K0USA
Hear Ye Hear Ye, the 2026 AARC picnic has been announced!
The 2026 AARC Summer Picnic is officially on the calendar, so mark your dates and plan to join us for an afternoon of good food, good conversation, and plenty of radio talk.
When: Sunday, August 2
Time: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Group Shelter
Park information: https://outdoornebraska.gov/location/chalco-hills-recreation-area/
This annual gathering is a relaxed chance for members, friends, and families to connect outside the shack. Whether you have been part o
f AARC for years or are just getting started in amateur radio, everyone is welcome to stop by, say hello, and spend some time with the group.
Once you enter the park, follow the yellow signs directing you to the correct shelter area.
America 250 Award
In 2026, the ARRL will hold a year-long operating event to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The event is called the America250 Worked All States (WAS) Award.
Participants may earn the America250 WAS Award by confirming contacts with all 50 U.S. states during 2026. All contacts must be uploaded to and confirmed in Logbook of The World (LoTW). The award is a paid, frame-ready certificate.
ARRL will schedule W1AW/portable stations to operate for two separate one-week periods per state during the year, from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. Some weeks will not include W1AW/portable operations due to contests or ARRL Field Day.
Additional endorsements are available, including:
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Working all states via W1AW/portable stations
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Working all states via ARRL-affiliated club stations
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WAS Triple Play by working all states on phone, CW, and digital modes
Operators using the W1AW/portable call sign are reminded to follow proper operating etiquette and operate only within their license privileges.
Operating is encouraged on nearly all amateur bands, from 2200 meters through microwave frequencies, excluding 60 meters. CW, phone, and digital modes are allowed, with encouragement to balance activity across modes rather than relying solely on digital.
No special QSL cards will be issued for W1AW/portable stations. All confirmations will be handled through LoTW. Contacts made directly with W1AW at ARRL Headquarters may be confirmed via LoTW or traditional QSL cards with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Once at least 50 states are confirmed in LoTW for 2026 contacts, participants may apply for the award through LoTW. Endorsements can be added later as stickers for the certificate.
Questions about the award are directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Equipment Library
As a Service to its members, the AARC has available some items that members might need occasionaly.
Members of the Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club, who are in good standing (that means current on your dues!) and possesses an active FCC issued US Amateur Radio License may borrow one of two Icom HTs. The radios are a basic 2 meter radio which is great for the new user. It has a NiMH battery and a drop in charger and an alkaline pack making it the perfect if you need to borrow a rig to help with that community service event, or if you are just itching to get on the air as you shop for your new radio. Completely programmable from the keyboard there is no need for the complication of computer based programming.
The radios are available for checkout at any club meeting and you can use it to your hearts content for then next month. Just bring it back to the next month's club meeting. If you can't make a meeting for either check out or return, you can contact the equipment committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make arrangement for its return. Someone else might be waiting!
We also have an MFJ-259B Antenna Analyzer and an MFJ-949C Versa Tuner as well... Both are available for pick up at a club meeting with advanced notice you want to borrow them.
At this time there is no other equipment on the loan list.
Please review the Loan Agreement at the link below.
| Item | Serial Number | Borrower | Date Due Back |
| Icom V80 Kit #1 | 25006471 | Available | |
| Icom V80 Kit #2 | 25006472 | Available | |
| ARRL Intro To Morse Code CD Set |
N/A | Available | |
| MFJ-259B Antenna Analyzer | N/A | Available | |
| MFJ-949C Versa Tuner II | N/A | Available |
To review the Equipment Loan Agreement click this link.
