N4CE

Paul Patterson

Stoneville, NC

I guess in a sense I was brought up in radio indirectly. My favorite uncle was a licensed ham most of his adult life. My father was not a ham but was in communications during WW II on Tinian island during the time that the atomic bombs were dropped and ultimately brought an end to the war.

After the war, the bomb wing my father was in was stationed at Walker AFB, Roswell, NM, UFO capitol of the world. That is where my sister and I were born. My father was still in the Air Force, so Rowell is only one of the many places I lived.

I became interested in radios by listening to the CBs and saved up money to get a CB when I was a teen. I learned about amateur radio by reading QST and CQ in the base library in 1969 when we were stationed at Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico. Almost everyday after school I would walk to the base's MARS shack where I could ususally find a KWM-2A transceiver to listen with. The MARS guys really took me under their wing and got me in touch with a school teacher on base that was a ham. Three months before we left PR in 1970, I passed my novice test becomming WP4DJU.

My father retired after Puerto Rico and we moved to Salina, Kansas. I had my general class ticket within six months and licensed as WB0DOX. It wasn't until the late 70's that I passed my advanced. CW was never a problem so it was simply a matter of studying for the written part in order to pass my extra. This was accomplished in 1986.

I love CW and digital modes. I'm not much on rag-chewing anymore but I can be found on nets such as the 3905 Century Club Net and OMISS. I did some packet back in 1995 but really enjoying the ever growing number of digital modes available. JT65A is my recent favorite and I operate a reverse beacon whenever I'm operating that mode.

I'm an IT professional in the SAP/R3 software area. I've recently left IBM after 12 fun years and now settling down to a slower pace in life.

My other hobby is amateur astronomy. I can be found outside on some clear nights and at select star parties. When the wx isn't agreeable I can be found on the hf bands.

My lovely wife, Pat (N4SLP),who has always been a very understanding wife of my hobbies passed away in November 2010. My son also studied for his ticket and made it to extra with the call KJ4CIW.

In mid 2011 I became trustee of the Rockingham County Amateur Radio Education Club. I've since replaced it's initial KK4DJL call with my wife's SK call, N4SLP.

I am active in the local Rockingham County ARC, a FEMA certified ARES member and a volunteer VEC, affiliated with W4VEC.

73 N4CE ex NW0W, WB0DOX, WB5UYL & WP4DJU