I was first licensed on March 7, 1972 as WN0GXD while I was a sophomore in high school.  Back then Novice license holders had the ‘N’ included in their call signs.  The machine shop teacher, Ron Toyne WA0AJF, had taught a handful of us the code and administered our Novice tests.  The new electronics teacher was also one of us taking the test!   When I passed my General class in the summer of 1972 my call was modified to its current WB0GXD.  I upgraded to Advanced in the summer of 1973.   I passed my Extra right after the code requirement was modified.

     After high school I attended Iowa Western Community College and earned my Associates degree in Electronic Technology.  My career and my hobby have always had a symbiotic relationship as I spent time working for Collins Radio, KIOS-FM, an Omaha RCC, and Clarkson Hospital biomed shop.  My employer for the last 25 years has been Union Pacific Railroad where I am a Senior Electronic Technician in the Telecommunications department. 

     I have been active in our local club, the South West Iowa ARC since I was first licensed back in 1972.  I’ve held several offices and had been on the repeater committee for 30 years before I retired from that position.  I am still active in our ARES organization and still hold a position on the administration team. 

     I have my own repeater now on 442.525+ here in Council Bluffs with EchoLink  Node 51503.  If your in the area, or looking througth Echolink nodes, gives us a call!

-Paul

WB0GXD