Greetings!

I hope your visit here means we've QSO'd, and if we haven't, then I hope you find me around the bands somewhere and say hi.

Just a little about me: I first licensed in 1994 as a junior in high school. Prior to getting my ticket I was active on CB radio, but quickly got frustrated with problems such as over-keyers, rude talkers, the "He with the most power owns the channel" mentality, and overall bad practice. I didn't want to give up radio communications as I was very interested, but I also didn't want to continue to deal with these issues. Several months prior to my licensing, a fellow student mentioned ham radio to me. He gave me a few frequencies for the scanner, and after a few days of listening I was hooked. I got my book, a HTX-202 HT, and my license in short order. I got rid of CB and never looked back.

Since that time I have been on and off the air several times, but my love for ham radio has never decreased. A few years after getting my Technician, I upgraded to my Tech+ (Tech with Novice HF Privileges) and got a small 10-meter and an Amtron-99 and started working HF. I have been to a few Field Day events, and also participated in a state emergency drill with Pickens County RACES (involving Duke Power). I have since upgraded to Amateur Extra Class, and in addition to working the voice portions of HF, I also enjoy working the many digital modes available. I am also trying to relearn CW (still a very valid and very useful mode).

I enjoy QSO's with others on the local repeaters, IRLP, and EchoLink. I also operate HF SSB and digital between 75 meters and 10 meters. I also enjoy participating in Field Day, emergency preparedness and operations, and building antennas. I imagine that list is only to grow as I continue to enjoy operating. I also call the occasional net on 2 meter, which is something I really enjoy doing.

I am also a Net Control Station for GSP Regional Skywarn affiliated with the National Weather Service. I find this very rewarding, as it combines my scientific curiosity with my desire to help in times of emergency. Personally, one of the most gratifying factors is the ability to use my interests and skills, and the knowledge given to me by my teachers, to give back to the community in a way that potentially saves lives. My personal thanks goes out to each and every spotter out there in the field providing the net controls with reports: Thanks guys and gals, your reports make Skywarn possible! Keep up your training and keep up the fantastic work!

I am married to my wonderful wife. She is not licensed but is very supportive of my interest in the hobby, sometimes even going as far as helping me plan antenna projects and install equipment. She is a wonderful cook (and it shows hehe) and an all-around wonderful woman.

I operate VHF on 146.610 Caesar's Head in Greenville SC, 145.370 Caesar's Head in Greenville SC, 146.640 in Hendersonville NC, 147.315 in Spartanburg SC. I also frequent 146.520 simplex and 147.505 simplex as well. I also operate HF on a variety of frequencies. There are several nets I frequent, including SCARS on 7251, Ambassador's For Christ on 7280, SC Single Sideband Net on 3915, AAU Net on 3855, and a few others. I QSL via LoTW, eQSL, and old-fashioned card. Thanks for confirming my QSL's and I will confirm daily so that you also get credit for our contact.

That's me in a nutshell! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day, and I look forward to talking to each of you!

God Bless and 73

Here is the front of my QSL card. Many Thanks to my beautiful wife for all her hard work in designing this for me.

Here is the back of the QSL card. She did an amazing job!