Division. I live in Stafford, VA
with my wife Nancy. I was first licensed
in 1977 while still on
active duty with the USMC and recently received my ARRL 40 year pin. My Bio is below, but
first, these are the things I want members to think about when voting in
this election.
Important
points to consider regarding the Director and the Vice Director:
- The Board of Directors (BOD) represents the members of the ARRL, with
particular recognition and allegiance to the interests of their
division. I pledge to listen to you and make sure others listen to you
and your concerns. I do not believe the Board should introduce new and
controversial ideas without open discussion with the members.
- Ensure qualified personnel are assigned to committees,
especially when work is done in areas like lobbying, real estate, and
antenna zoning issues. I pledge to work hard to find the best people.
- The BOD must be open and transparent in all actions taken by the
board. I pledge to speak out and honor your concerns. While the Board
should present a united front, I do not believe it is appropriate to
stifle dissent or ignore other viewpoints.
- Attracting new Hams, including youth, is vital to continued growth of
the hobby. I pledge to look for new ways to expand amateur radio
including encouraging and supporting STEM classes in our schools.
- Retaining and attracting new League members is needed to revitalize
both the ARRL and the hobby. I pledge to promote more participation
opportunities for the amateur community. Less than 20% of licensed
amateurs are League members and that number is going down. That should
be a huge concern in Newington. I would like to see that number much
higher.
I was the
VA Section’s first Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) back in the 80’s and I served
again from 2001 to 2007. I am
active with my local ARRL affiliated club, The Rappahannock
Valley Amateur Radio Club (RVARC), K4TS, in Fredericksburg, VA. I served as president of
the RVARC for several years, as well as other offices in the club. I am an ARRL VE and ARES
member. I work as a Network
Engineer for a DOI contractor and have a part-time business with
contracts with USGS in Fredericksburg.
My MBA and computer networking certifications have
allowed me to teach college level courses in Business, Management, and
Computer Networking.
I am also a member of the American Legion, Legion Riders, and the Sons
of the American
Revolution (SAR). My education,
work experience, and 40 plus years as a Ham give me great
insight into the workings of an organization like the ARRL. I ask for your vote and support for
the office of Roanoke Division Vice Director. If elected, I pledge to be open and transparent,
attentive to the concerns, needs and desires of the ARRL members in the
Roanoke Division and,
if called upon, I will represent you to the best of my ability. Thank You and 73!