Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association 
The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association, Inc.
A Nonprofit Ohio Corporation and ARRL Special Service Club
- O. Box 4684
Ironton, Ohio 45638
“Dedicated to community service through amateur radio”
www.w8soe.org
PRESS RELEASE
IRONTON, OHIO November 19, 2018
SOUTHERN OHIO AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION (SOARA) PRESENTED WITH THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE (ARRL) “SPECIAL SERVICE CLUB” AWARD
The members of the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association (SOARA) were presented with the prestigious American Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) “Special Service Club” award by Scott Yonally, N8SY, ARRL Ohio Section Manager, at their Christmas in November meeting/dinner November 19th at the Russell, KY, Golden Corral.
Scott Yonally stated during the presentation, “The ARRL Special Service Club award is reserved for ARRL Affiliated Clubs that have met and/or exceeded the strict requirements set out by the ARRL. One of the main requirements is a club’s dedication to public service, which is a hallmark and a mission statement component for SOARA.” Scott went on to say, “A perfect example is the Lawrence County, Ohio Commissioners proclamation setting aside April 20, 2018, as Ham Radio Day in Lawrence County, Ohio, recognizing the members of SOARA for their dedicated service to their communities. The Commissioners have seen the men and women of SOARA in action during declared disasters, providing communication during the Lawrence County Ironton Memorial Day Parade, Ironton Lions Club Christmas Parade, Community Events and a host of related community activities.”
Michael Boster, Lawrence County, Ohio Emergency Management Agency Director said, “When a disastrous event occurs in a community, clear and consistent communications is essential to protect people, property and the environment. Large emergency events are very complex, requiring the collaboration of many individuals and organizations. Lawrence County is fortunate to have a dedicated group of communications specialists, the Southeast Ohio Amateur Radio Association, or SOARA, who work officially under the Amateur Radio Relay League and help complete the communications puzzle in a disaster-stricken county. The Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is both proud of and grateful for these men and women who volunteer their service to our county during times of need, and as the county’s EMA Director, it is a privilege to honor and to recognize the leadership and the communicators who serve when needed.”
James Rowe, N8TVO President of SOARA, commented that SOARA, and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) are relied upon to provide emergency backup communication to Lawrence County in the event of a communications failure. However, they do so much more for the EMA as well as for the community. The members continue to train in other disciplines, i.e. First Aid, CPR, AED, Damage Assessment, Hazmat, National Weather Service SKYWARN, Incident Command, Fire Services, and specialized Ohio EMA and FEMA training.
Yes, these are our Lawrence County volunteers giving of their time, radio equipment and specialized training. Each amateur holds a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) radio license. The members are very deserving of the ARRL Special Service Club Award. “When All Else Fails There Is Amateur Radio,” Eddie Jenkins, N8URU ARES, EC was quoted as saying.
Scott Yonally, N8SY, ARRL Ohio Section Manager on left presents the “ARRL Special Service Club Award” to SOARA President, James Rowe, N8TVO on right
Contact Information
Michael Love, WB8YKS
Public Information Officer
WB8YKS@ARRL.NET
(304) 638-7338
Reference Information
Facebook: Lawrence Ohio ARES
WWW.ARRL-OHIO.ORG