Teen helps with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts [Video]

ATLANTA — Benji Martin wanted to learn how to operate an emergency radio system so he could reach the International Space Station. 

However, the 15-year-old has found he can make an impact with his skills much closer to home. 

The Chamblee native trained with Atlanta ARES and runs communications for the group once a month. 

Benji was working the night before Hurricane Helene and started receiving severe damage reports. As he was passing those damage reports along, he realized he could help people in peril in North Carolina. 

The group was able to keep operations open during the hurricane, and he worked from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. to help keep people safe. 

Story continues below gallery. 

Following the storm, Benji volunteered to start doing welfare checks for people who were out of communication during the storm. 

When internet and cell phones go down, radio is still …