By now, you have received your ballots to select our West Gulf representatives to the ARRL Board of Directors. It has been my privilege to work with the incumbent Division Director Coy Day (N5OK) and the incumbent Vice Director Dr. David Woolweaver (K5RAV). I have been very impressed by their dedication and service to Amateur Radio. I support their re-election.

At the national level, Director Day (N5OK) is a proven leader in our battle against threats to our hobby from BPL. He is a leader in the fight to retain our frequencies. At the local/section level, Director Day is a former Section Manager and understands the needs of those hams serving in the field. Director Day’s experience as a former Director of Emergency Management insures that ARES could have no greater supporter on our board then N5OK. Director Day constantly seeks input from all ARRL members and is not driven by personal agendas. His cabinet is an effective, all-inclusive team that is serving us well.

Vice Director Dr. David Woolweaver (K5RAV) is a strong, experienced, politically active voice for amateur radio. Dr. Woolweaver was the key player in amateur radio’s successes in the last session of the Texas Legislature. Drawing upon his years of experience in dealing with the Texas Legislature and Congress on behalf of the dental profession, Dr. Woolweaver was responsible for amateur radio speaking with a single voice in Austin during the cell phone debates. Stressing teamwork, he led our team to victory. Even more important, our team now has a positive, continuing relationship with several key House and Senate members. Teamwork succeeds. At the local level, Dr. Woolweaver is well known for his EmComm involvement. K5RAV is not just a paper member of ARES. When the call comes, David is there to provide support. You may find him operating from the comfort of his home or you may find him operating in the field while swatting mosquitoes. What ever it takes…..teamwork succeeds.

The ARRL Board is the policy making body of our national organization. It is not in the best interest of amateur radio when individuals use local issues involving the Texas VHF-FM Society or isolated cases of RACES/ARES rivalry to advance their personal agenda. It is imperative that our representatives possess the highest degree of experience and ethics. Divisiveness harms Amateur Radio. Teamwork succeeds.

Past ARRL President Jim Haynie (W5JPB) has endorsed N5OK and K5RAV for re-election. South Texas Section Emergency Coordinator KK5CA, several District Emergency Coordinators, and many clubs have also endorsed them.

I ask you to cast your ballot in support of Coy Day (N5OK) and Dr. David Woolweaver (K5RAV). Please encourage other ARRL members to do likewise.

John Dyer

AE5B