[COham] Ham needs our help

[dave_novotny at agilent.com]

Hi all,

I normally don't like people who "blast out" mass emailing, but I believe this one is an exception and deserves your attention.

Don DuBon, N6JRL, of Kettering, OH has just received an invitation of a lifetime.  Out of all the hams in the world, he has been asked to participate in the DXpedition to Peter Island (3Y0X) in Antarctica in 2006.  This island has only been on the air two times before (1987 and 1994).  The anticipated cost of this trip per person is over $16,000.  Don is about $10,000 short now.  

So, what is Don's connection to Colorado and why should we consider helping him out?  Many of us have met Don.  He is the brother of Cliff Mikkelson, N0ZUQ.  Don's mom, Dottie (KB0SHJ) also lives in Colorado Springs.  Don lived in Colorado Springs for several months a couple years ago had has returned often to help out on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.  Don (and his XYL Sandy, N3TQU) have been very gracious hosts to many of us from Colorado who have attended the Dayton Hamvention.  They have housed us and fed us, and never asked for a penny.  Don is a excellent representative of the Amateur Radio fraternity.

So, what can you do?  If Don could find 1000 fellow hams who would contribute $10 each, he would have the goal met.  Don is going to be in the Colorado Springs area July 8-11.  ARRL Section Manager Jeff Ryan, K0RM, is "managing" his schedule.  I know that Don would love to meet with any of you over coffee, to discuss this exciting adventure. I believe he will be giving Jeff a video of this DXpedition that could be shown at a club meeting.

I've put information on the files section of the CMRG Yahoogroups, under Peter Island, as I don't believe these reflectors will pass attachments.  Hopefully, we can get this information on other websites.

This is a great opportunity for Don and all hams.  I know Don will appreciate any help he can get.  Though I haven't confirmed this, I do bet that Don will listen "extra hard" for the callsigns of those who have helped him out.  If you need more information and/or want to help Don out, his email is N6JRL at aol.com.

Thanks for helping out a fellow ham.  Please make sure this gets the widest posting to the ham community.

Dave Novotny, WA6IFI
wa6ifi at adelphia.net