Milestones: JH1AJT, W2RS, Silent Keys

CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame member "Zorro" Miyazawa, JH1AJT, became a Silent Key in late March, according to DXNews.com. In addition to his DXing activities around the world, which included bringing along groups of other operators to be on the air while he conducted business in various locations, Zorro was the founder of the Foundation for Global Children, an international humanitarian organization focused on helping provide basic supplies and educational opportunities for children around the world.

Also leaving us in March was amateur satellite pioneer Ray Soifer, W2RS. In 1960, he was on one end of the first known amateur radio contact via satellite ionization trail reflection, according to the AMSAT News Service. In addition, Ray was at one end of the first-ever intersatellite relay communication between two earth stations – using OSCARs 6 and 7 – in any radio service. Soifer held many positions in the AMSAT organization, including Executive Vice President and acting President. He also served as chair of the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) satellite forum and the IARU Region 2 VHF/UHF Committee.