Who is Rafael Ponce de Leon from Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors and what is their importance?

Rafael Ponce de Leon was an Old Christians rugby team member, but he did not attend the trip to Chile due to his wife's advanced pregnancy. Therefore, he was safe at home when the Fairchild crashed. He was deeply saddened for his teammates and their families. Ponce de Leon was also a radio ham, a hobby that he enjoyed in the basement of his home. The use of radio transmissions was as efficient as telephoning and cost much less. In this way Ponce de Leon was able to be of help to his friends. Their families used his home as their command center during the search and gathered there in the evenings to listen for news. Ponce de Leon was able to spread word quickly by contacting other radio hams in far off areas. For example, from his home in Montevideo, Uruguay Rafael contacted Paez Vilaro in Santiago, Chile with new information.