I was born in Inglewood, California on February 13, 1956 and spent my childhood years living in Westchester (suburb of Los Angeles, CA). I later moved to Huntington Beach, California with my parents in 1969. I was 13 years old and started my high school years at the Huntington Beach High School on Main Street in 1972 and graduated on June 1975. I’ve earned my Associate in Arts Degree from Golden West College in Photography for the Graphic Design in June 1980. I studied Court Reporting and learned machine shorthand at South Coast College of Court Reporting and achieved the speed of 130 WPM. From 2005 to late 2007, I took travel classes at Cypress College and earned my Advanced Certificate in Travel/Tourism. Currently taking classes at Cypress College in Computer Graphics. I plan to get the certificate and a new AA Degree and continue schooling to earn my Bachelor's degree.

As a volunteer I served as the Secretary & Treasurer for the Huntington Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for a period of two years. I also helped with the Care & Shelter Team, made CERT ID cards, helped with the CERT newsletter, and was the data base manager for the CERT Marketing Team. I also do volunteer work for other organizations.

Once active in the Huntington Beach CERT, I learned about Amateur Radio and attended a FREE class for the No-Code Technician and passed the test in October 1998. I joined local ham clubs to learn more about this technical hobby and service.

In 1999, I was operating on 2 meters and a little 70 centimeters from a handheld transceiver. Volunteered at public service events here in Orange County. And I've volunteered at the Queen Mary's W6RO Wireless Room for several years.

Feeling rather limited on what I am allowed to do in Amateur Radio with the No-Code Technician ticket, I decided to study for my General. I passed the General written test on November 11, 1999. Still new to radio I began to realize I needed to learn Morse code. By the year 2000, I got really serious about learning code and passed the 5 words per minute test on February 17, 2000. At this time I acquired a new interest -- radiotelegraphy.

Radiotelegraphy felt so much like my shorthand skills that it felt a natural part of me. I decided to continue with speed building.

Currently own 4 rigs: Yaesu FT-101B, Icom IC-735, IC-705 (Icom), and my primary station Kenwood TS-570D(G) -- side note: In addition to I-COM, I own several iPods!

Two of these radios sit on a desk in my home office. I now have the Yaesu FT-101B put away. Kenwood TH-G71 dual bander handheld transceiver is used for local communications.

On the roof there are 2 antennas: "J" pole, G5RV Multi-Bander dipole

Telegraph Keys: Vibroplex square brass racer iambic paddle (I use this key the most), Vibroplex hand key, Vibroplex original bug (made in 1977) and has the New York label on it., "Millennium Key" Number 32 of 100 by Llaves Telegraficas Artesanas. Won the bid for a Bencher paddle for only $36 from ebay! I also have a Bunnell Sounder (for landline telegraphy) that I won from ebay.

Practice Oscillators: MFJ key with oscillator in one, HEATHKIT oscillator with paddles

Modes: CW (my favorite), and SSB,VHF/UHF (phone). Also looking forward to purchasing my new cell phone (iPhone) when August 2008 rolls around.

President in 2001 and Vice President of the West Coast Amateur Radio Club (WCARC) in 2002. Club CALL: WC6ARC; Editor of the SQUELCH (Newsletter of the Anaheim Amateur Radio Association), ARRL Volunteer Examiner. Served as the Sergeant at Arms for the Tongue Tamers Toastmasters Club, member of the FISTS CW Club (Member #7378). I'm now currently the President, Secretary and Treasurer for the Morse Telegraph Club (SQ Chapter = Southern California).

Emergency Service Membership: Huntington Beach RACES, and Army MARS (AAR9KD).

Other Interests: Astronomy, Travel, Photography, kayaking, canoeing, public speaking (member of Toastmasters International), Dining, walking on the beach, Chess, Choral music and I am a member of the St. Bonaventure Catholic Church Spanish Choir, International Music, Big Band, Some classic country and western music and songs, New Age/space/Ambient music, Classic Rock from early 60s and 50s. I have learned how to play the piano and how to read music over the past year (started in 2003). Originally I started to learn the piano (keyboard) 20 years ago but chicked out (that's another story). Currently (year 2008) I am working on learning how to use a MAC (as my previous computer was an IBM compatible PC). Mac is a little different than my DELL computer and had to learn some new things. I really love the way the Mac organizes my photos and music. And creating my new personal website was a breeze. (Please check it out: www.cathystanfill.com)

In a nutshell: From Telegraphy, I started to like trains! (For the history of the telegraph) Now I love to ride trains when ever possible to where ever possible.

KS6CW -- Kathy Stanfill vs Cathy Stanfill Since my call is "KS" 6CW, I decided that the "K" will stand for Kathy and the "S" for Stanfill; however, my legal name is actually Cathy Stanfill. My full name is Cathy Lynn Stanfill (the name that I was given at birth from mom and dad).

To view pictures of me and to see photographs that I took, please visit: http://community.webshots.com/user/ks6cw Also more photo galleries available in my website: http://www.cathystanfill.com