Appalachian Repeater Association History
Established 1980 – preserving the spirit of amateur radio
Established 1980 – preserving the spirit of amateur radio
The Appalachian Repeater Association traces its roots to Gary Holt (WV8B) and Dale Warrick (N8FRV), who formed the club in 1980. To manage a growing footprint across West Virginia and Virginia, the ARA split into Northern and Southern divisions, each with its own slate of officers.
This two‑division structure allowed volunteers to coordinate operations over a wide geographical area. As communications technology improved and collaboration became easier, the divisions eventually reunited and the ARA once again became a single organization.
Chartered with the West Virginia Secretary of State as a non‑stock, non‑profit, perpetual, educational and charitable organization, the ARA promotes continuing education in amateur radio for both its members and the public. We are a community of amateur radio operators from southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia who are dedicated to the enjoyment and enhancement of the hobby.
Part of our mission is to provide local hams with reliable repeater coverage. In doing so, we support and maintain numerous amateur radio repeaters throughout West Virginia and Virginia. By fostering communication and fellowship, the ARA helps ensure that the spirit of amateur radio remains vibrant for generations to come.
In its early years the association sponsored monthly meetings for each division. The Northern division met on the second Tuesday of the month at the Raleigh County 911 Communications Center, while the Southern division gathered on the second Monday at the Burger Boy’s Restaurant in Princeton, West Virginia.
Although we now operate as a unified organization, meetings, nets and special events remain central to our club culture. We encourage members and visitors alike to check our calendar for upcoming activities and to join us on the air or in person.
This historic photograph showcases one of our early special event stations, hosted at the Pocahontas Exhibition Mines in 1990. Events like this highlight our long tradition of community outreach and on‑air activity.
In the November 1987 issue of the SERA Repeater Journal the Appalachian Repeater Association and its WZ8E (formerly KD8MZ) 146.955 MHz repeater were featured in a two‑page cover story. Below are scans of the magazine cover, the article pages and the accompanying coverage map.
