[MRCA] Most Useless Radio

[Ray Fantini]

Don't think anyone is questioning the value of the TBS or TBY within the context of WW2, the most useless radio category at the MRCA is only relevant within the confines of the Gilbert MRCA get together. A group that gets together once or twice a year to legally operates old military radios.  Other than static displays and there are many that have been presented at Gilbert if you want to operate an item in your collection it has to be something that will operate within the structure of the amateur radio service, anyone who brings a radio that will not operate within that context, or that may be very large, heavy or require an exceptional effort to transport or operate is in the running for the "most useless radio "prize. The award is to the person and not the radio and has always been regarded as a badge of honor by the group members. 
In the dozen or so years that I have been involved with this group I have seen the development of a web page, over ten years of a first class event at Gilbert in collaboration with Red Ball Military Transport Association, special event stations and living history exhibits throughout the year and the "Moose and Squirrel Net" developed by this group. All of the members that I have been involved with are first class people and serious collectors, and feel that the misunderstanding is in assuming that we are in some way awarding this title to an item when it is awarded to a person.
Ray F