2002 Magnolia DX Association "DX Day"

The Magnolia DX Association held it's annual DX Banquet on Saturday, December 7th, 2002. This year we tried a new format from what in past years was only a dinner banquet to include a half-day of DX related forums. We were fortunate to have three high quaility and enjoyable presentations by 4 DXpeditioners of note. In addition to the forums, attendees were given the opportunity to sell some of their excess equipment with a "Junk in the Trunk" sale. We also had several fine door prizes courtesy of MFJ Enterprises, Daily DX, The GoList , World Radio, ARRL, The DX Magazine and individual sponsors. The event was attended by 65 hams and their guests. Light snacks were provided in the afternoon and the dinner banquet menu was steak, baked potato, green beans, salad and dessert. The food was delicious! A good time was had by all!

The first presentation was given by Silvano Amenta, KB5GL on his ZL1AGL DXpedition to Mangaia Island (South Cook Group) IOTA OC-159. Silvano was first licensed in Italy in 1949 at the age of 19. During his 53 years as a ham, Silvano has activated many IOTAs and participated in many other DXpeditions.

Next up was Wes Lamboley, W3WL. For the past 3 years Wes has been kind enough to attend our banquet and present exceptional talks on his participation in some of the high profile DXpeditions of recent years. This year was no exception. Wes had an excellent slide presentation on his experience as a member of the South Sandwich/South Georgia (VP8THU/VP8GEO) DXpedition earlier this year. Wes not only provided his own unique insight and personal experience on the expedition, but also gave an interesting history lesson on the adventures of famed Antarctic explorer, Captain Ernest Shackleton.

The dinner forum was provided by Gary Jones, W5FI and Steve Schmidt, K4WA. Gary and Steve gave a multi-media presentation on their participation in the 2002 DXpedition to Pratas Island (BQ9P). The presentation detailed both the technical and logistical challenges of the DXpedition and provided insight into some of the cultural aspects of life on Pratas.

Each year the MDXA recognizes two members as DXer of the Year and Member of the Year. DXer of the Year is presented to an individual member for significant accomplishments during the year in DX related pursuits. Member of the Year is a relatively new award and is presented to the member who has made tangible and significant contributions to the goals and activities of the club during the year. This year's DXer of the Year award was presented to Wes Lamboley, W3WL. Member of the Year was presented to Darryl Goldman, KD5CQT. Wes was recognized for his participation in the South Sandwich/South Georgia Micro-lite DXpedition this year. Darryl was the club's Field Day chairman, leading us to a 3rd place finish in the highly competitive 3A category. Darryl can always be counted on to provide technical and operational support to any MDXA activity. In addition, the club made two special awards this year. The first was presented to Keith Luke, W5AV. Keith was recognized as the "MDXA All Time DXer" for having the highest DXCC total of all MDXA members. Larry Duncan, K4WLS was presented a special DX Honor Roll plaque in recognition of his achievement of working and confirming more than 326 DXCC entities in CW. Randy, W5UE won the club's first ever "Best QSL" Contest. View the card front and back. Congratulations to all!!!!