Help keep eastern Colorado connected — when it matters most
My name is Bryan Wheeler. I’m a retired firefighter, aircraft mechanic and founder of the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) — a small, innovative nonprofit made up of Amateur Radio volunteers working to close the communication gap across rural Eastern Colorado: https://www.ecra-coloradohamradio.org
We’re not funded by large corporations or flashy tech firms. We’re local residents and volunteers using time-tested radio technology to do what cell towers and internet providers often can’t: keep people connected in a crisis. Whether it’s a blizzard knocking out service, a tornado devastating communities, a wildfire prompting evacuations or a stranded motorist without signal — our repeater systems are often the last line of communication.
But now, our primary “command and control” VHF repeater and amplifier — located at our Peyton, Colorado, site — were severely damaged by a lightning strike on May 27, 2025. This system was the heart of our wide-area network, providing essential coverage to weather spotters, emergency personnel, rural families and travelers across multiple counties.
Right now, that system is silent.
We’ve reached out for help. We applied multiple times to the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation — a group that claims to support grassroots efforts like ours to strengthen community communications and to support innovative initiatives. Sadly, despite aligning perfectly with their mission, they declined to support us.
We weren’t asking for hundreds of thousands. We asked for just $12,800 — enough to replace aging equipment including repeaters, amplifiers, and network hardware across several systems, and cover installation costs. But ARDC chose instead to fund “green tech pilots” and headline-friendly projects. It’s disappointing. We are exactly the kind of boots-on-the-ground, innovative, life-safety group their mission originally claimed to champion.
So now, we’re turning to those who truly understand the value of service, reliability and community.
We’re asking for your help—whether through a donation, sponsorship, or equipment contribution. Our GoFundMe campaign can be found here: https://gofund.me/6df8b27a
ECRA is 100% volunteer-run, 501(c)(3)-sponsored, and fully transparent. Every dollar goes directly toward restoring and expanding this critical public communication system.
If you’ve ever relied on communication during an emergency — or if you believe in supporting those who provide it — please consider helping us get back on the air.
We’ll proudly recognize your support and can provide a formal donation letter for tax purposes.
Thank you for considering our mission. With your help, we’ll continue being the voice when all else fails.
With deep gratitude,
Bryan Wheeler, KB9UZO
Chairman
Eastern Colorado Repeater Association- ECRA
