Got bit by the radio bug back in the late 50's when I built my  first xtal receiver for AM radio.  Every Christmas when I was a kid I would get a new heathkit of some sort.  During high school I studied electronics and was a member of the radio club.  I aced my novice test but failed the code.  I was devastated.  I continued to study electronics in the Navy and became a comm tech.  When I got out of the navy I became a firefighter and worked part time for a land mobil radio repair shop and a ship/boat electronics shop.  I learned a lot but as I progressed in the fire department I no longer had time to play with radio.  I retired from the fire department and again looked to amateur radio.  I found that the code had been dropped from the requirements so I took the test.  The rest is history.  In the spring of 2009 I installed a 40' tower in the yard and placed a 3L SteppIR on it.  I also have it topped with a small VHF/UHF vertical and a 80M inverted Vee.  My station consists of a IC 746PRO, Kenwood TS 820S, Ameritron AL-811H, MFJ 989D Tuner, SignaLink USB, and various other toys.  I especially enjoy working the OMISS Nets and have a lot of fun there.  I have achieved WAS 20 and 40 so far.  I have also racked up some wonderful DX contacts but as you know, propagation sucks these days, but I will keep trying.  Hope to work you on the bands, 73 and take care.  Please remember to thank a Vet when you meet one.  Jim.