Larry, WA4FRH... "The voice of Goode Virginia"

I will be celebrating my 81st birthday this year, I was born August 1, 1920. I was married in February 19, 1949. We have one son, Robert who has two daughters. He is a photographer and has a business in Tompkinsville Kentucky. Tompkinsville, the county seat of Monroe County which is in the south central part of the Kentucky and borders Tennessee on the south. Monroe County is named after prsident (James Monroe).

I worked as a machinist and was employed by the Virginia Gear and Machine company in Lynchburg and for 12 years and The General Electric Company for 25 years. During WWII I served in the U.S. Army and later during the Korean conflict I served in the U.S. Navy. I currently do volunteer work with the Sherriff's department as part of an organized group known as TRIAD.

The TRIAD Logo

TRIAD is a program in which the Bedford County Sheriff Department maintains a high level of activity. The mission of TRIAD is to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and education programs for older community members. Activities center on both pre-victimization (prevention) and post-victimization (victim/witness assistance) aspects. TRIAD works to improve the quality of life for older citizens. Through TRIAD, senoir citizens volunteer to perform educational and administrative tasks for the Department thereby freeing regular department employees to perform their regular duties... thus, providing a valuable community services while at the same time saving the tax payers money.

I was initially licensed in amateur radio back in 1972. I became interested in Ham radio... I would study for a while and then let it slip for a while. I finally got serious and passed my first test in 1972 and became a Novice. I pushed on from there over the years and finally got my Extra Class license in 19__ I have have had lot's of fun over the years with ham radio and have met many new friends... both on the air and off. I have served as a Volunteer Examiner for several years and have enjoyed that as well... eventhough it can become a lot of work at times. My son Robert is also a ham (KD4LHA Extra Class) and we have run schedules between Virginia and Kentucky from time to time over the years.

The WA4FRH station operator at work. Note the alternate station operator in my lap.

My rig is a trusty old Icom-735. My wire antennas up here on the hill seems to do a very good job. I have included this photograph of my shack so you can see where my signal comes from. My alternate operator like to set and observe the process.

Goode Virginia is about half way between Lynchburg and Bedford and is in Bedford County. It's sort of out in the country and has is a nice quite place to live. This is what the Bedford Chamber of Commerce says about the area, of course they may be a bit biased.

"Bedford Virginia is one of the fastest growing areas in the Commonwealth. A good mix of industry, commerce and agriculture ensures a strong, diversified economy and a positive business climate. Bedford's political atmosphere is stable, the tax rates favorable, the school system excellent and the quality of life outstanding. Government policies in the Bedford area are directed toward economic and social development and the governmental attitude toward business and industry is one of cooperation and support.

This is not a view from my place, but it will give you an idea what the scenery looks like around here.

Bedford has been designated a Certified Business Location by the Virginia Department of Economic Development. Stategically located between the metropolitan areas of Lynchburg and Roanoke, Bedford is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. An excellent labor environment exists, providing good availability at reasonable costs, and a strong work ethic results in high productivity and low turnover. The Bedford area abounds with natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities offering residents and visitors an attractive and pleasant environment to live, work and play."