k9cpo

My interest in ham radio started in 1983 when my father-in-law, N4DIT, made it very clear that if I wanted to marry his daughter, N4NRN, I would have to at least get my novice ticket and I would need to learn Morse code. A few months later I had my ticket and I was then hooked on ham radio. Over the years I did the best I could to stay active in this great hobby. I earned a few awards but the most important aspect of this hobby is passing this knowledge down to our youth. Since 2003 I have been teaching elementary aged students ham radio. I don't know how many earned their ticket, but getting our youth interested in electronics, technology and radio is a passion of mine. From 2003 through 2017, I was on elementary school educator. Prior to that I spent 21 years in the United States Navy. I retired from the navy in 2002 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Last year (March 2017), I took a year off from ham radio. My health was the major reason. But I honestly admit, I lost interest in most ham radio applications. In March of 2018 I was medically retired from my second career. So, what does a recent retiree do? I dusted off my old equipment and added a few new pieces. I am getting back into local communications. We have a multitude of repeaters in the area and I have enjoyed getting back on them. I am reconnecting with our local ham radio club. For the past few years I was one of those guys that said, "What has happened to all the repeater traffic? Ham radio must be dead in my area." Well, when I reflect back, I know I didn't hear much traffic because my radio was sitting on a shelf collecting dust! So I have jumped back in with both feet. Now I am tackling QRP CW opps and would am looking forward to eventually being a BOTA location.