Originally licensed in 1957 as KN5LAD back when a Novice license was only good for one year. I quickly got a Technician and then a General before the year was over. I got the Advance in 1971 and kept that until new FCC restructuring rules allowed becoming an Extra Lite.

I have worked on all bands from 160-70cm and dabbled in many modes: AM, SSB, RTTY, CW (short dabble), ATV, FM, SSTV. I've been involved in DX, Ragchewing, Contests, Nets, Army MARS, and lots of homebrewing (electronics, that is). I built the first Army MARS repeater back in 1968 or 69. I've built repeaters on 2, 220, and 70 cm and still own and operate the 146.10/.70 and 444.9/444.3 repeaters in NE Oklahoma.

I have WAS, WAC, DXCC (have sticker for 112 countries and never did send in any more cards.... maybe some day......), and RCC.

I co-owned and operated a ham radio store, Derrick Electronics, in Broken Arrow from 1970-1981. I spent 30+ years in the education business teaching junior high and high school plus I was the Computer Coordinator for Tulsa Public Schools for 9 years. Now I'm retired and enjoying it. I'm a member of Owasso Amateur Radio Club, Electron Benders ARC, Tulsa Amateur Radio Club, QCWA, and a Life member of ARRL. I also had a life subscription to 73 but I discovered that they meant THEIR life and not mine. Oh well....

My wife Gloria - WA5SNU, is a retired 1st grade teacher. My oldest son is Russell - KD6GGI, and youngest son is Daniel - KF6LMF. I've had several ham articles published in the now defunct 73 Magazine.

The equipment I'm typically running is an Elecraft K3/100 or the standby Icom IC-756PRO and either a Dentron MLA-2500 or homebrew 4-1000A amplifier. I use a 3 element SteppIR beam at 70 feet although I might be on the R7 vertical, the TA-33jr/MPK,  or one of the other assorted radiators that seem to spring up around here. The SteppIR is, by far, my favorite.