The Central States VHF Society (CSVHFS) recently honored two radio amateurs with awards. Wayne Overbeck, N6NB, was presented with the Society’s 2015 John Chambers Memorial Award, and Lauren Libby, W0LD, received the 2015 Wilson Award. Kent Britain, WA5VJB, presented both honors on July 25 at the CSVHFS annual conference in Denver.

The Chambers Award is given for technical contributions to VHF/UHF Amateur Radio. Created in 1970, it honors the memory of John Chambers, W6NLZ, who completed the first-ever 2 meter transpacific contact with Ralph “Tommy” Thomas, KH6UK. The Wilson Award is given for outstanding service to the CSVHFS or for service to VHF-UHF Amateur Radio in general. Introduced in 1982, it honors the memory of Mel Wilson, W2BOC.

This marked the second time that Overbeck has won the Chambers Award, although it’s been a long time between awards; he previously won it in 1978.

Overbeck and Libby said they were pleased and surprised to be feted at the conference. In presenting the awards, Kent Britain, WA5VJB, said Overbeck was being honored for accomplishments after he won his previous Chambers Award in 1978, and primarily for his success in setting new world DX records on the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands. Libby received the Wilson Award for his longtime service to the CSVHFS.

ARRL First Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR, was the speaker at the banquet, where the awards were presented.