As he nears retirement, ARRL CEO David Sumner has been honored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA), which sponsors Dayton Hamvention®. Sumner had been invited to speak at DARA’s January 8 meeting, purportedly to recount his many years with ARRL. While such out-of-town speaking engagements are not out of the ordinary for him, something he wasn’t anticipating awaited him at this event.

“Dave provided a great insight into the mission of the ARRL, but our club had some surprises,” said DARA President Don Dubon, N6JRL.

The Dayton Amateur Radio Association honored Sumner with a plaque noting his “Outstanding Career and Service to Amateur Radio.” The club also made him a “Gold Card” lifetime member of DARA, an honor bestowed on very few, Dubon said. In addition, the ARRL Ohio Section presented him with a Special Recognition Award from the ARRL Ohio Section.

“I am very pleased that the relationship between DARA and the ARRL has blossomed into one of the outstanding partnerships in organized Amateur Radio,” Sumner said.

A reception attended by more than 180 DARA members followed the meeting.