[ADXA] A personal milestone - February 4, 1955

[Keith Newman]

Congratulations, Bill!  I'm thankful I've been able to ride along with you for most of those 71 years and work you in many of the countries you've visited.

For an old, crippled boy, this is a fantastic hobby!  It's quite a joy to be able to get in there and "run" with you guys with good legs (big guns).  Hi hi.

I remember when you got that #340 using the wire strung around the building.  And, I have fond memories of watching you and Randy, K5BOC, build that 4-1000 amplifier.  And, I still remember that over one hour long, 5-9 QSO we had on 6 meters SSB during a contest when you were on an island and nobody would break us when we stood by for anyone wanting to work you.  And, it was nice having you as a very close neighbor for a few years back in the 70's.

May we both ride the air waves many more years!

73, Keith
________________________________
From: adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Bill Priakos via ADXA <adxa at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:12 PM
To: ADXA <adxa at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [ADXA] A personal milestone - February 4, 1955


Today marks my 71st year as a ham; I think that may qualify me as the longest licensed ADXA member, as well at 84, perhaps the oldest, OF (old fart) in ADXA!  I am so grateful that late in 1954, my Elmer, Bob, W5UQ, put up with a 13-year-old snot nose kid hanging around asking stupid questions – T U, brother.

There are so many of you whom I have known for over 50 years.  I am humbled by this hobby that has brought me so much joy, the friendships I have made among all of you, the hams I have visited in the 25+ countries where I have operated, the DXCC #1 I managed to achieve as well as being on DXpeditions where during contests  we have won or in one case, scored a world record, being fortunate to serve as president of the Lone Star DX Association and the Arkansas DX Association, and of course, being inducted into First Class Operators Club (FOC).  Being invited into ham’s homes in so many countries, forging lifetime friendships is just one more reason why this is the greatest hobby in the world!  TKS for being a part of my ham radio journey ??



Vy 73, Bill



Bill Priakos - W5SJ

FOC # 2155

10 Free Ferry Heights

Fort Smith, AR 72903

479.461.8368



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