W5SSS Joe P. Cooper Pipe Creek, TX QCWA # 36755 Chapter 38

First off, I would like to thank my "Elmers" who helped me get started:
W5BGE - Dean Davis (SK), ham who administered my novice test.
W5SG - Bill Eckenrode, who coaxed me into making my first cw contact.
KB5CU - Jim Tilton (SK), who helped me keep my old tube rigs glowing.
W5WVL - Byron Webb (SK), friend, neighbor, advisor and mentor.

Without the help and encouragement of these people I probably would have become discouraged and given up.

Licensed as a Novice in early 1977. Over the next two years I studied the books and pounded brass. Steadily learning radio theory and rules and upping my cw speed to earn my "real" General, Advanced and Extra class tickets.

Calls held: WD5DVN (77-79), N5AXC (79-99) and W5SSS (since 99).

Over the past 38 years I have worked almost every mode on almost every band (160m-70cm). But, since retiring in 2014, I just ragchew on SSB and work a bit of cw to keep in practice. Besides using solid state gear, I also collect and use vintage Collins gear.

Station location is eight miles south of the small town of Pipe Creek (Pop. 66), which is about 35 miles WNW of San Antonio. Or, as the locals like to brag, "We're just 9 miles shy of Bandera".

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Been married since 1971 and have five grown children. Worked in the printing trades most of my working years:
Twenty five years as a stereotyper and photoengraver for a local newspaper.
Ten years as a film stripper and prepress person in a high quality offset shop.
Finally, ten years as a parts person for a local Chevrolet dealer.
Now 70 years old, retired and living near Bandera in the Texas Hill Country

November 27, 2015