would like to start by thanking my CWA Level 3 advisor, and CWOps membership nominator Joe Spencer, KK5NA, and my CWA Level 2 advisor Andy Barkley, WB7DKZ. After accomplishing these two courses, I have nearly tripled my speed on CW. I very much enjoyed the CWA and the dedication the advisors have to making each student better at CW and general radio operations.
I first became a Ham in 1996 at age 14 with my No-Code Tech, KC5WMM, after my introduction into radio communications through Civil Air Patrol. I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor’s in Science in Aerospace Engineering. I commissioned into the United States Air Force and attended pilot training, where I currently fly HH-60G’s for Combat Search and Rescue. I fell out of the hobby for many years until 2017 where I upgraded to General and Extra. Immediately following my Extra exam, I started to learn CW. After about two weeks of practicing on my own, I started to get on the air and making my first QSO’s on CW. I have always appreciated the CW community with their patience and willingness to help provide feedback for improvement (normally through follow up emails). After about a year of being on the air with CW, I received an email from KC4D, Bill Perkins, in April of 2018, who told me about CWA, which I promptly signed up for Level 2. Since then I have not plugged my microphone into my radio and enjoy only CW with a very occasional FT8 (when bands are quite).
My primary rig is a KX3/PX3/KXPA100 attached to a Cushcraft R9 Vert and G5RV. My other rigs include a TS-850S, TS-530S, HW-100, HW-7, HW-9, and a Ten-Tec Century 21. As you can tell, I enjoy old rigs and getting them back on the air. I have recently been trying out SOTA operations and also enjoy QRP ops with a Buddipole or Elecraft AX1.
My other hobbies include ultramarathon running (normally 100 and 50 mile distances), flying, motorcycle riding, and Triathlon/Ironman distance races.
It has been great getting to know the CWOps members I have had the pleasure to QSO with in the past and am very excited to meet more members on the air!
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.