W3ILG at BY1PK August 1987
I was first licensed in 1960 as KN3NGF. Some of the other calls I've held over the last 41 years include K3NGF, W9NKQ, G0/W3ILG, VK2FBW, ZL0ADB, ZL0/W3ILG, and 3B8/W3ILG. I also operated from KG4AA in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from 1961-1963 while in the US Navy.
My W3ILG call dates back to 1977 when I returned to Williamsport, Pa. Following two and a half years in Rockford, Illinois as W9NKQ. During our time in Rockford, my wife Althea was first licensed as WN9WTF and became WB9WTF shortly thereafter. When we came back to Pennsylvania I received W3ILG and Althea was issued WB3FUR, which she held until June of 2000 when she applied for and received the vanity call K3AMM.
One of my greatest thrills in ham radio is seeing both of our sons get licensed when they were both about 10/11 years old. Our oldest son Matt is KT3G and he has held that call since getting his extra class ticket in 1984 at age 13. Jason, our youngest son, has held N3GKQ since he was 11 years old in 1986 before all of the rules changed.
I am also happy to report that my Dad at age 70 got his Technician license at the same time Jason was licensed. He received the call N3FPN.
I have worked for the Textron/Lycoming (the aircraft engine manufacturer) since getting out of the Navy in 1963 (except for the two and a half years in Illinois) and have traveled extensively for them worldwide. At last count, I visited over 55 countries while on business trips since 1966 and some of these countries many times. Getting to meet other hams you have worked on the air is very exciting.