I was first licensed in 1957 as a Novice. After a few months I upgraded to Technician. Then a few months after that I traveled to Boston and upgraded to General in front of the FCC Commmissioner. In the late 1960's Incentive licensing came about and I lost some privileges as a General. In order to gain some of the privileges back I again went to Boston and passed the Advanced Class test. After 35 years as Advanced Class(and 50 years licensed), I upgraded to Extra Class in August of 2007.

My amateur equipment started out with the 2 meter Gonset Communicator, WRL Globe Scout and NC-98 receiver. I then traded in the Globe Scout for a Johnson Viking Ranger, which I just sold in 2006 it being over 40 years old. I built many Heathkits including a HW-32, HW 202, SB-102, HW 29, and many Heathkit assessories all of which I still have and use. After many years of building kits I purchased a factory built Kenwood TS530SP.. I now have a K3.  I am using a G5RV with pretty good results. My interests have included SSTV,2mtr weak sig operation, and DX. Recently my interests have turned to QRP.

Am a member of QCWA,OOTC,Flying Pigs QRP Club,NAQRP Club,FISTS,ARRL

A few years ago I retired from a career in Quality Assurance but am now working as a People Greeter for Wal-Mart.