I've held this call sign since 1979 when I upgrading to Extra Class.
Before that I held the call signs WA6BDB and WB7WRA.
I was first licensed in 1973 as a novice. I later upgraded to General, Advance and finally Extra class. I have fond memories of my ham radio career though all license classes but my novice days were the best. It's my personal opinion that the demise of the novice class license is a great loss to Amateur
Radio. I've never met anyone, who held a Novice class license and actually operated, that doesn't have fond memories of those days.
Over the years I've tried most of the many activities that are part of Amateur Radio. My favorite is clearly Satellite operations with DXing a close second. I have also been active in ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services). I believe my ARES activities provided me with a way to give something back to the Amateur Radio service. I believe all licensed amateurs should find a way to contribute to this service (it's not a hobby, IMHO).
I've been active in several radio clubs during my Amateur Radio career. Most recently I've been active in the Valley Radio club of Eugene. I've been a member continuously since 1979 and have serviced as a club officer several times in various positions. I believe that radio clubs are an important part of the Amateur Radio experience. If you're not in an active radio club, you're missing something.
