Many thanks to Jim (N7US) who nominated me, and to Rob(K6RB), Fred (KG9X) and Hank (W6SX), who sponsored me for membership in CWops! Thanks to all who helped me on my way, including my CW Academy Instructor Mark Tyler (K5GQ) and Advisor Tom Waits (WA9CW).
I first became a ham radio operator in 2012, and have my OM, Jim, WA4VGZ to thank for introducing me to amateur radio and supporting all my ham radio endeavors. Working 2 ops, 2 rigs and one antenna on our small lot does make it interesting sometimes. My station includes a Yaesu FT-857D, and a Ten-Tec Bencher and a W1SFR Horizontal Torsion Bar Straight Key, G5RV up 35 feet, running between 5 and 100 Watts.
I retired from a career as a Sr. IT Project Manager in 2020. I am still actively involved as a project management mentor and instructor. I became an American Red Cross Volunteer with the intention of working only as a Communications volunteer but quickly learned that there is so much more that is needed. I have taken on several Red Cross Disaster Support and Instructor roles. I love hiking (and POTA) and can’t wait for slightly cooler weather to get back into the woods!
I started studying CW in earnest in 2019 by participating in CW Academy – Level II, then work and family circumstances put my CW training on pause until I retired. I joined the Long Island CW Club (LICW) when I retired in September 2020 and got the confidence-boost I needed to get on the air with CW and am now on the air daily. I recently started teaching the LICW “Reaching Your CW Goals with W4CMG” class, where we focus on tools and techniques to help our Intermediate CW level class members reach their goals.
I am a Life Member of the ARRL and Volunteer Examiner for both ARRL and CAVEC. I served as TN Section Public Information Coordinator for several years. I enjoy DXing and contesting and am involved in several CW clubs and groups in addition to CWops, including the Tennessee Contest Group (Secretary/ Newsletter writer), Long Island CW Club, YLRL, SKCC, FISTS, NAQCC and Ten-Ten. I also enjoy QRP activities and participate in QRP Foxhunts and special QRP activities such ZOMBIE Shuffle, Skeeter Hunt and Sasquatch Stomp.
Looking forward to seeing you on the bands!
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.