Started this whole thing when I turned on my Father's Scott Marine radio . I was eleven and I remember everyone talking about ALPHA and BRAVO and a guy named CHARLIE. Had no idea who these people were.  Received a QSL in the mail for a ham that lived about 5 miles away.  Took the QSL to him and that clinched it!  Soon after I took my Novice test and I was now WV2MEQ in Moorestown, NJ. I had 300 ohm twin lead all over the attic stairs and out the window. SWR was better when I moved it to the left!. Often would get RF burns throwing the knife switch from receive to send. Then went to Philadelphia by myself and tested at an official FCC site. Passed the Advanced, now dropped the V to become WA2MEQ  Also passed the morse test for Extra. Later I passed the Extra exam. When stationed in England was G5ANX and had many trips to Guernsey, Channel Islands (GC5ANX) thanks to the late Les Ward who owned the Forest Hotel.  It was great 'being' the DX and helping Les make breakfast for the guests. After retiring became K3MQ in West Chester, PA. Moved to Flagstaff and switched to K7MQ.  There was a KR6AF in there too while stationed in Okinawa.

Preference is 100% CW, DX (have 313 countries for DXCC) and contests. Presently have a Yaesu FT-1000D, a long way from the original Globe 90A, HQ-110, W9TO keyer and VF-1.  Retired USAF living on 2.5 acres with a wife, 8 dogs, 2 cats, horse, burro and 2 mini horses.