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"KK7AA's Dance of Joy"

Believe it or not, for as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a ham. (The left and right sides of my brain are forever wrestling.) As a young girl I fondly and vividly recall an uncle who also happened to be an amateur radio operator. This relative of mine had a shack that made my eyes light up and my heart swell. Dials, buttons, knobs! Tubes! He also liked to operate meteor scatter, so then and there I realized that what was appealing to me from the artistic appeal of the tools of the time blended with natural science.

As an adult, my second introduction to ham radio was through my brother-in-law. Although today we can rapidly envision the many fascinating uses, my brother-in-law first showed me the practical uses. Shortly after I moved to the Bay Area in 1981, we were standing in line to see a movie. While waiting, a person crossing the street was accidentally struck by a car. This was before cell phones so the benefit was immediately realized. My brother-in-law quickly radio'ed for help while others were scrambling towards pay phones. There were also the simple coordinations with friends on where to meet for dinner, all the way to handling communications during the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake. The variety and uses urged me on to get my license, but all I needed while working in the fast-paced San Francisco Bay Area was time.

In 1991 I met my husband, Dick Flanagan, W6OLD. What started as a mutual interest in flying quickly soared into a mutual interest in ham radio. Dick, who had been absent in the hobby for about 10 years at the time, quickly supported my desire to learn, all the while rekindling his own interest. Dick's love, kindness and continued support has guided me in many important areas. He has helped me realize many personal and professional dreams to come true.

From KC7CSZ to KK7AA

I was first licensed back in 1994 as a Technician with the call sign KC7CSZ. In subsequent years my stubborn drive drove me on to obtain my Advance license by 1996. I sincerely felt this license was as far as I would go ... I obtained my Extra Class License in 1998 (before the 20 WPM code speed was dropped -- I'm really not a code snob. Really!).

In the meantime, why not start a club?

Dick and I share many interests which we usually call adventures. We can turn just about anything into an adventure (like getting lost), so starting a club certainly qualifies. Who knew what would become of an idea of mine to start playing with a "garage" repeater. For more information on what is now the largest amateur radio club in the State of Nevada, please visit http://www.cvrc.net/

Copyright © 2003 Melissa Flanagan KK7AA. All Rights Reserved.
Updated March 1, 2003

Projects	Amateur Radio History
About KK7AA General Amateur Radio History Personal History Contact Press I Gallery Home "KK7AA's Dance of Joy"	Believe it or not, for as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a ham. (The left and right sides of my brain are forever wrestling.) As a young girl I fondly and vividly recall an uncle who also happened to be an amateur radio operator. This relative of mine had a shack that made my eyes light up and my heart swell. Dials, buttons, knobs! Tubes! He also liked to operate meteor scatter, so then and there I realized that what was appealing to me from the artistic appeal of the tools of the time blended with natural science. As an adult, my second introduction to ham radio was through my brother-in-law. Although today we can rapidly envision the many fascinating uses, my brother-in-law first showed me the practical uses. Shortly after I moved to the Bay Area in 1981, we were standing in line to see a movie. While waiting, a person crossing the street was accidentally struck by a car. This was before cell phones so the benefit was immediately realized. My brother-in-law quickly radio'ed for help while others were scrambling towards pay phones. There were also the simple coordinations with friends on where to meet for dinner, all the way to handling communications during the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake. The variety and uses urged me on to get my license, but all I needed while working in the fast-paced San Francisco Bay Area was time. In 1991 I met my husband, Dick Flanagan, W6OLD. What started as a mutual interest in flying quickly soared into a mutual interest in ham radio. Dick, who had been absent in the hobby for about 10 years at the time, quickly supported my desire to learn, all the while rekindling his own interest. Dick's love, kindness and continued support has guided me in many important areas. He has helped me realize many personal and professional dreams to come true. From KC7CSZ to KK7AA I was first licensed back in 1994 as a Technician with the call sign KC7CSZ. In subsequent years my stubborn drive drove me on to obtain my Advance license by 1996. I sincerely felt this license was as far as I would go ... I obtained my Extra Class License in 1998 (before the 20 WPM code speed was dropped -- I'm really not a code snob. Really!). In the meantime, why not start a club? Dick and I share many interests which we usually call adventures. We can turn just about anything into an adventure (like getting lost), so starting a club certainly qualifies. Who knew what would become of an idea of mine to start playing with a "garage" repeater. For more information on what is now the largest amateur radio club in the State of Nevada, please visit http://www.cvrc.net/

	Copyright © 2003 Melissa Flanagan KK7AA. All Rights Reserved. Updated March 1, 2003