Hi.......first licensed in 1965 as WB2TUN in Hornell, New York at age 14.  Went to and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines Iowa where I held the following calls WD0GMQ, then upgraded to advance class and became KB0OE. 

Started working in the broadcast industry at age 16 as a DJ for WLEA in Hornell N.Y. and worked for such stations as WHEC Rochester, NY, KSO Des Moines, KRNT Des Moines while going through school.  Married in 1976 to Kathy in Des Moines and we have now been married 33 years.  We have one daughter, Alexis, who lives in South Carolina.  Worked for KRNT AM/FM TV for many years after finishing school and was transferred to Phoenix, and became KC7PG.  After 3 years in Phoenix we moved to Visalia in 1983.

I was a broadcast station owner for a few years, then sold the station and went to work for Buckley Broadcasting as VP and General Manager of KSEQ and KIOO Fresno/Visalia where I worked for 21 years.  Retired with medical issued in October of 2008 and became very active on the ham bands again as I have lots of time on my hands.

I have a brain disorder called Dystonia that effects my muscles, similar to Parkisons.  Can make CW a challenge for me at times.  My wife Kathy is also disabled with a rare autoimmune issue called Bechet's syndrome.  We won the medical lottery for rare disorders at our house.

Have always loved radio, both ham and commerical.  Also when possible enjoy fishing and own a boat named "Radio Waves".

Visalia is a wonderful city of about 150,000 near Fresno in central California.

We are only 38 miles from Sequoia National Park.

Current gear includes: FT950, FT450, AL811H, 2 meter stuff, for antenna's have a Mosley NP 33 Beam, Tritan DX, Cushraft MA160V for 160 meters and a 3 element Cushcraft for 6. 

Have really enjoyed 160 and 6 meters as I am fairly new to these bands. Hope to achieve WAS on both of these new bands.  I am also a DX'er and currently around 255 confirmed.

I switched my call from KC7PG to W4TUN, to get back my orginal "TUN" call letters and the W4 was with the thought that Kathy and I would be able to move to SC to live near our daughter in the future.

73's and good DX

Ray

W4TUN

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