I am honored and excited to be a member of CWops. I want to thank KM4FO, K1DJ, K4TZ, KR2Q and K5UV for their support. Steve Randall, KO4VW, has been a true inspiration as I have watched him mentor and encourage hams to become proficient in the art of CW. I cannot wait to contribute alongside these dedicated members.
I was first licensed as WN4ABY as a high school sophomore in 1972. My dad, W4UHP (SK), introduced me to the hobby and served as my “Elmer” as I got started. As a Novice in the early 1970s, I only had CW available and learned to enjoy it. I almost wore out an old Navy J-38 key chasing DX and talking with
friends. During that time, I served as a net control station for the Georgia Training Net on 80 meters. I met many ham friends who were members of the net, and I am still friends with many of them today. We all met on CW long before we met each other in person.
Over the past 52 years, I have had several ARRL appointments including local Emergency Coordinator in the northern suburbs of Atlanta as well as the Section Emergency Coordinator for the Georgia Section. I also served as Vice President of the North Fulton Amateur Radio League during the 1980s.
Although I have been active throughout the years, I have had more time to enjoy the hobby since retiring in 2019. Prior to retirement, I served as a teacher, assistant principal and middle school principal over a 17-year career. Before my career in education, I spent 23 years in the telecommunications industry, serving as Product Manager for Emergency Services at BellSouth, as well as Senior Director of Industry Policy for Intermedia Communications. Upon graduation from Georgia State University in 1978, I worked as a producer for WSB Radio in Atlanta.
My interests in our hobby include DXing, contesting and antenna building. I enjoy a variety of modes including CW, FT8 and phone. I enjoy sending and receiving QSL cards but enjoy the convenience of LOTW. I am a member of the ARRL, Ten Ten International and the North Fulton Amateur Radio League.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Sheryl for 46 years, and she has supported my ham radio obsession as well my other hobbies including long distance bicycling, hiking and genealogy. We have two wonderful sons, Justin and Adam.
I look forward to being an active member of CWops.
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.