My Dad, K5YKD, sparked my interest in Amateur Radio. First licensed in the mid 1970's as WN5ITN, back when you had to upgrade from novice or lose your license.

I got back into the hobby in 1993. WOW how it had changed. It was so much easier to earn a license than it was in the mid 70's. I earned my Extra class license in 1993 after making a 1993 New Year's resolution to get back on the air and to at least earn my technician license. I went from basically no license to Extra in about 7 months. My call until May 5, 2000 was AB5RQ when a opted for a vanity of N5RN.

My interests in Ham radio are quite varied. I enjoy DXing and Contesting. I also have great interest in Emergency Communications.

I am a Life member of the ARRL. I have served in many capacities for both local and statewide amateur activities.

I am the ASM for SE Arkansas as of the writing (Dec 2001) and have served in this role for several years. I'm also the District Emergency Coordinator for District E. I have a great staff of guys working with me in this roll both at the state level and at the county level.

I'm the Secretary/Treasurer of Arkansas' only DX club (ADXA).

Local involvement includes being President of the Pine Bluff Amateur Radio Club (PBARC). I have been Secretary/Treasure and Vice-President of PBARC over the years. I'm also a Volunteer Examiner since 1993. I have served as the RACES officer for Jefferson County.

My contesting activities include primarily Field Day, November Phone Sweepstakes, and RTTY Contests. Working with Earl Smith N5ZM on the RTTY roundup, we set a Delta Division scoring record.