Biography

I have been an active ham since 1955 and operate mostly CW. I have held an Extra Class License (since 1986 when we took it before the FCC Examiners) and an FCC First Phone License. My novice call was WN8VCS which later became W8VCS. I changed to W3GIS in 1970 when I purchased a house in Maryland.

In August of 2018 I moved to a high rise in Leisure World Maryland and operate from our club station W3LWM. I operate mostly CW under the club call but on occasion, I use my own call W3GIS.

I am set up for the digital modes but prefer CW. I chase DX but love to have nice relaxing QSOs. I answer all QSL requests directly, via the bureau and LoTw.

In my first career, I was an Electronic Technician / Technical Writer. After 15 years which included working for several major companies (IBM, RCA, Page Northrop, etc.) I went back to college an got my BSBA in Management with majors in accounting and economics. I went to work for the Federal Government in 1971 in financial areas. My first job involved managing grants and contracts for narcotics addiction treatment programs in the District of Columbia. In 1976 I moved to the Government's Arts Program, The National Endowment for the Arts. I became Budget Officer (Director of Budget) and retired after 28 years with The Arts Endowment. I have been retired almost 16 years and am greatful to be able to have amateur radio access through our club station.

Equipment

My primary rig is my FT-2000 which is at the club station. We have a 3 element tri-band beam at about 40 feet, an off-center dipole and vertical on the building rooftop (about 35 feet high).