Biography

Originally from New Hampshire, out of high school, I joined the US Army and traveled the world as a Power Plant Operator/ Electrician. I was interested in amateur radio but didn't know how to go about getting my license until I was in a little radio shop. They had a bulletin board that was advertising radio classes. ( for us old folks, the cork board type that used thumb tacks that held little pieces of paper) That night was their first class so I showed up. A few weeks later, I was a new novice with the call of KB4EQM. Within a few months, I became a Technician. After relocating back to New Hampshire, I filed for a change of address and got a new callsign, N1ETN. After moving to Georgia, I kept the call. I upgraded to General in 2000 and started rebuilding my station. I retired in 2007 and my club asked me to be on the education committee. I also wanted to be a VE but one of the local groups requires its VE's to be Extras to eliminate confusion. That finally got me to seriously study. After 27 years, 10 of it as a General, and three previous attempts to pass the test, I finally got my Extra. A month later, my XYL convinced me to get a vanity call. Four land 1x2 and 2x1 calls are few and far between so I got the one land 1x2 in keeping with my original roots.

An ARRL and W5YI listed instructor and a VE with several organizations, I teach amateur radio license classes several times per year. I am a member of the the Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club (www.w4bti.org)in Marietta, Georgia, the Paulding Amateur Radio Club (www.pauldingarc.com) in Dallas, GA and the ARRL (www.arrl.org).

I also work with Boy Scouts of America teaching Radio Merit Badge Classes and as an Assistant District Commissioner for the Silver Comet District, Atlanta Area Council, Georgia.

As a veteran of the US Armed Forces, I also belong to the American Legion, A fraternal, patriotic organization of veterans. My father was a veteran so I also belong to the Sons of the American Legion, a branch of the American Legion.

I QSL either direct or through the bureau and use LOTW.

Equipment

Icom IC-718 for HF, Yaesu FT-2700RH Dual Band VHF/UHF FM radio I bought new 30 years ago, RCI 5054DX100 6 meter all mode transceiver, ROHN TOWER- 50 FEET, with Cushcraft VHF/UHF ground Plane, VHF Beam, Butternut Bow tie and G5RV at 20 meters high.

I also have an Icom 2200 in one of my vehicles and a Yaesu FT-50RH handie talkie in my pick up.