Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) For Immediate Release: August 31, 2015 For more information contact: Charles Tropp N2SO charlestropp@yahoo.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hamming” it up for 90 Years! Charles “Charlie” Hellman W2RP Licensed since 1925 Presented with Historic 90th Anniversary Award Hastings-on-Hudson, NY (August 31, 2015) Today, the Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. (QCWA)—an international organization of amateur (“ham”) radio operators---presented a 90 Year Licensed Certificate Award (Serial #1) to Charles “Charlie” Hellman W2RP. Mr. Hellman is 105 years of age and is the oldest living amateur radio operator in the United States and possibly the world. Charlie was licensed in 1925 as a 15 year-old, and joined QCWA in 1975 and is also a member of local QCWA Chapter 181 (Hudson Valley). On hand to present the certificate, and represent QCWA President Ken Oelke VE6AFO and the membership were: Treasurer Charles Tropp N2SO, Directors Carole Perry WB2MGP and Pete Varounis NL7XM; along with QCWA Chapter 181 Secretary Mike Sturm, K2AE. Also on hand for the ceremony was Don Finkel, WA2OQM. The certificate reads: “The Quarter Century Wireless Association presents this 90th Anniversary Award to its Distinguished Member Charles “Charlie” Hellman, W2RP to commemorate Ninety Years of Service as alicensed Radio Amateur.” In addition to the certificate, Charlie was also presented with a letter from QCWA president Ken Oelke VE6AFO which reads in part, “I would also like to say how proud I am that you have kept active for these many years, and to proudly celebrate what many will not be able to achieve in their entire lifetime. Congratulations to you on 90 years as a licensed radio amateur, and may you enjoy many more in amateur radio!” The information pertaining to Charlie was discovered when the QCWA webmaster, Bob Roske NØUF, was updating member files and discovered that Charlie was still living in New York and was certainly the oldest living member of QCWA. In recognition of his achievement the QCWA Board of Directors quickly voted to award Charlie the 90 year certificate, a first for the organization. -30- About QCWA The Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) is a non-commercial international association of radio amateurs organized for the promotion of interest in Amateur Radio communication and experimentation for the establishment and advancement of the radio art and public welfare. QCWA was founded December 5, 1947. In order to qualify for membership one must demonstrated proof of having been first licensed as an Amateur Radio operator at least 25 years prior to application for membership and must be currently licensed.
Wow that's great, congratulations Charlie on reaching this amazing milestone. I hope you have many more years enjoying ham radio.
He's not the oldest. Dr Harry Wolf W6NKT is the oldest at 106! https://www.qrz.com/db/W6NKT And he's still on the air every day 40m CW. Charlie got his license first, but Harry is older.
Wow indeed. According to his QRZ bio he upgraded to extra when he was 98 years old! May we all be so healthy and sharp at his age.
Mr. Hellman was my photography teacher in 1975 at the Bronx High School of Science. He was instrumental in setting up the beautiful Collins KW station at the school along with a crank up tower and tri-band beam. I had the pleasure to celebrate his 100th birthday with a group of hams from the Yonkers Amateur Radio Club - it was an absolute treat to sit and talk with him! Until a few years ago you could find him mornings, Monday to Friday on 20M discussing politics with a group of friends. An amazing man. Here's to 106 Charles! Very best 73 Richard Kautz, KC2HZW
