W8ARA connects amateur radio operators across West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, and other parts of the Appalachian region.
Community infrastructure
Since 1980, ARA has supported amateur radio communication across the central Appalachian region.
Network access
History / About us
Founded in 1980 by Gary Holt (WV8B) and Dale Warrick (N8FRV, SK), the Appalachian Repeater Association initially served the region as a single club. As the network expanded, the association split into northern and southern divisions in 1986, each with its own officers; later collaboration and technology brought the organization back together as one unified association.
The association traces its roots to Gary Holt (WV8B) and Dale Warrick (N8FRV, SK), who formed the club in 1980. To manage a growing footprint across West Virginia and Virginia, the ARA split into Northern and Southern divisions, each with its own slate of officers — a structure that let volunteers coordinate operations over a wide geographical area. As communications technology improved, the divisions reunited and the ARA once again became a single organization.
ARA is chartered with the West Virginia Secretary of State as a non-stock, non-profit, perpetual, educational and charitable organization and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity. The association maintains a linked network of VHF and UHF repeaters across mountains and valleys, fostering communication, education, fellowship, and public service.
In its early years the association sponsored monthly meetings for each division — the Northern division met at the Raleigh County 911 Communications Center, and the Southern division gathered in Princeton, West Virginia. Although we now operate as a unified organization, meetings, nets, and special events remain central to our club culture.
