First, I’d like to thank Hank (W6SX) for nominating me and my sponsors for their support. I’m honored to join CWops, and I apologize for the delay in sharing my bio.
Ham radio is a remarkable hobby—not just for the technology but for the connections it fosters. Though many of us may never meet face-to-face or even “talk” traditionally, we build lifelong friendships and make positive impacts on one another. Amateur radio has deeply enriched my life, and I’m grateful for it.
My journey into ham radio began with my uncle Chester Zay (K3HHA) in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He introduced me to the hobby with a 6-meter “goony box” and a coat-hanger antenna, and we soon visited a surplus store to pick up an ARC-5 transmitter and a tank receiver. Back home in Scotia, NY, I joined a school radio club in 1961, taught by social studies teacher Bill Schwarting (WA2AHC). After earning my Novice license, I started transmitting using a wire-wrapped cardboard box antenna and a homemade key made from putty knives “borrowed” from my dad.
In high school, I upgraded my gear, moving through a DX-20, DX-40, Eico 720, and my dream setup—a Harvey Wells TBS-50C paired with a Hallicrafters SX-101A. By then, I had my Technician license, built 6- and 2-meter beams, and continued experimenting with electronics. My dad brought home old TVs from a repair shop, which I repaired and sold for pocket money. At 15, I landed a job at an electronics repair shop in Albany, a skill I carried through college.
I passed my General, Advanced, and 1st Class Commercial licenses (with CW endorsement) before graduating high school but failed the Extra exam after six exhausting hours in front of an FCC examiner in Schenectady, NY.
During college, I stayed active in ham radio, earned a degree in electrical engineering, and started a career with a Pennsylvania utility. Between raising two daughters and working in operations, I remained passionate about the hobby, particularly contesting and DXing. Encouraged by my coworker Bud Thomas, I earned my Extra Class license in the 1980s.
After nearly 40 years in the energy industry, I retired in 2019 from senior management. Along the way, I pursued other interests, including coaching tennis and soccer, mentoring youth in Odyssey of the Mind, wildlife photography, and traveling the world with my wife. We’re proud grandparents to seven wonderful grandchildren, who bring us endless joy.
In retirement, ham radio remains a favorite pastime, along with reading. Although I’ve downsized to a stealthy 132-foot end-fed wire in my HOA-restricted neighborhood, my Ten-Tec Orion II keeps me active on the air. I’m grateful to CWops for helping me sharpen my CW skills and for the camaraderie of its members.
Thank you all for welcoming me to this outstanding community.
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.