Note: My call was changed to KK5Q on 4/22/2008, previous call was KA5OQT which I held for 25 years.

I was first licensed in July 1982 at age 15. Thanks to Ray, KD5UN, my mentor for many years. I upgraded to technician shortly after that, but like many, struggled with the 13 wpm code test. In 1990 I went to take the 13 wpm test and the examining team talked me into trying the 20 wpm test which was first as a warm up for the 13 wpm test. Surprisingly I passed it, which gave me a General class. But I never studied for the Advanced or Extra class test. I finally studied and passed the Extra test in April 2008.

Although not current, I am also a private pilot. In my spare time, I decided to go back to school to finish my degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. I thought it would be fun to take computer classes. They aren't really fun, but are very hard. :) I graduated in December 2007.

I have been working for IBM for 15 years now. I order equipment for our centers that do customer software demonstrations. Other duties include pSeries, iSeries, VIOS work as well as SAN storage.