I first got my Novice license in the summer of 1986. I really was not that interested, but some friends of mine had got their ticket so I followed along. It was not long before I received my Advanced Class and then my Extra and away I went.
I really have had some great Elmer's help me out. Norman WA4EPK, Phillip KM4HG, Mike K4KZY, Lee WI4R, Carl WB4ZNH and Charles N4OFM. They all showed me the ropes and made feel welcome in the Ham Radio Fraternity and before I knew it I was part of the gang.
We operated mainly on 160 meters and after a few years moved to 75 meters. Same group of guys and over the years we have all become very good friends and have spent many an evening telling lies.
In 1987 I met Rick NQ4I through my friend Lee Weaver WI4R who at that time was really the only person I knew who was interested in Contesting. Rick was a machine when it came to this competitive sport on Ham radio. I worked him whenever he was off operating from the Caribbean. Anyway, I got interested and everything I know about contesting I learned from him.
I have operated many contest from my own QTH and have operated with him and his mult-multi team several times. I have placed very well in 2 160 meter SSB contest from here as multi single once with Mike K4KZY and most recent with Milton N4DA. The main thing is that with both of these guys we had a good time and worked very well together.
I have made many friends thru ham radio and would not take anything for it. The guys on 3778 are like family. As I mentioned earlier we have all known one another for many years and are always glad to help each other out. I enjoy my time with these guys and we chase a little DX for the fun of it. I also enjoy contesting. See you on the bands!!
