The ARRL will accept nominations until November 1 for the George Hart Distinguished Service Award. The award honors long-time ARRL Communications Manager George Hart, W1NJM (SK), the chief developer of the National Traffic System™ (NTS). An ARRL Charter Life Member, Hart spent more than four decades as a member of the ARRL Headquarters staff and continued to be an active radio amateur and regular Field Day participant in his retirement. In 1984, the ARRL Board of Directors named Hart as an ARRL Honorary Vice President. He died in 2013 at the age of 99.

Established by the ARRL Board of Directors in 2009, the George Hart Distinguished Service Award is given annually to an ARRL member for exemplary service to the League’s Field Organization. Selection criteria include NTS operating record, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) participation, or service to the ARRL Field Organization in terms of appointments and/or leadership positions held.

Nominations should thoroughly document the nominee’s lifetime activities and achievements with the ARRL Field Organization. Nominees are expected to have at least 15 years of distinguished service.

The Programs and Services Committee will serve as the Review Committee, and the ARRL Board of Directors will make the final decision at its Annual Meeting in January.

Submit nominations and related supporting material and letters of recommendation via e-mail to or USPS mail to ARRL Field Organization Team Supervisor Steve Ewald, WV1X, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

Recipients receive an engraved plaque and cover letter and will be profiled in QST.