The first Fred Fish Memorial Award (FFMA) plaque was awarded posthumously to Fred Fish, W5FF (SK). The award was presented by West Gulf Division Director Coy Day, N5OK, to Fish's widow Lee Fish, K5FF, at the ARRL Forum at the Texoma Hamorama in Ardmore, Oklahoma on October 25.

The FFMA was created to honor Fred Fish, W5FF, a legendary VHF+ operator who became the first amateur to work and confirm all 488 Maidenhead grid squares on 6 meters in the 48 contiguous United States. According to ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, plaques bearing Fred Fish's likeness will be awarded to any amateur who can repeat Fred's accomplishment.

Several members of the Central States VHF Society (CSVHFS) were present for the ceremony; Fred and Lee were members of CSVHFS for many years. "Lee was visibly moved when she saw the photo of her late husband on the plaque bearing his name," Kutzko said, "and her voice broke as she spoke out loud, realizing that 'when award number 2099 is presented, Fred's picture will still be on the plaque. Lee also thanked the ARRL and the Amateur Radio community for recognizing her husband's contributions to Amateur Radio."

Lee, along with Fred, were very active on the VHF bands, and earned Worked All States (WAS) on 6 and 2 meters, as well as 222 and 432 MHz. Lee was the first person to get DXCC on 6 meters; Fred was the second. Kutzko said that the couple is remembered as generous with their time to VHF newcomers.

More information on the Fred Fish Memorial Award, as well as other ARRL operating awards, can be found on the ARRL Awards Program portion of the ARRL Web site.