[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] ARC Vice President Nominee Information - Skip Dronen - KO2THF

[Skip Dronen]

Alexandria Radio Club,

I have submitted my name for consideration as your next club Vice President.  I wanted to provide some information in advance of the election to explain why I decided to throw my name in the hat, what I've done in radio so far, and my personal/professional background.

Motivation for Running for VP:
I want to help and support the Alexandria Radio Club. I have enjoyed being a member and participating in events.  I think I can give back to the club by dedicating time in a management and leadership position. I have spent quite a bit of personal time reviewing issues that I think are important to the club (e.g. equipment inventory, input on corporation changes, etc.).  I believe I have the personality and the objectivity to consider the many different viewpoints of members, support the club officers and directors, and adhere to the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to conduct club business.

Radio and Club Experience
While only being a member of the club since 2024 I have participated in a number of club events and other amateur radio activities. I would not advertise myself as an Elmer or a specialist in any particular area (so please don't take the following list that way), but I think my club participation and the various amateur radio activities have given me a solid foundation in the art and science of radio.
- Technician Licensed in March 2024, General Licensed in April 2024, Amateur Extra Licensed in September 2025
- ‎Volunteer for setup/tear down of 2024 Field Day, including setting up multiple personal canopies and tables
- ‎ARC 2m Net Controller since October 2024, ~18 nets
- Planned and coordinated (with significant help from others) the 2025 Winter Field Day
- Volunteer for the Alexandria City Emergency Operations Center for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration
- Volunteer for the 2025 George Washington Birthday Parade
- Participated in joint ARC and Arlington Amateur Radio Club Weekend in the Park POTA events
- Volunteer for the Alexandria City "Tons of Trucks" Event
- Volunteer for the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon
- I have built almost all of my antennas (HF EFHW, EFRW, UnUns, simple dipoles, vertical, etc.), including the one I use as a Net Controller (1/4 vertical).
- I am a POTA activator and hunter
- I'm operate digital modes (FT8, JS8Call, Winlink VARA HF/FM, and occasionally Hellschreiber!)

Personal/Professional Background
I am a retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer with the primary occupation as a naval aviator, leader, and manager.  I did a very brief stint as a First Officer with American Eagle as a commercial airline pilot based out of DCA. I am currently a program manager for a NOAA geostationary radio relay service. My professional resume can be publicly viewed at LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/william-dronen-jr-a95a951a<http://www.linkedin.com/in/william-dronen-jr-a95a951a>

My wife and I have been married for 21 years. We have two kids, one in college and one a senior in high school.  Aside from a duty assignment on the west coast, we have lived in Alexandria since 2009.

73,

William "Skip" Dronen, KO2THF