H. Robert "Bob" Schroeder, N2HX, of Ewing, New Jersey, has been named the winner of the ARRL's 2009 Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Award for his article "Electromagnetic Pulse and Its Implications for EmComm" that appeared in November 2009 issue of QST. The editorial staff commented on Schroeder's article, saying that "the topic of nuclear EMP is somewhat esoteric by itself, let alone discussing its impact on Amateur Radio, yet the author did an outstanding job of making the subject matter understandable even to the relatively non-technical ham. His writing is clear and to the point, offering practical advice not only for EMP mitigation as it applies to the unlikely event of a nuclear burst, but also extending the same principles to mitigation for lightning damage."

The Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Award is awarded yearly to the QST author who writes an outstanding QST article or series articles on new or existing technologies (or methods or means of amateur communication). The article should be written in an easily understood style, worthy of the Bill Orr "stamp of approval." It should encourage interest and expand the knowledge and understanding of amateurs who may not have a strong technical background. The selection panel will be the ARRL QST editorial staff, who will recommend the winner from a review of the year's QST articles to the ARRL Foundation Board for final approval at its Annual Meeting. The award will be an engraved plaque plus a check for $250 to be presented at an ARRL convention, if possible.

Schroeder is the Communications and Warning Officer for the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. He has worked in emergency management for the State of New Jersey since 1983. Prior to that, he volunteered as an Amateur Radio operator doing emergency communications in 1969 for the New Jersey Office of Civil Defense and Disaster Control. Today, Schroeder serves as project manager for the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the New Jersey Public Warning Plan, and is the state director for the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES).

As he approaches retirement, Schroeder formed a new science and technology consulting company. He is active with the Delaware Valley Radio Association and currently serves as secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Trenton and the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Commission. He is also a member of Trenton Cyrus Lodge #5 of Free and Accepted Masons in Pennington, as well as several other coordinate Masonic bodies. Schroeder's other hobbies include playing the organ -- he is a classically trained organist -- and playing tennis.

Schroeder received his degree in Electrical Engineering from what is now the College of New Jersey in 1976 and has been a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for more than 20 years.

William I. Orr, W6SAI, was an engineer, educator and communicator of extraordinary ability. Over a period of 40 years he wrote and edited scores of technical books and articles of interest to amateur radio enthusiasts. His topics ranged from basic electronic theory to microwave communications to the theory, design, construction and magic of antennas. Whether explaining electronic theory or the intricacies of a microwave amplifier for EME communications, Bill had the ability to use a simple, plain language. He wrote about technical subjects in a way that naturally attracted amateurs who had an interest in the topic but lacked a technical background in the area. This fund was established through generous donations by Steve Cornell, K4AHA.