At its January 1 meeting, the RATS Board of Directors granted the special status of Life Membership to three long-time members of RATS who have made numerous valuable contributions to the organization through the years.

Rob Marshall KI4MCW is being recognized for his many years of service on the club's Board of Directors and Frostfest Committee, his past involvement in our technical committee and other projects, his informative and educational presentations, and his ongoing dedication to making RATS a better club.  Rob currently serves as a Director on the RATS Board.

Robert Orndorff W4BNO also spent many years on the RATS Board of Directors and Frostfest Committee.  Mr. Orndorff is currently enjoying a retirement from the daily goings-on at RATS but we will forever be thankful for his past service which helped grow RATS into what we are today.

Brewer Pedin W4MGA has been around for a while, too, and currently serves as our RF technical expert on the Technical Committee.  Brewer supports the club with his knowledgeable advice on matters primarily pertaining to repeater system performance, and he occasionally makes his equipment and skills available to the club for diagnostic purposes.  His advice helps guide the Technical Committee and the RATS Board, and we thank him for being a valuable part of our little club.

To all three recipients of this special status:  THANK YOU!

Life Membership was previously granted to all founding members who were active as of November 17, 1989.  In subsequent years, the RATS Board has extended this status to a limited number of individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve the club.  Life Memberships extend all of the rights and privileges of a regular Individual Membership, without payment of dues.  These memberships cannot be purchased -- they can only be earned.

The total number of Life Members is now 11, which includes 5 founding members and 6 Board grants.