HBC Success Stories

Congratulations to:

Diane Balber, Edgewater, Gregg Brigola, Port Orange, Ted Cardinale, Ormond Beach, Jim & Ginny Ladesic, Daytona Beach, Jim Lainhart, Holly Hill, Deb Smith, Ponce Inlet, Felix Treadway, Port Orange, Carolyn Truesdale, Daytona Bceach. Editor note - as of 21 May 2007 it was reported that everyone had been able to successfully pass a license exam and all but one has a federally assigned amateur radio call sign now.]

Each earned their Bachelor of Technician Class Amateur Radio on April 28, 2007, the 8th and final session of the renewed DBARA ham radio training effort.

The Second HBC Effort was a Extra Class Study Group conducted by Frank Haas KB4T. Study Group was KB4T's idea of the perfect name for the group effort. He felt like he did not teach them anything he just facilitated providing the group with the answers to their many questions.

Unfortunately, none of the Extra group thought to take a camera to class, so there are no photographs of Frank brow beating sense into their brains.

Just a couple of weeks ago I met up with Jim Lainhart, KI4VWK, who was a member of our first Technician Class, then the General Class, and sat in on the Extra Class course and had his Extra Class ticket before ever getting on the air. We were talking at one of Paul Milward's slant Portable outings and I asked when he would be getting on the air. His comment was "as soon as my antenna is up." Now he is almost a regular on the 75 meter morning net that I get on. He has gone from a listener to Extra without ever going on the air which is quite a feat when you think about it.

Morning, For those interested in upgrading your license I would highly recommend our DBARA Ham College. Not to be too outspoken, because I'm new, but forget the cd's or any other aid out there. From personal experience I recommend our local club courses to get it all. If you need an "Elmer", they are ready willing and very able! Personal 'one on one' and visual lessons work best for me.

Diane Balber KI4WFU, a recent graduate of HamBone College, is now on the air thanks to the combined efforts of several hams. Diane was unable to put together a complete ham station. Donations from several hams now allow her to get on the local repeaters and take advantage of the privileges her new
Technician Class license offer.

On June 9th, 2007, the effort came together. Radio, power supply, coax, antenna and a proper antenna support were brought together and installed at Diane's Edgewater home. Diane received some personal instruction and was set to go. Sunday night Diane checked into the DBARA Net with a fine signal and enjoyed working all the folks on the net. Listen for KI4WFU on the local repeaters and welcome her to the hobby!

Contributors to this effort included;

Doug Hubbs K4DMH, Deland
Nick Moody KI4PLC, Deltona
Sparky Lammers AE4DL (ex-AE4DL (ex-AE4DL (ex-KF4UFA))), Holly Hill
Bill Blasingame KI4AAN, Port Orange
George Silver WB4DVP, Edgewater
Pete Yaciw ( not a ham ), DeLeon Springs
Fred Villers K8FV, Daytona Beach
Fred Magliacane KF4VRS, Allandale
John LoCicero K4TUG (ex KD5IBY), Daytona Beach

Diane is now planning to attend the upcoming General Upgrade class to be offered in July by HamBone College.

Thank you to everyone who helped get Diane on the air! This effort shows how well the ham community can come together to help someone in need. Our hats off to everyone involved!

Thanks to John LoCicero K4TUG (ex KD5IBY) for providing the details of this story

06.12.2007

Return to the top of the page

Date of last update: Thursday, August 30, 2007 01:47 PM