Jim Davis wasn’t born in Muncie, he has strong ties to the area and chose Muncie as Garfield’s hometown — so it felt like the perfect local touch during a serious deployment.
Note: This post was written with the help of Microsoft Copilot due to my learning disabilities.
Grateful to serve this community and support the Red Cross mission.
