I got started in amateur radio later in life. For many years I’d have exposures to the hobby. I’d see clubs supporting marathons, triathlons, and bicycling event that I was participating in. I’d chat with friends that were involved in the hobby from time to time. It always sounded interesting, but I did not take it up for one reason or another; cost of gear, time available to earn the license, other hobbies, work. I finally decided to pursue licensing just a few years ago. The realization that I could actually get a start with an inexpensive HT, interest in the engineering and science, and possibly being one of those guys supporting at an event drew me in.
I earned Technician in March of 2021, General in March of 2022, and Amateur Extra in May of 2022. My focus over that year or so was on studying for and passing exams rather than operating. Once I really started operating, I was kind of overwhelmed wading through different modes of operation and options for what to do with the hobby.
I did a little POTA hunting, and watching YouTube videos about POTA. I came across a number of CW activators, most notably Thomas (K4SWL). That’s when my interest in CW peaked. I first learned the numbers and letters in a LICW beginner’s class, but struggled to move forward from there. I found myself considering both the CWA and LICW’s classes, but not really moving forward. In November of 2023 I went to a local Hamfest, the Stone Mountain Hamfest. I met a few SOTA and POTA people, and spent a good bit of time talking to them. At one of the booths, they were handing out fliers for CWA and CWops. They convinced me to give CWA a try. Over the course 2024 I worked through Fundamentals, Intermediate, and Advanced classes under Buzz, AC6AC’s guidance. He and the several co-advisors and other students in the class were absolutely outstanding. They brought me from knowing the alphabet and numbers, to being a capable CW operator.
One thing Buzz focused on in the CWA classes is that we are building friendships, getting to know one another. In that spirit, here is a bit more about me. I grew up in Wisconsin, divided mainly between the Fox Valley area and far northeastern WI. My tiny high school graduating class had only 26 people. I went from there into the US Navy where I served for 6 years as a “Machinist Mate, Nuclear” operating and maintaining the power plant, engine room, and auxiliary spaces on the USS Enterprise, CVN 65 for most of that time. I enjoy travel, and got to do a fair bit of that in the Navy and in my post-military career. I am a mechanical engineer, with a BSME from the U of Minnesota, Twin Cities. I currently work as a project manager and project procurement lead. I’m married and live in GA with my wife Karen, our dog Jake, miniature horse Jericho, and our barn cat Fiona. We have two adult children, Hannah and Hope. I have too many hobbies. In addition to amateur radio, I do a bit of woodworking and guitar playing (for my own entertainment, not in public) among several other interests. In parallel with radio, I also took up sailing. My wife and I earned our American Sailing Association Certification (ASA 101) together, and I also earned the ASA 103 later.
Thank you for having me as a member (#3627), and a special thank you to Buzz, the co-advisors, my fellow students, sponsors, and the “behind the scenes” volunteers that have helped me and so many others get to this point.
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.