My interest in electronics & radio began as a Boy Scout earning badges towards achieving my Eagle Scout rank. First licensed at age 15 as WV2DHB (Novice test administered by K2GDI) in Dunkirk, NY; I progressed to Technician, then General, and finally to Advanced Class in May 1979 as WA2DHB. Other calls I have held were: WA2QQO (second station); WR2AFF (repeater 146.16/.76); and as Navy-Marine Corps MARS member, n0baa (1972). Married twice; I claim: 4 children, 3 step-children, and a Chocolate Lab. My lovely wife for the last 31 years is Marilyn, KA2NNK , and one of our daughters is KB2CBT.

Retired from Sunoco Inc. (Operations Engineering Dept.; Big Flats, NY) after 33+ years as a Telecom Systems (VHF, Microwave, SCADA, Telephone, Computer, and LAN/WAN Network) Technician; was adjunct faculty at Corning Community College in 1999; and in 2006 became the Senior Pastor at the Free Methodist Church in East Otto (near Buffalo), NY. We moved In 2009 to Aberdeen, NC, where I became a Chaplain Associate at Moore Regional Hospital and a Elder at Calvary Chapel of the Sandhills. I was also certified as a substitute teacher for both Hoke, and Moore counties (Aberdeen, NC area schools), and taught Pre-K thru 5th grade. In July 2011, we came back to NYS to attend my 50th high school reunion, and stayed to care for my wife's parents who are in their 80s and in poor health. Presently volunteering as Associate Pastor at Campbell Alliance Church.

I am a FAA licensed private pilot (SEL), and hold NARTE certified Master Technician T1-01955, as well as FCC General Radiotelephone/Ship Radar License (former First Class Radiotelephone with Radar P1-20-10924). I earned an AAS in Network Technology from Corning CC; a BS in Management from Keuka College; a Master in Electronic Communication, and was pursuing my Master of Divinity at Northeastern Seminary in 2007 when I had a stroke that temporarily sidelined me for 3 months.

Participated in CD/RACES as the Radio Officer and as ARES/EC for Livingston County NY; and I am still active in ARES and Navy MARS. Radio memberships included: ARRL (LM); The Brothers Net (LM #143); the Rooster Net (#396); Corning Amateur Radio Association; SCARS (#7872); Pioneer Radio Operator Society; Moore County (NC) Amateur Radio Society. Volunteer Examiner with both the ARRL-VEC and W4VEC-VEC. I am also a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, and the North Carolina Chaplains Association. Today I enjoy ragchewing on 40 or 80 meters, and EmComm and public service activities.

While living In Aberdeen, NC, (due to severe antenna restrictions at our apartment complex) I had to operate mobile only. Mostly on 40 or 80 meter SSB, using an ICOM IC-706 along with a LDG IT-100 auto tuner feeding Hustler antennas. At home (elev. 1156)in ruralPainted Post, NY, I use my Yaesu FT-101B or FT-101ZD feeding a 40/75 meter trap dipole, 10/20 meter fan dipole, or a G5RV-lite with a MFJ 949C tuner. I added a Dentron SuperTuner+ and a Collins 30L-1 amp on 27 Feb. 2012. I dabble with EchoLink; do an occasional live audio/video broadcast of my shack activity on (www.ustream.tv/channel/w2dhb); and monitor the 146.805 repeater while at home. I enjoy QSLs & will QSL via the least expensive means. The photo on my QSL card was taken in 2008 by my daughter when I was in Springville, NY. Below are some my past QSL cards, and my (and KA2NNK's) current radio shack. 73, Pat