W1AW/4 - Event Registration - Please respond by December 22, 2025
Hello Fellow South Carolina Amateur Radio Operator,
In 2023, South Carolina Amateur Radio operators proudly participated in ARRL’s Year of the Volunteer (VOTA). In 2026, ARRL will shift the spotlight to the Year of the Club (COTA). Because our clubs depend so greatly on dedicated volunteers, I like to think of this year's celebration as a combined COTA/VOTA effort.
As with the 2014 ARRL Centennial Celebration and the 2018 International Grid Chase, this event will rely exclusively on QSOs uploaded to Logbook of The World (LoTW).
Throughout 2026, there will be week-long activations of portable W1AW/# stations in all 50 states and several U.S. territories. Operators can earn points by contacting these W1AW portable stations as well as ARRL members and volunteers. Each state will be activated twice.
For South Carolina, W1AW/4 will be on the air during the following weeks:
· January 14–21, 2026
· July 22–29, 2026
ARRL South Carolina Section Manager Matthew Crook has asked KG9V – Scott Putnam to lead this effort, assisted by W4ANT – Alan Fitzsimmons. Together they will be assembling a top-tier team of operators from across the state.
Groups such as the Swamp Fox Contest Group, K2L 13 Colonies Operators, and other clubs or individual operators are warmly invited to participate. We will be using a scheduling and reporting system based on the familiar K2L platform.
During each activation week, W1AW/4 (SC) will be the only station in the world operating on its assigned band and mode. This generates tremendous interest and heavy call volume—ideal for operators who enjoy fast-paced operating, large pileups, and high-demand conditions.
If you are interested in serving as a W1AW/4 (SC) operator, please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below. Your response by Monday, December 22, 2025, would be greatly appreciated.
LINK ===> Click Here Registration Link
Thank you in advance for supporting this important statewide effort. South Carolina has a strong tradition of excellence in ARRL operating events, and with your help, we look forward to making W1AW/4 another outstanding success.
We look forward to working with you on the air in 2026.
'73 - Scott / KG9V
Any questions can be directed to me at Scott.KG9V@gmail.com
Thanks,
Matthew R Crook, W1MRC
ARRL Section Manager, South Carolina
In Memory of Gordon Mooneyhan, W4EGM
Dear Fellow ARRL Members, It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Gordon Mooneyhan, W4EGM. Gordon faithfully served the ARRL and the amateur radio community in many roles, most recently as the ARRL South Carolina Public Information Coordinator (PIC) since June 2021. He also served on the ARRL Public Relations Committee beginning in 2019. In recognition of his outstanding dedication to amateur radio public relations, Gordon was honored with the 2018 Philip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award, one of the ARRL's most prestigious awards for excellence in promoting our service. Gordon's passion for amateur radio, his professionalism, and his commitment to service left a lasting mark on everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues, and the entire amateur radio community. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1st, at 12:00 noon at: Seaside Masonic Lodge 905 Highway 501 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 The family has requested that any memorial donations be made to: Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club 2734 Beaver Run Rd, Suite B #20 Surfside Beach, SC 29575 Please keep Gordon's family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time. 73, -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL South Carolina Section Section Manager: Matthew R Crook Sr, W1MRC w1mrc@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
PASS THE BILL
PASS THE BILL, is the ARRL nationwide grassroots campaign to pass the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act that was introducted February 2025. The bipartisan bills are H.R. 1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate.
You can visit the Pass the Bill webpage here to read more about the ARRL’s efforts.
The biggest help we need right now is for everyone to send a letter, goto https://send-a-letter.org/hoa to send a letter to your representatives. It honestly takes less than 5 seconds, once you enter your callsign it pulls your address information and selects your House and Senate representatives, and then you click “Send my Letters” and you are done with the most important step.
The website and letter is NOT limited to ARRL members, this is for all Licesned Amateur Radio Operators, so please spread the word and the links to your ham friends and clubs so we can get all hams to send letters!
Thank you,
W1MRC
13 colonies press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025
Amateur Radio Operators Celebrate Independence with 17th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event
Event Dates: July 1–7, 2025
Across the amateur radio airwaves, a unique and patriotic tradition returns this summer. From July 1 through July 7, 2025, ham radio operators from around the world are invited to participate in the 17th Annual 13 Colonies Special Event, a celebration honoring the birth of the United States of America.
During the event, amateur radio stations representing each of the original Thirteen Colonies will be on the air, using special call signs and offering a fun and educational opportunity for operators to test their skills and connect with history. The goal: see if you can make contact with all 13 Colony stations!
Stations will operate across all amateur bands and modes, including SSB (voice), CW (Morse code), and digital modes, ensuring that operators of all skill levels and equipment types can participate.
South Carolina will be represented by K2L, proudly operated by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about both amateur radio and American history.
“This event is not a contest—it’s a tribute,” said organizers. “It’s about remembering our nation’s beginnings and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy, all while sharing the spirit of amateur radio with others across the globe.”
Special certificates will be available for participants who make confirmed contacts with the colony stations. Full details, including logging instructions and bonus stations, can be found on the official 13 Colonies Event website: www.13colonies.us
Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the hobby, this is a week not to miss. Fire up your rig, tune in, and join thousands of operators worldwide in honoring American independence—one QSO at a time.
Contact:
Scott Putnam - KG9V
K2L - SC State Manager
SC Section manager election results
After waiting what felt like an eternity, I was advised by ARRL HQ yesterday that I have been elected to serve as Section Manager for a full 2-year term starting January 1st. I have already spoken with Billy Irwin (K9OH) and thanked him for his participation in the race and ensured his continued role as Assistant Section Manager – SKYWARN Program Manager where his dedication and experience have been invaluable. I now want to communicate a big THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to submit a vote for Billy or me. We appreciate your participation. While I know a lot of you outside of the midlands don’t know me yet, I plan to visit all the clubs and hamfests/tailgates I can over the next two years. Please take a moment to stop by the ARRL SC booth and say hello if you see me. I will have the Section Manager report posted tomorrow.
73
W1MRC