11/19/2002 | KC4YYX Wow, Did I have fun. Thanks to all who answered my call. This was the first contest I have participated in. I've had my Novice since 1982, but never had any rigs to operate. I've just recently upgraded to Tech with code, General and Extra all in the last month. I was hoping to be able to work the Extra bands without the "temporary AE," but the USPS felt otherwise in delaying my upgrade paperwork 2 weeks. I even had one of you say "that's a mouthfull!" I wasn't able to get a clean sweep and need help figuring out my points, but I did have a lot of fun and will be back. I really need a shorter call!!! Special thanks go to my local club the Rappahannock Valley Amateur Radio Club for their encouragement for me to get on the air. Working Alaska was great since my son is stationed in Anchorage. Maybe I can get him interested, who knows?
I also agree with the other posts about HAMs going the extra mile to help out "newbies."
I made a few mistakes and hopefully didn't upset anyone.

73, David KC4YYX, King George County, VA -- KC4YYX