Long time DMRAA member Dean Madsen, NØXR is the 2014 Winthrop Mager recipient

Dean has severed in several capacities both on and off the DMRAA board.

Dean is “Mr. Field Day”.  For many years we have watched him pull up to the Field Day site and unload what seems to be a semi load of antennas, coax, computers, controllers, and radios from his Astro van.  With his calm leadership the Field Day teams erects several towers and antennas.

During the event he provides the computers, software and expertise so that we track our success.  At the end we help him take everything down, while he assesses the booboos we’ve made and decides what it will take to get them fixed for the coming year.  One word comes to mind at this point “tolerance”!  Then in the months between Field Days he finds, orders and installs the repair parts.

Dean was also instrumental in helping Polk County ARES provide several demonstration stations for use during the Boy Scout council’s 100 Year Encampment at Waterworks Park. Hundreds of scouts were introduced to Amateur Radio and dozens got to talk to many DX stations including the USS Lexington.  The weather was lousy but scouts had a great time.

Dean is the man behind the curtain with regards to the DMRAA WØAK packet system.  Some of this he manages from home while other parts are at Lutheran Hospital.  While packet is not used as much as in the past Dean keeps it very functional.

Outside of Amateur Radio Dean is very involved with gun sports, an accomplished marksman and judge he often assists with local and regional competitions.

The DMRAA is honored to call Dean the 2014 Winthop Mager recipient.