BY Bob Wilson, W3BIG
This will be the final time I will get to wish thousands of amateur radio operators in the EPA a Happy Thanksgiving while serving as the ARRL Section Manager. My term expires in April of 2026 and it has been an honor to represent the nearly 4,000 ARRL members who call the 34 counties of Eastern Pennsylvania home. It has been my pleasure to meet many of you at club meetings and events, hamfests and Field Days.
On this day of giving thanks, I want to recognize many of those for whom I am thankful:
- The thousands of dedicated amateurs throughout the EPA who have worked so hard to make ham radio the best it can be
- The officers and members of the more than 75 clubs in the EPA who have kept ham radio alive and vibrant with hamfests and other events
- The Volunteer Examiners and instructors who have helped bring new blood to our ranks
- The scores of Technical Coordinators keeping our repeaters on the air
- Our SkyWarn observers who keep a watchful eye on the weather during severe conditions, making reports that help to keep us safe
- The Field Day organizers and volunteers who make our biggest operating events a success every year
- Our POTA, SOTA and VOTA operators who make amateur radio even more interesting
- And, I am especially thankful to the dedicated and hard-working ARES volunteers who train, drill and then train some more to provide vital communications services when all else fails
Thank you sincerely and please have a truly wonderful holiday. Be safe!