First licensed in January 1979 after a long trip to the Chicago FCC office. I was hooked on CW. Of course, all I could afford was an old Hammerland receiver and a home brew QRP CW transmitter. But, that was enough for me. Morning, noon, night My poor family but they knew where to find me after the chores were done. I went from Novice to Extra in about 3 years with every trip taken to the FCC office.

I have stayed in the hobby as it has been able to support my needs by the variety and opportunity that it has for continual learning and fellowship of a great bunch of people. I had to slow down last year and and now beginning to get back on the air regularly. I took down the GAP in the back yard but still have a 40/80 meter dipoles for use besides the 146/440 base. I use a the Yaesu FT450 with Ameritron AL811 and MFJ Versa Tuner V on HF rig. I'm able to tune the dipoles to work most bands. My backup rig is a Kenwood TS440S. I live in a deed restricted community but they have been accomidating to some extent due to my work with emergency communications but it does limit what I am able to put in my yard.

I first was involved in traffic handling in 1984 as a NCS for the Great Lakes Emergency & Traffic Net and am currently net manager for the Texas TrafficMnet which meets every night of the year (except Christmas) on 3.873 MHz. (www.texastrafficnet.org)

I have run IOTA from N. Padre and Galveston Islands since I relocated to TX as well asField day many times from Michigan and Texas.

The Photo, myself, daughter, and grand daughter - all hams. Still working on more of the girls to join the hobby. My 11 year old grandson also recently got his technician license. I hope to get him to upgrade soon as school is out and he has more time to do something beside schoolwork and his games.

http://www.versexverse.com/