Day 2 of the 2016 Dayton Hamvention has come and gone. It was a busy day inside the Hara Arena complex, as intermittent bouts of rain pushed people inside from the flea markets.

It was also a day for awards and recognition. At the SATERN forum – moderated by National SATERN Liaison Bill Feist, WB8BZH – SATERN founder Major Pat McPherson, WW9E (SK), was remembered and awarded a posthumous Exceptional Service Award from the Salvation Army. Many friends took to the podium and shared stories about Pat.

ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U, said a few words as well, flanked by ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF, and ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. The Salvation Army's Exceptional Service Award was accepted by Ron Busroe, National CRD Secretary, who is responsible for the Salvation Army’s National Disaster Services program. The award will be presented to McPherson’s wife, Carmella, KB9YSQ, on June 19.

At the National Parks on the Air forum, speakers Sean Kutzko, KX9X, and Norm Fusaro, W3IZ, addressed a packed room and answered questions about NPOTA. They were also surprised by two plaques in recognition of all their hard work on the NPOTA program, presented by the Ohio Section. The NPOTA program continues throughout the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

ARRL and IARU President Emeritus Larry Price, W4RA, was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Hall of Fame by the Radio Amateurs of Canada. The award was presented by Ed Frazer, VE7EF, and Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA. The appointment recognized Price’s years of work and service in support of RAC, and is the first Honorary Member appointment in RAC’s history.

The Dayton Amateur Radio Club (DARA) presented ARRL’s Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD, and Rick Roderick, K5UR, with a $5,000 check to fund the Teachers Institute, $6,000 for the DARA scholarship through the ARRL Foundation, and a $10,000 payment towards their $100,000 Second Century Campaign pledge.

The Youth Forum, moderated by Carole Perry, WB2MGP, took place on Saturday morning, featuring speakers like 17-year-olds Maria Lysandrou, KD9BUS, and Kelsey Seymour, K3LSY. From there, youngsters headed over to the ARRL Youth Rally at the ARRL EXPO. At the rally, led by ARRL Education & Technology Program Instructor Tommy Gober, N5DUX, and professional educator Jennifer Gober, KE5LNK, participants ages 11-26 enjoyed hands-on ham radio activities.

The Hamvention continues through Sunday.