Vice President 2018 - 2020 Director 2014 - 2018 W5NZ Mark S. Wintersole Montgomery, AL QCWA # 33288 Chapter 40

My association with the world of electronics began in 1971 when my Grandfather got me interested in shortwave listening. My horizons were significantly broadened with licensure in the Amateur Radio Service in 1975 at the age of 15. Following part-time jobs in commercial 2-way radio, broadcasting, and with the local electric utility, I graduated from college with a BS in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned an officer in the US Air Force. While on active duty, I served in the airborne command & control, nuclear command & control, and communications/information arenas. Somewhere in between the many all-expense paid trips to the world's most "interesting" locales, I picked up a Master's Degree in technology management. Following retirement from the military, I was finally able to put down roots and become more active in ham radio, serving as President/Founder/Trustee of the Montgomery EMA Amateur Radio Club, President and later Secretary of QCWA Chapter 40, President of the Montgomery Amateur Radio Club Inc, ARES Emergency Coordinator for Montgomery County, and Vice President of QCWA, Inc.a

In over 45 years of "hamming," I've received the QCWA Meritorious Service Award, ARRL Public Service Commendation, the ARRL Certificate of Merit for search and rescue operations, as well as being recognized by the Governor of Alabama for Hurricane Katrina support. I presently hold an Amateur Extra class license and am a member of the ARRL, an ARRL Volunteer Examiner, ARRL Certified Instructor, member of ARES, and Net Controller (and past Net Manager) for the Central Alabama SkyWarn program. I'm also a member of the Straight Key Century Club, QRP ARCI, European PSK Club, Rag Chewer's Club, Flying Pigs QRP Club, and 30m Digital Group, among many others. I love to pound brass and work the many digital modes available. I'm an avid contester, where you'll usually find me competing in the QRP category.

July 1, 2020