For far too long, too many of us have grown dependent on the tracking devices known as smartphones, and these are not a reliable means of communicating with others in the event of an emergency.

Getting your license is more important than ever in this crazy world. (If you are studying for your exam – or even considering it – check out this exam handbook with cartoons I drew as mnemonic memory tools!) As you'll see in just a moment, a ham radio can actually save someone's life.

This is how you save a life.

To further help to illustrate this point, consider the experience of Bob Griswold of Ready Made Resources.

Bob's local ham radio club, W4YJ, regularly volunteers for an annual bike race that's held in the mountains of Tennessee. The race is well over 100 miles in length, requiring up to 6000' in elevation gain.