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.