I continue to enjoy the time I spend in Amateur Radio.  I have met up with a lot of classy & interesting people.  I also appreciate all of the technical help that has been passed on to me. 

    I was first licensed as a Novice in 1970...have been in & out of radio most of my life.  I have worked as a E-911 dispatcher, helped in disaster communications (ie. The "Great Flood" of 1993, as well as some of the tornado outbreaks throughout Missouri). 

   I have worked for Tracker Marine, since 2004, building trailers for the whole series of boats sold at all of the Bass Pro shops (Bass Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe, etc. (my current job is Weld Inspector)).  I also have served on the Safety Committee since 2007  ( I am the "go-to" person, when the weather gets ugly - HI ).

  I am a Firefighter (Missouri & Mississippi and Florida) - though - currently I am not attached to one specific department or fire district -  a First Responder, and I continue to refresh my EMT.   I have been trained as a Storm Spotter, and I am  involved in the local Skywarn network, in Southwest Missouri.  I am married and have three grown children...Unfortunately, I am the ONLY one who is a HAM (MAYBE...someday, this will change)

  I  operate a Kenwood TS-530S  -  barefoot - using a homebrew Multiband dipole, center-fed with homemade "Ladderline" - running through an MFJ Versa Tuner 2.  The long wire is strung in a North/South configuration.  I have worked a few contests...and quite a few European stations!?...considering my modest little setup.

  My current endeavor is to WAS's - but on 40, 20, 15 & 10 meters...50 states on EACH band...just to make it more of a challenge!?

Thanks for all of the past contacts...and hope to see you & others on down the log!  73's...Stay Safe!!   de N0CEL