February 2026 Membership Meeting - Room A207

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A Look at the Benefits of Amateur Radio

 

Join us on Zoom for a special presentation by Thomas Witherspoon (K4SWL), adapted from his keynote address at HamXposition 2025. In this engaging talk, Thomas explores the enduring values that have kept amateur radio vibrant for generations—and why they matter more than ever today.

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Through stories and insights drawn from decades of experience, Thomas highlights how curiosity, kindness, community, diversity, and mentorship (Elmering) form the foundation of our hobby. He explains how these core values foster innovation, welcome new operators, and help amateur radio remain self-sustaining well into the future.

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As a passionate field operator, QRP advocate, and community builder, Thomas will show how meaningful connections, supportive mentoring, and a spirit of joy and generosity enable us to push technical boundaries, strengthen our networks, and build lasting friendships across bands, borders, and continents.

 

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Presenter

Thomas Witherspoon (K4SWL) cheerfully admits he is terribly addicted to playing radio in the field. He is the owner and editor of The SWLing Post and QRPer.com, and the founder and curator of both the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive and the Radio Spectrum Archive. His passion for shortwave listening and field-portable amateur radio is evident in everything he does.

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If you hear Thomas on the air, chances are he’s activating a park for POTA or WWFF or operating from a summit for SOTA—combining his love of the outdoors with his enthusiasm for radio.

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