K7PTL
Mike Rafferty
I
was first licensed in 1973 while stationed on board the guided missile
destroyer, USS Towers ( DDG-9. ) I hold an Amateur Extra Class license. Previous
call signs were WA6FTB, WB7CGT, KA0IWR, KE0FN, and AA0AO. I have been an ARMS
member since 1979.
I
enjoy the radio hobby and spend most of my time on 75, 40, 17 and 20 meter phone
and 40 meter CW. In the past I have spent much time with the digital modes,
starting with RTTY and packet and progressed through AMTOR, PACTOR and PSK-31.
You should see all the cabling for interfaces hanging in my ham shack closet!
The
K7PTL station includes an Icom IC-910 and Yaesu FT-1000MP. I use a Kenwood
TS-440 quite a bit also. CW ops is a choice of a couple Vibroplex keyers or a
Bencher keyer. I have Elmered several people in the hobby, including our former
pastor and his wife. In the days before cell phones those
2 meter rigs sure came in handy.
Professionally
I was a pilot for Continental Airlines. Starting as a flight engineer on the
DC-10 and progressing through pilot positions on the DC-9, MD-80, B-737, B-727,
B-757 and in 2009 retired on the B-767. ( If it ain’t Boeing, I’m not going!
) The routes I flew were all over North and South America, the Caribbean and to
several destinations in Europe. Years ago I was a crop duster and few the air
mail in Montana. From there it was UPS freight hauling in Convair 440’s.
Over
the years and continuing to today the Lord has used me in discipleship training.
I enjoy spending time one on one, with couples or leading a group in
discipleship.
Mary
is also a licensed ham operator ( K3PTL ) and has also been very involved in the
churches we have served, including much time one on one with ladies as the Lord
directs. We have one son, Travis ( N0PHD ) who is married and has five children.
Travis and his wife, Esther ( KB3DXY ) are both graduates of Moody Bible
Institute in Chicago.
One
of my favorite verses is Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
Himself for me. “
It
has been a blessing to be a part of ARMS over the years. I plan to continue for
as long as the Lord allows. As president, I will devote myself to promoting the
fellowship of the group as well as a positive witness for Christ on the air.
Updated 4 January 2024