Ham Radio 'Heroes' in Oregon, USA!

As discussed on Slashdot, Ham Radio Operators have been recognised for their contribution to the emergency situation there. Good on em.

A link the discussions within that article pointed me at the story of James Kim [Wikipedia] which is a tragedy, but at the same time highlights one potentially valuable aspect of Amateur Radio - comms in areas where other means (like Cellphones) would fail. Also some interesting use of Technology to finally find the missing party.