W2ZRA Kevin M. MacDonald Cutchogue, NY QCWA # 35780

I originally learned morse code from being a USCG Radioman onboard the USCGC Hamilton from Jan 1971 to May 1974 where most of the duty was on Ocean Station in the North Atlantic. I also got involved in Ham Radio at that time and continued until 1977. After a 33yr "Break" I again became involved only by chance, after meeting another Ham, W2NSF(Jim) and getting information about the next license exam which was July of 2010. I then passed the next level in October 2010. Even in spite of my 33yr lapse, I had no trouble getting back to my code sending and receiving abilities.... a testament to my USCG training.

I received my first Novice license in 1972, that call sign was WN2DIZ and since most of my contacts were made while aboard ship, the call was sent as WN2DIZ/MM with the region designator following the MM. After that license expired, I subsequently got the call sign WN2ZRA which expired in 1977.

Anyway, after getting re-licensed this past summer, I purchased a used Kenwood TS-520S on Ebay. With the expert help of NY2NY(Jay) and W2NSF(Jim), we hung up a 66ft dipole between two oak trees and with Jay's help once again, the old rig was once again back on the air. I would also like to thank my new friend Wendell/WW2G who is an amazing storehouse of knowledge.