The W8OK award is given to the SWODXA member who exhibits those traits that Frank Schwab embodied. Frank was a Co-founder of the Dayton Hamvention® and the founder of Dayton Sky-Warn. Frank was a well-known top-flight contester and CW operator. He soon rose to the top of the DXCC ranks and eventual membership in the CQ DX Hall of Fame.

Frank is known to have said and appreciated the statement “CW is an art…be an artist!”

Members who are considered for the W8OK award must exhibit the following traits and characteristics:

• Operating ethics and courtesy.
• Station activity.
• Observance of FCC rules.
• Contribution to the club such as participation in club activities, contests, etc.
• Contributions to amateur radio such as helping new hams or foreign operators in any way practical.
• Attitude toward fellow hams.
• Attitude toward the public, including neighbors – e.g. managing TV, BC and telephone interference.
• Perseverance in listening for new countries, obtaining QSLs, striving for DX goals of various sorts, and ferreting out DX information.

This is the most prestigious award given to a club member by the club.

W8OK Nomination Form (save the form and then fill it out and email it to aj8b@arrl.net).

Please provide as much relevant information as possible.  The more of this that is provided, the better understanding the judges will have of the worthiness of your nominee to receive the award.

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Previous Frank Schwab, W8OK, Award Winners

Year	Call	Honoree
2023	K4YJ	Dwight Kelly
2022	NR8Z	Tom Inglin
2021	K8DV	Dave Vest
2020	N8AA	John Comella
2018	AJ8B	Bill Salyers
2017	AB8YK	Jim Storms
2016	N6JRL	Don Dubon
2015	K8FL	Jim Lancaster
2014	W8KJ	Kevin Jones
2013	K8WWA	Rick Burdick
2012	N8BJQ	Steve Bolia
2011	K8JE	Jim Weaver
2010	W8GEX	Joe Pater
2009	K8LEE	Wayne McKenzie
2008	K4ZLE	Jay Slough
2007	W8ILC	Ron Moorefield
2006	W8QID	Kirk Swallow
2005	AC8G	Harry Flasher