[Fists] Bug Operators

[Stan Reas]

Fellow FISTS:

I called Gene Liberty - FISTS # 6868 to find out if he has an amateur radio 
callsign.  He does not, but he was a
radio operator during World War 2 and wants to support any organization 
that promotes the use of CW.  That's
why he continues to renew his FISTS number.

We had a most enjoyable telephone conversation and he told me about his 
activity during the end of the war in
Japan. He was greatly involved in sending messages during that time.  He is 
81 years old and quite an interesting chap.

We had a great time chatting about everything, especially the war and his 
activity.  He copied code at 25 to 30 wpm
in five letter groups.  I told him that Esther, KA4IFF was a WAVE and did 
the same thing.  Her husband, Elmer kids
her about copying code, even now, writing it down in five letter groups. - Hi !

Gene has recently gotten a Vibroplex bug and he was wondering if there are 
folks in the NYC area who use bugs to send
their CW.  He'd like to contact someone about recording a message sent via 
an old Vibroplex.

He lives in an apartment and didn't know whether the landlord would permit 
him to install an antenna on the roof of
the building. So we also discussed indoor antennas.

In answer to his question about operating CW, I told him that a lot of guys 
I chat with say to me:

	"Thanks for providing my 'CW fix' for today"

That got him thinking seriously about buying a rig and getting a call and 
begin using CW again.

So will one of you bug operators contact Gene.

His telephone number is (718) 543-8461 and his Email address is 
<gene.liberty at att.net>

I told him he needed to write an article about his activities during WW2. 
Maybe he will.

73, Stan - K4UK