Martti, OH2BH

Along with providing an abundance of on-air gratification for the globe-spanning fraternity of amateur radio aficionados, Martti – true to his nature, always took a few additional steps towards gold. Not surprising -- to those of us who know him well you say. In conjunction with his visits to those far-off countries, Martti decided to do something meaningful and long lasting. He opted to be an ambassador of amateur radio and his dedicated mission was to help these countries become equal partners in the global community of amateur radio.

He initiated the concept of missionary DXpeditioning and soon found himself working hand-in-hand with local administration discussing new horizons while gaining major added value for DXing worldwide.

In keeping with his constant pursuit of excellence and desire to give to those who have assisted him in achieving his goals, Martti seeded a new era in DXpeditioning. His 'in-country' missionary work included: drafting amateur radio regulations in Albania (ZA1A); assisting Burmese nationals in the reestablishment of their beloved hobby (XZ1A); convincing North Koreans there was nothing in amateur radio to be afraid of (P51BH) and conducting a youth oriented amateur radio-training course in Beijing, China (BY1DX).  It is important to note that Martti's success with ZA1A was a direct by-product of the new era that was dawning in global East-West relationships. Through this work, Martti would deliver ongoing value to DXers around the world for years to come as we are the direct benefactors of his tireless missionary work. The formula for true success was obvious to Martti – give and you will receive!

One thing is certain; Martti’s list of personal and team achievements in radio have not gone unnoticed. In 2000 the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) recognized his efforts in bringing various nations back to the ranks of amateur radio. At the 2000 Dayton Hamvention he was referred to as a DX luminary as he was awarded the Hamvention’s “Amateur of the Year” title. In April 1989, he was recognized for his work, as he became the fourth member of the CQ Contest Hall of Fame. Much earlier in his radio career – January 1972 to be exact, Martti was inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame as its eighth member. With the two awards from CQ, Martti joins an illustrious collection of radio legends -- but even more importantly, he becomes the first person to have entry into both hallowed halls of fame.