On Sunday, July 11, ARRL West Gulf Division Vice Director John Thomason, WB5SYT, of Edmond, Oklahoma, submitted his resignation to ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. Thomason told President Craigie that by resigning, he will be able to “devote my energy to serve my family, employer and health.” Craigie accepted the resignation with regret and then informed West Gulf Director Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV.

Former ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, appointed Thomason in January 2009 as Vice Director after Dr Woolweaver moved up to the Director position upon the retirement of Division Director Coy Day, N5OK. The Director and Vice Director positions in the West Gulf Division -- as well as the Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Southeastern and Southwestern Divisions -- are up for election this November.