The Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) has honored ARRL President Emeritus Harry Dannals, W2HD, for his 70 years as a radio amateur. QCWA Chapter 155 in Charlottesville, Virginia — where Dannals lives — hosted a celebratory luncheon for Dannals on February 3. Dannals also is a QCWA President Emeritus.

Dannals served as ARRL President from 1972 to 1982, and as President of the QCWA from 1989 to 1994 — the only person to have been president of both organizations. Now in his late 80s, Dannals is the oldest living former ARRL President.

In a letter, QCWA President Ken Oelke, VE6AFO, commended Dannals’ contributions to Amateur Radio. Luncheon attendees also included QCWA Past President John Johnston, W3BE, and ARRL Past President Kay Craigie, N3KN. Both commented on Dannals’ devoted service to the ARRL and the QCWA. Craigie said that Dannals has set an example of “cheerfulness and enthusiasm, and friendliness to all hams, whether they qualify for QCWA twice over or are so new that they haven’t memorized their call signs yet.”

Craigie said the luncheon was a complete surprise to Dannals.