With over 32 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Russell D. McDonald serves as a Director of N5BRZ Cares, where he brings a strong technical and leadership background to the organization’s mission of supporting emergency communications across Brazos County.

An active member of the Bryan Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) group, Russell has a long-standing commitment to public safety and resilient communication infrastructure. Over the course of his career, he has managed complex telecommunications exchanges, led initiatives in Outside Plant (OSP) and Central Office Equipment (COE) engineering, and deployed critical communication systems in remote regions of Alaska.

His broad technical expertise spans digital switching, fiber optics, twisted pair, coaxial, RF systems, Metro Ethernet and digital cellular technologies. Known for his ability to improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime, Russell has overseen numerous large-scale network installations, streamlined operations, and led teams to enhance service quality and responsiveness.

Russell's knowledge of telecom infrastructure in emergency settings makes him a valuable resource in times of crisis, especially for remote technical support and field coordination.

A licensed amateur radio operator since 2008, Russell is a member of the Bryan Amateur Radio Club and a former member of the Bethel Amateur Radio Club in Alaska, where he provided essential communications support for the Kuskokwim 300 dog sled race.

His military background includes service in the U.S. Navy, where he operated and maintained RF-based weapons tracking systems. He earned a B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology with a telecommunications focus from Texas A&M University, and has completed hundreds of hours of technical and management training throughout his career.

Russell also served on the Alaska Telephone Association Engineering Planning Committee from 1998 to 2000, helping to shape telecom development strategies in the region.

When he’s not working to improve communications infrastructure, Russell enjoys spending time with his family, playing and listening to music, and exploring radio technology in all its forms.

Bio Coming Soon!

Ron Estes, KJ5EFO, is an active and committed contributor to emergency communications in the Brazos Valley. A licensed General Class amateur radio operator, Ron serves as Assistant Emergency Coordinator (A.E.C.) for Brazos County ARES and participates in ARES activities in both Robertson and Grimes counties. His steady presence and willingness to serve make him a trusted member of the local emergency communications network.

He also coordinates the Brazos County SKYWARN program, helping relay severe weather observations to the National Weather Service. As a member of Texas RACES, Ron supports the broader mission of state-level emergency communication.

Ron holds prior certification as an EMT, a background that complements his understanding of emergency protocols, even though he did not work in a first response role. He is also an Eagle Scout, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service, preparedness, and community leadership.

Professionally, Ron has spent much of his career focused on improving business processes and documentation. He operates his own consulting business, helping organizations streamline their operations and communicate more effectively through structured systems and clear documentation. This experience translates seamlessly into his amateur radio work, where planning, clarity, and coordination are critical.

Beyond radio and work, Ron is a dedicated volunteer within Bryan ISD, where he supports students and staff both on campus and through district-level service. He has contributed to several key initiatives, including the Campus Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning Committees, helping shape the direction of education in his community.

Ron lives in the Brazos Valley with his wife Alison and children Aiden, Taylor, and Jack. Whether coordinating storm nets, serving in the community, or spending time with his family, Ron brings thoughtful leadership and a strong sense of civic responsibility to every role he takes on.

Lorna Flansburg discovered amateur radio later in life, though the spark was ignited early. As a child, she was fascinated by Ham radio and even practiced Morse code with a Radio Shack LP record—but with no Elmer to guide her, the hobby drifted away. Years later, following retirement and a tip from her daughter that Morse code was no longer required, she reached out to her local club and never looked back. With the encouragement of local Hams, she earned her Technician in 2019 and reached Extra Class by December 2022.

Lorna now plays an active role in emergency communications across the Brazos Valley, serving as Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Robertson County ARES and participating in Brazos County ARES and RACES. Every Thursday, she calls the Robertson County N5RCO ARES net, continually building her skills and strengthening local readiness.

Her leadership extends across several amateur radio organizations. She is Treasurer for the Bryan Amateur Radio Club (W5BCS), where she organizes both the Winter and ARRL Field Day events. She also serves as Treasurer and DX Chair for the Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL), and is the Volunteer Examiner (VE) Liaison for W5BCS, helping coordinate monthly exam sessions to welcome new Hams into the hobby.

Lorna has recently become involved in establishing and supporting nonprofit financial structures that empower local ARES organizations. She serves on the boards of both N5RCO Cares and N5BRZ Cares, two 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations formed to serve as financial and logistical partners for ARES groups in Robertson and Brazos counties. Her efforts help ensure that amateur radio continues to play a vital role in local emergency management.

Outside of radio, Lorna is an officer in her local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter and enjoys needlepoint with wool on canvas. She is also devoted staff to two cats—a Calico and a Ginger—and a proud mother and grandmother. A retired government contracting officer and U.S. Army veteran (1976–1979), she spent nearly a decade stationed in Germany, using her time abroad to explore Europe both professionally and personally.

Today, she calls Hearne, Texas home—a small town with a rich railroad history and a strong sense of community.