One of the first repeater sites was located at First Avenue and the Eisenhower Expressway.  Later better and higher facilities were located at the Northlake Hotel.

Lightning struck and so the did Northlake Hotel management.  WAFAR was forced to find new facilities.  The Civic Opera House made an offer and a new 500+ foot high antenna site became WAFAR's.  Today WAFAR maintains seven remote receiver sites for the 2-meter system throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

WAFAR is affiliated with ARES, ARRL, ESDA, Red Cross, and Skywarn.  Through these organizations members can serve their community.  WAFAR served the Des Plaines River flood in 1985, Joliet and Lemont tornadoes, and stands ready with trained operators to help during future community need.  Training seminars, classes, and practical exercises are offered to members to provide new and refresh old skills.

WAFAR members participate in Skywarn activities, reporting information to the National Weather Service via the Chicago Area Skywarn Association.

All interested amateurs are welcome at WAFAR.  Broad diversity of interests is WAFAR's strength.  Consider membership, you are welcomed.