On the picture above. WTXSM John AE5B on left. W5aj middle & ARRL WestGulf Division president DaveK5RAV on right. The award is for Midland ARC WTX section "win" in the 2009 Field Day & #1 4A in West Gulf

I held my first QSO with "Pronto(sk)" W5AJ in NOV. 1970. "Pronto" taught code for novice license & radio merit badge. Got thenovice license in the 1970 summer class in Pampa, TX.

One meets many friends through ham radio. W5GXK allowed me to use his business setup (A tribander, 40 meter dipole, swan 350 & 304tl amp) to work the ARRL DX SSB contest in the early 70's.

In the mid-70's I tried some operating as VK5CRG and met VK5QX & family. Ian is one of the top contesters and radio supporters in VK land. Years later (82) in a trip which altered Ian's life - Ian would announce news of the VK0HI/VK0CW operation at Dayton.

Shortly after moving into Galveston county I went to nearby Hamfest. OH2BH Martti & I met at the elevator by chance - rode the elevator to the same floor - with no one else to interupt. We stopped in the hall and finished our conversation after reaching our floor. He impressed me as an Ambassador for our hobby! Indeed one of the best contester attitudes I've seen. Martti and I have shared some contesting stories and emails since. Marttiimpresses me as good example of contester and radio op.

Tried some contest operating from VP2E, HC5C, 8P9P, P40P & V26P & W5 & Ti. At all these places I've met fellow hams that while each different love the magic of RF! Neat stuff!

I use LOTWfor home and contest operations. If you want a paper qsl, send SASE please!

73 Robert W5AJ

http://w5aj.eqth.net

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/18928/Caroling-missionary-lads-brought-a-change-to-couples-holiday.html