If you are in the Tampa Bay area I can usually be found on two meter repeater operation at 146.640 MHz - 600. I can sometimes be found on 28.375, or28.475 MHz usb in the evenings after 10:00. After a visit to the mission field, I realized that communication was a problem, mainly because of the scarcity of telephones in the mountainous region I was visiting. My Dad (WB4TRR) has been an Amateur Radio operator since 1970 and I grew up watching him talk to people all over the world. I had often thought of following his footsteps but always lacked the motivation to study for licensing, until now. With the possibility of going into the Mission Field long term, this was my answer. A little bit of hard work was all it took and six months later I had my General class license (KF4YBT). I fell in love with the hobby and 1 year later I earned my Extra class ticket(AF4PA). My Wife Michelle earned her Tech. Plus license in 2003. My oldest Brother who is one of my best friends is also an Amateur Extra, Gene Parker (AF4BX) He loves Morse code and was a great Elmer in my successfully achieving 20 WPM, TNX Gene. I have also been active with the Florida Guard Association. I have been serving as the Communications Officer for my area since August of 2002. We are a non Profit Organization that centers around community service, emergency response and disaster preparedness. Currently we are getting involved with Citizen Corps. In some States the State Guard is an Augmentation to the National Guard. To learn how you can become involved in your local State Guard visit the State Guard Association Of The United States website

at http://www.sgaus.org/