1 Jul 2026

To All Virginia ARRL Members:                                                                      

At some point in your Amateur Radio journey, you picked up a tip or idea from someone that fundamentally changed how you enjoy the hobby.  Yes? That tip may have turned into a long-term Mentor-protégé relationship ... which might extend to this day.  Take a moment this month to thank the mentors who helped you on your journey.  A simple thank you card, or just a QSL card in the mail would make a lasting statement.  If you can, return the favor and mentor a new Ham in your neighborhood. Looking for Hams in the ‘hood? Go to: https://haminfo.tetranz.com/map

 We have a number of Hamfests coming up in August and September.  Stop by the ARRL table and say hello, and drop off the list of QSL cards you’d like verified by one of our Card Checkers.  More details about card checking at: arrl.org/dxcc-application-forms for FAQs and arrl.org/online-dxcc-application  Fill out the online form, print it off and bring it with you to the Hamfest along with your QSLs you wish card checked.  There is a fee for this service. Any questions contact:  alan.swinger@gmail.com

 Field Day 2026 is in the books and we had 35 Virginia activations register their event in the ARRL “Find a Field Day Location” data base.  Thanks to all of you who sent a radiogram to the Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator.  Keeping the National Traffic System NTS) relevant is an important foundation of our legacy as the American Radio Relay League.

Speaking of the NTS, it would be wonderful if we had more Hams check-ins from across the Commonwealth on our daily nets. We currently have three ARRL-affiliated traffic nets. The goal is to grow more skilled operators to handle formal message traffic, serve as Net Control Stations, and deliver messages. Why not give it a try by checking into one of our daily traffic nets!

Traffic Net Frequency Time Virginia Sideband Net 3947 kHz 6 pm Virginia Net (CW) 3553 kHz 7 pm Northern Virginia Traffic Net 147.300 MHz (Positive Offset) on the Bluemont repeater 7:30 pm

 Did you know that one-half of all Hams in Virginia are Technicians? Without local VHF/UHF traffic nets, these operators are missing out on the traffic handling experience, and we’re not taking advantage of an NTS onboarding opportunity. Please consider adding an NTS/traffic handling component to your ARES nets or setting up a traffic net on a local repeater to help train future traffic handlers and aid in passing traffic. More about the NTS at: https://nts2.arrl.org/virtual-nts-training-net/ Want to know more about NTS? Our Section Traffic Manager, George Stone, WA1JQC, is offering NTS training for club or ARES meetings in person or via Zoom. Contact George at wa1jqc@arrl.net.

 Be radio active and become a mentor – a connector. Take the time this month to reach out to a fellow Ham and have a meaningful conversation. Something on your mind? Reach out to me (WA8AHZ@arrl.org) and ask a question about Ham Radio, or the League. Finally, take time to work each of the 13 colony special event stations during this year of America250 event. A good spotting resource is http://www.dxsummit.fi/#/ or the Spot page at: https://13colonies.us/hamalert