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NEWINGTON, CT, Aug 7, 2006 -- Now when you arrive at the ARRL for a tour, your host will be one of our new Volunteer Tour Guides. It might be Bob, or it could be Bob -- depending on the day, you might just luck out and get Bob!
No, we're not re-creating The Newhart Show; our first three Volunteer Tour Guides, while not brothers, are all named Bob!
On Friday, July 28, ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, along with Membership Manager Katie Breen, W1KRB, and Sales and Marketing Coordinator Jackie Cornell, presented framed certificates recognizing their volunteerism to the three new Volunteer Tour Guides: Bob Allison, WB1GCM, Bob Burke, KA1KOV, and Bob Stanwood, KB1EYZ.
"We are very thankful and appreciative of your enthusiasm for Amateur Radio and the League. I know our guests will enjoy their visit to Headquarters even more now because of you -- thank you!" said Breen.
And just who is the "Trio Bob"? Bob Allison, WB1GCM, has been a ham for 32 years; he holds an Amateur Extra class license. His Amateur Radio hobby led directly to an education in electronics and a 27 year career in broadcast television and radio. "Ham Radio opens many doors in life, and I've had the opportunity to help people through this wonderful hobby," he said. Bob and his wife, ARRL staffer Kathy, KA1RWY, reside in Coventry, Connecticut. Bob also enjoys sailing and working on Model A Fords. "It's a privilege to be able to volunteer here at ARRL HQ," he said. "I am pleased to be your tour guide!"
Bob Burke, KA1KOV, got into Amateur Radio, as he says, "by accident." When he was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 29 in the early 1980s, another Scout leader had heard of a Novice class starting at the Newington Amateur Radio League (NARL). Since the Scouters had to travel to New York for their license upgrades, it was a long time between Tech and General, but Bob now holds an Amateur Extra class license, is a Volunteer Examiner, as well as a past president of NARL.
Bob Stanwood, KB1EYZ, has been involved with Amateur Radio since building a crystal set when he was 10 years old; it led to his discovery of short wave radio and experimenting with TV antennas in high school. After earning two degrees in electrical engineering from Cornell University and four years of piloting C-130s for the US Air Force, Bob was hired by Pratt & Whitney, eventually in program management. He retired 13 years ago and worked another four years as a consultant, and in full retirement, turned to Amateur Radio. Since earning his Technician license in 2000, he has progressed to Amateur Extra, continuing to build antennas and participating in public service events. He and his wife Peggy have been married 42 years, and have two adult children and two wonderful granddaughters, aged four and seven. In addition to his family and Amateur Radio, Bob also volunteers at the New England Air Museum.
Tours are
given every day the ARRL HQ is open, at 9, 10 and 11 AM, and 1, 2 and 3 PM.
Part of the tour includes W1AW, so
be sure to bring a copy of your license, as you are encouraged to operate.
While tour reservations are not necessary, large groups should notify Jackie Cornell at 860-594-0292.