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     My start in radio was back in the late 1960's when I received two CB walkie talkies for my birthday. I think they were on channel 11. We talked on them and even contacted the Snap On Tool man when he drove by in his truck on his way home. My father purchased a Lafayette Comstat 23 base station CB radio and put up a "droopy drawers" groundplane antenna in about 1969. He applied for a CB license. KRA 6380. That lasted for a few years until it got too crazy on the 11m band!
     Fast forward to 2008 when I found out that there was no requirement for Morse code to get your amateur radio license, only a written test. I studied for it and took my Technicians class license test in April of 2008. I passed the test and my callsign, KI6QEL, was granted on May 6, 2008. I kept studying and took the General class license test in February 2010 and received my General class license on February 25, 2010.
     Over the years I have enjoyed building antennas for portable work in VHF contests. I embrace the new digital modes and have made many contacts using FT8 and FT4.
     I owe a lot to my Elmer, Benny KW6N, for sharing his knowledge with me when I was first starting out. He was alway there to help me with radio and antenna projects. Benny is now a Silet Key, but I will always remember him and his helpful ways. I made a video of when he put up his 6m cubical quad antenna and you can see it HERE.
     I enjoy helping newly licensed amateur radio operators with their journey in this hobby in the same way Benny helped me.