West Allis Radio Amateur Club

About WARAC

HISTORY

The West Allis Radio Amateur Club, Inc. (WARAC) traces its roots back to 1954 when a group of hams in West Allis, Wisconsin, and the southwest suburban area of Milwaukee came together. Today, our club boasts active members from all corners of the Metropolitan Milwaukee area. Since its inception, WARAC has been committed to public service and nurturing new hams. We’ve consistently mentored entry-level hams, fostering a vibrant community. Our affiliation with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has been a longstanding tradition.

MEETINGS

Join us for our regular meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. We gather at the New Berlin Community Center (14750 W Cleveland Avenue), which is handicapped accessible and conveniently located—all on one level. Our meetings feature engaging programs on various topics of interest, followed by a brief business session. And of course, camaraderie and refreshments round out the evening. Keep an eye out for meeting announcements and club news in our monthly newsletter, HAMTRIX.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year, WARAC awards the David Knaus Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is open to Wisconsin residents who hold an Amateur Radio license and are enrolled in a college, university, or technical school pursuing an Associate or Bachelor degree. The ARRL Foundation administers the scholarship, and application details can be found on our Scholarship page.

Since its establishment in 1988, the WARAC Scholarship Fund has awarded over $66,000. Generous donations from both the club and individuals sustain this fund, allowing us to continue supporting aspiring hams. Contributions to the WARAC Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible under IRS Code Section 501©3.

WISCONSIN QSO PARTY

For over four decades, WARAC has proudly sponsored the annual Wisconsin QSO Party (WIQP). This on-the-air operating competition shines a spotlight on Wisconsin. Not only is it a hit within our state, but it also draws participants from across the country and around the world. With over 500 logs submitted each year, the WIQP is a vibrant celebration of ham radio.

FIELD DAY

Each June, WARAC members take to the field and set up functioning stations with the goal of making as many contacts with other Amateur stations in the United States as possible in a 24 hour period. This event, sponsored by the ARRL, is an exercise in emergency preparedness as well as being an exciting operating activity. This picture, which appeared in the 1996-97 CQ Magazine Amateur Radio Calendar, shows Mike Falk, AA9RK and Jim Westover, KB9KBK operating at the 1995 WARAC Field Day site.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
From time to time, WARAC members engage in other group activities. The club holds an annual dinner at which awards are presented to members who have earned distinction within the club.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership in WARAC is open to “all persons of good character with a genuine interest in Amateur Radio.” Full membership is available to licensed Amateur Radio operators, with Associate membership available to non-licensed individuals. A filled-out WARAC application form may be presented at any meeting. Dues for membership are $20.00 for individual or family membership..

FURTHER INFORMATION
Sound interesting? For more information on Amateur Radio or the West Allis Radio Amateur Club, visit our website at www.warac.org/, email us, or you may write to us at the address at the top of the page. Also, anyone is welcome to attend our meetings on second Tuesdays