Member Bio

QRA:  Chris

QTH:  Prattville, AL (10 mi North of Montgomery)–I’m oringinally from Media, PA (Philly Suburb)

QSL:  LoTW; QRZ; Direct  I will log ALL SSB QSOs NLT one-day into both QRZ and LoTW.  FT8 contacts will be logged automatically into both QRZ and LoTW after final 73.

QSL Cards:  I really enjoy collecting QSL cards!  I always send cards to any HF SSB phone contact NLT the next day unless your QRZ page specifies you do not want any paper.  I will also include a SASE unless your info says it’s not necessary.  If you send me a card—you do NOT need to send a SASE.  I’m grateful for any cards I receive and will ALWAYS return a card anywhere in the world at my expense.

I will also send cards for FT8 contacts if your QRZ page indicates you share cards direct or via bureau.  And once again, I will always send you a card if I receive one from you (no SASE required).

Note:  If for any reason we had a QSO in the past and you did not receive a card from me, or if you would like one now, just send me an email and our QSO information and I will send you a card.

(ARES RETIRED OCT 2023):  I was and active operator with the Elmore County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) located in Wetumpka, AL.  Great bunch of folks, but, I retired from the serving in Oct 2023.  I hope to return one day if I’m able (Fantastic bunch of operators!).

A Little About Me:  I served active-duty in the United States Air Force for over 33 years (15+ years enlisted & 18+ commissioned).  I was assigned overseas in Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.  My only stateside assignments were in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama.  I retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 2005 and worked for Auburn University Montgomery for 2-years.  I returned to the USAF in 2007 and worked 12 years Civil Service.  I became fully retired in 2019 and made Alabama my home.

I have been married to my wonderful XYL for 47 years and I have 2 sons who are both active-duty USAF.

I earned an Advanced Class Ticket in 1986 while stationed in Texas and have kept it current since inception but, have never been on HF until just recently (Nov 2022).

I’ve wanted to have an HF station since I was 12 years old and I finally rewarded myself with an FTDX101-MP just a few weeks from my 70th birthday (Dec 9^th 2022).  My HF rig is connected to an 80-10 meter end-fed antenna about 20 feet off the ground and ~ 130 feet long.  I am also active on 2m/70cm with an FTM-300 in the shack (Comet GP-6 antenna) and an FTM-400 in my truck (5/8 wave MFJ antenna).

I enjoy “rag chewing” on HF (80-10) and also enjoy FT8 (80-10).

 ^^^^ The Shack ^^^^

^^^^ The Mobile ^^^^                                                                   ^^^^ The Antennas ^^^^

                               Thanks For Visiting My Page!  Hope to meet you on the air!