Originally licensed in 1964… and now with 48+ years in "ham radio", (originally licensed as WA5NNO). Many of you may well understand my trepidation, after more than 40 years, in changing what many in amateur radio, also identify as their "name". to W5LK!

The former holder of W5LK, Ed Edwards, who lived in southwest Houston, became a "SK" in October 2007. Ed almost certainly knew my “Elmer”, as the two of them lived within amazingly close proximity, with both sharing an interest in "engineering", as well as were active participants in the USAF Reserve.

My uncle, also an early ham and Elmer, James S. Waters, graduated from Rice Institute in 1917… when he immediately became an EE instructor… and soon found himself in the Corps of Engineers, serving in France in WWI. Afterwards he again joined the staff at Rice and would later, serve on active duty in the USAAF in WWII… ultimately retiring from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of Colonel. He again joined the staff at Rice as a Professor of Electrical Engineering, ultimately retiring, having spent more than 50 years on campus.

I was originally licensed while serving as a U.S. Navy “ET” aboard the USS Stark County (LST-1134) in Pearl Harbor and later flew as an “AT” sensor and radio communications operator, in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, aboard P2V7 (VP-703) and P3A (VP-94) aircraft.

Concurrent to that period, I served in a variety of FAA “Air Traffic” positions, in multiple facilities in the ASW and AGL regions.

Just thought you'd like to know. “The rest of the story!”

73s

Ashley Waters - W5LK