[VHFcontesting] Great New Operator on 6 Meters!

[Les Rayburn]

During a nice opening to the Mid-West and the Plains this week, I worked a great new operator in EN16, Horace, ND. His name is John Wickland, KD0GWB. He's just ten years old, and licensed since March. Like his father, he's a fine business VHF man, and sounded like an old pro on the Magic Band. 

When I told him that I needed his QSL card, he sheepishly replied that he hadn't had any printed yet. Would a homemade be ok? 

I laughed and told him that it would be even better! It's one of the most memorable contacts that I've had in years, and reminded me of my own boyhood experiences on ham radio. Many of you will recognize the last name. John is the son of Gene Wicklund, W0ZOK who I worked a little earlier in the opening. He must be very proud of that harmonic. 

This morning, I sent a QSL card off to John, along with a $50 gift card for a comic book collectible shop on-line. I hope he enjoys it. He made my night!



Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114