[Fists] Re: FISTS QRS ops

[Kevin H. Miller]

Fellow FISTS members,

I wish to thank David N1EA for his post on this topic.  His story about Bob W2LYH is a true inspiration to me.  Bob sounds like a great model of the type of CW operator (and person) I'd like to be(come).

I would also like to thank all the FISTS members I have QSO'd during my brief time as a ham, about 8 months.  I have had the pleasure of meeting over 100 FISTS members and almost without exception have found them to be helpful and courteous.  They have QRS'd, repeated when necessary, and perhaps most importantly, provided me with a chance to hear well-formed, clearly sent code--something to emulate as I seek to improve my own.

When I joined FISTS, I was pleased to have found an organization with such a fine goal: the furtherance of CW through accuracy in sending (and receiving) and courtesy to other operators.  I was impressed by the introductory letter from Geo G3ZQS expounding these virtues.  Geo wrote (in part):

"When you are on the air, you are an ambassador of your country.  You are also flying the flag of an organization whose members will be recognized as 'good' operators.  The hallmark of a good operator is the quality of his/her code rather than the speed at which it is sent.  He or she is also recognized by their behavior and consideration for others which is ultimately reflected in their operating techniques.  I am sure we shall have cause to be nothing but proud of your association with FISTS."

I think of Geo's words every time I touch the key.  These words, and the ideals they embody, help me remember and focus on what it is I am about here: communicating with others clearly, and striving continually to improve my ability to do so.  In this often messy and confused world, I consider myself fortunate indeed to have found an organization such as FISTS, and through it to be able to contribute to the preservation of the morse code which we all love so well.

73, Kevin KI4DEF #10620

Kevin H. Miller
Washington, NC
khmiller at coastalnet.com