[SECC] On being a member of SECC - KT4ZB

[Kt4zb at aol.com]

Hi all - I have been following the comments on the reflector about SECC.  I 
thought I would let you know that the club is not broken by telling what being 
a member has meant to me.  I have been a ham only since 1996 (so I'm a newbie) 
and was interested in contesting from the beginning. There were no active 
contesters in the Savannah area so I discovered SECC on the internet and deciced 
to see what I could get from it.

I have been befriended by many - Rick, NQ4I, took me under his wing and 
introduced me to the world of big gun contesting and John, K4BAI, has provided 
information and encouragement from the beginning.  I have met many others at 
Rick's station and on the air during contests and general QSOs.  I have learned 
first hand about filters, 2 radio setup, contest logging and how to work a 
contest.  Internet questions have been prompt and helpful.  I am a little pistol and 
will remain one until I move to a different location where ham radio is 
better tolerated.  The SECC has been important to me and without the interaction 
with its members I would not have been able to get to the point where I have 
been able to recruit some casual contesters in Savannah and/or put together a 
rover group for GA QSO party and the recent IOTA contest venture to St Simons.  
Because of the SECC I am a better contester.

Since I live in Savannah and am of course outside the circle, my scores don't 
do much for the club - but I post what will.  If anyone puts together a SECC 
event, I will try and attend and even bring along some visitors from Savannah. 
 That said, I realize that I need to give back to SECC - so John and Jeff - 
barring Frances making right hand turn, the overdue GA QSO party certicates 
should go in the mail Tuesday.

Thanks to everyone and remember, there are lots of folks just like me who 
need the friendship and help that a contest club can provide.  And - it was a 
very sad day for me to sit and see those W4AN QSOs on my screen from the various 
contests.

cu on the bands - Jere, KT4ZB