Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day is observed 9 days before the first Monday in June. In 2026, this date falls on May 23. Also known as ARMAD, the day brings amateur radio operators, communities, veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and supporters together through live radio messages of thanks and encouragement. ¹

See also: World Amateur Radio Day, National Public Radio Day

History of Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day grew from the work of Emery McClendon, KB9IBW, an amateur radio operator from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a former member of the U.S. Air Force and Indiana Air National Guard. Sources connected with the amateur radio community describe ARMAD as beginning in the early two-thousands as a way to let ordinary people speak live words of support to military members, veterans, retirees, and their families through amateur radio.

The idea spread because it was simple, direct, and emotional: radio clubs could set up stations in public places and invite people to say thank you over the air. Early ARMAD events connected local communities with military personnel and support groups, showing how amateur radio could serve not only as a technical hobby, but also as a public-service bridge between civilians and those in uniform.

Why is Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day important?

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day matters because it gives appreciation a real voice. Instead of a printed message or a social media post, ARMAD uses live radio contact, allowing people to hear gratitude, encouragement, and support in real time.

The day also highlights the public-service side of amateur radio. Ham radio operators are often associated with emergency communication, technical skill, and community readiness, and ARMAD shows another part of that tradition: using radio to connect people across distance, duty, and experience.

• It honors active-duty military members, veterans, retirees, and military families.
• It gives communities a direct way to express thanks.
• It shows amateur radio as a tool for service, not just a hobby.
• It helps introduce the public to ham radio operators and radio clubs.
• It creates a personal connection that written messages often cannot match.

How to Observe Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

One meaningful way to observe Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day is to connect with a local amateur radio club and learn whether they are holding a special event station or public demonstration. Many ARMAD-style activities are built around simple participation: community members speak a few words of appreciation, while licensed radio operators help make the contact possible.

You can also use the day to learn more about amateur radio itself. For many people, ARMAD is a first glimpse into how radio operators build networks, support public events, assist during emergencies, and keep communication alive when ordinary systems are unavailable.

• Thank a veteran, service member, or military family directly.
• Visit a local ham radio club or public radio event.
• Learn what amateur radio operators do during emergencies.
• Share the story of ARMAD with someone unfamiliar with ham radio.
• Encourage respectful, personal messages of support for those who serve.

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day Dates

1. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/534805/america-supports-you-radio-clubs-ham-up-troops[↩]