07/06/2002 | K9USA This was my first Field Day. As a newly-licensed ham operator, I couldn't have believed that it could be so much fun and that I could learn so much in one weekend. We have a small club in Piatt County, Illinois -- one of the least populous counties in the state, but we had 2 dozen operators and worked all 24 hours on 40 meters and 80 meters. The higher-licensed more-experienced operators couldn't have been more helpful and patient with their coaching and demonstrations. We had a great time contesting -- many of us for the first time. We enjoyed 100% participation of all 7 new (2002) ham operators in our county and also a terrific mix of different generations of ham operators with different interests. Great people, great fun. -- KC9AZZ