We celebrated Julian’s (W5EDQ) 71 ^st year as being a licensed amateur radio operator at our May 2025 meeting. Julian remains active in our club and has supported the hobby for more than 70 years. He served as our ARES EC for Morgan County Tennessee for many years and helped establish ARES in Scott County. As an Elmer to many people across the country he has given countless hours of his time sharing his experiences and knowledge freely .In April he did a presentation to our club on the enigma coding machine and how it related to amateur radio by sending ‘code’ in World War II.

It was in May of 1954 when he was 16 years old (his birthday is also in May and he will be 87 this year) that he took his first amateur radio test. Since that time he has progressed through the various license classifications and is currently an Extra Class. Julian has been an accredited VE since 1984 and was our club’s session manager for almost 30 years. Volunteering his time and talents is in his DNA as he serves as the honorary Mayor of Rugby Tennessee. Along with his wife (Carolyn) the give countless hours back to the local community and volunteer at a historic print shop as well. Julian’s amateur radio license states that he is a Extra Class but we already knew that as he does have extra class in everything he does! Congratulations Julian!!!

Dear Julian:                                                                  5/8/25

The ARRL VEC congratulates Julian Bankston, W5EDQ, on the incredible milestone of being a licensed amateur radio operator for 71 years.

We also take this opportunity to recognize Julian’s 41 years of outstanding service to the Amateur Radio community and the ARRL VEC.

Your unwavering dedication and generosity in administering Amateur Radio examinations exemplify the true spirit of volunteerism.

We thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to the many amateurs you’ve helped license over the years.

Thank you for your service as a volunteer examiner, Julian!

Sincerely,

Maria Somma, AB1FM

ARRL VEC Manager

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®

225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA

Dear Julian:                                                                  5/8/25

I wanted to write you on behalf of league members throughout the state of Tennessee to express our appreciation for your many years of service to the amateur radio hobby.

This being on the occasion of your 71 ^st year as a licensed amateur radio operator, it is especially appropriate that we recognize you not only for your longevity as an active ham, but to celebrate your being a VE for over 40 years, a VE team leader for the Big South Fork Amateur Radio Club for over 30 years, your service to ARES, and your contribution of countless hours helping and inspiring new amateur radio operators by elmering and sharing your knowledge.

Wishing you all the best on your 87 ^th birthday!

                                                                                     Warmest Regards,

                                                                                     David Thomas KM4NYI

                                                                                     Section Manager

The threat of severe weather and allergies kept some members home which provided some additional cake for those who did attend!

Left to right:

Bill KF4TY, Nancy KC8VTT, Kelly KI4JAV, Joe N4YLA, Carolyn (Julian’s XYL), Juilan W5EDQ, Stephen KI4NG, Dave K4IDB, Bill N5CFD and Avery KQ4PCE