Amateur radio has been part of the fabric of Washington County for decades. Long before smartphones and the internet made communication instantaneous, local operators were already building connections across the airwaves, experimenting with radio technology, and serving their neighbors through public service and emergency communications.
Organized amateur radio in the area traces back to the Brenham Amateur Radio Club, founded in September 1978. The club brought together a passionate group of enthusiasts who shared an interest in wireless communication, electronics, and community service — gathering to share knowledge, build antennas, and mentor newcomers to the hobby.
One of the most influential figures in that early history was Henry L. Schulze, Jr., known to most as “Hank” or “Potsy.” Widely respected for his willingness to help others learn, Hank embodied the amateur radio tradition of experienced operators mentoring newcomers — a role known in the hobby as being an “Elmer.” He served as the club’s first president and was known for his enthusiasm for satellite communications and his warmth on the air.
Hank held the callsign W5AUM. In amateur radio, a callsign is more than an identifier — it represents an operator’s presence and reputation on the air. After his passing, W5AUM was transferred to the club in recognition of his dedication and lasting impact on the local community.
By the early 2010s, members began discussing how the club could better serve the broader region, and on June 26, 2014, the Washington County Amateur Radio Club was formally established. When the original club dissolved that same year, W5AUM was transferred to the new organization in Hank’s honor.
Today the club is an active ARRL affiliate, participating in Field Day, hosting licensing classes, and conducting FCC examination sessions. Several repeaters serving Brenham and the surrounding region remain open to all licensed operators in the area.
What began as a small group of Brenham enthusiasts has grown into a countywide organization dedicated to education, experimentation, and community service. The callsign W5AUM stands as a reminder of that journey — once the personal callsign of a beloved local operator, now a symbol of a community still carrying forward his tradition of mentorship and service.