Meet the Members.
Discover Their Stories.
Every callsign has a story, and every member brings something different to GSARA.
From newly licensed operators to seasoned amateur radio enthusiasts, our Member of the Month spotlight celebrates the people, experiences, and interests that make our club special.
More Than a Callsign.
Different backgrounds. Different interests. One shared passion for amateur radio.
The People Who
Make GSARA.
Amateur radio is about more than equipment, antennas, and making contacts. It's about the people we meet along the way.
Get to know the members of GSARA, how they discovered amateur radio, what they enjoy about the hobby, and the experiences they're bringing to our community.
John Webster (NN1SS)
I have been a dedicated ham radio operator for more than 58 years, and my passion for the hobby has only grown over time. Earlier this year, I joined my local club and was eager to dive right in, participating in the exciting field day activities. I took on the challenge of setting up and operating our station, relishing the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Steven DiPirro (KC1OSX)
I spend most of my time with SSB phone on the HF bands and is what I enjoy most. I have played around with digital voice modes like C4FM/Fusion and DSTAR as well as APRS, and more recently, since joining ARES, various digital modes on VHF and HF with fldigi and Winlink. I enjoy portable operation as a means to experiment with different portable setups for fun but that might also come in handy for ARES and emergency comms.
Keith Schoeppler (AC1RH)
I've been considering learning Morse code (CW) at some point. While I'm not particularly interested in the newer "FT-whatever" technologies, I'm drawn to CW because of its status as a classic aspect of ham radio. I'm also eager to expand my overall knowledge of ham radio, as I still consider myself quite a novice in the field, despite holding an Extra-class license.
Ralph Lavallee (KC1TLY)
I’ve been involved in radio as a hobby for over 60 years. I am an avid shortwave and medium wave DXer. I built general coverage communications receivers at the age of 10. I still have a collection of vintage communications receivers from the 1960s through the 1980s, along with an extensive paper QSL card and pennant collection.
Paul Roy (N1OG)
I love operating my radio on the go, whether it's in a park, up in the mountains, or anywhere outdoors. When I first got into ham radio, I mainly used digital modes. I had a great time using FT8, JS8, VarAC, Winlink, SSTV, and all the modes in Fldigi. These days, I mostly use single sideband (SSB) for phone operation, but I still use digital modes every now and then. I always say that "ham radio makes me feel dumb every day, and that's okay." There's always something new to learn in this hobby.
Dan Szymanowski (W1PO)
First licensed as a novice in 1961 as WV2SXE, I spent a few years getting my code speed up to 25 WPM. I passed the General in 1962 and was issued WA2SXE in Tonawanda, NY. I upgraded to Advanced and entered the US Air Force military service in 1968. Assigned to SAC, 2nd Bomb Wing, Detachment 10, 1st Combat Evaluation Group, I worked as an Automatic Tracking Radar Specialist and Aircraft Controller on a Radar Bomb Scoring Crew while still keeping my CW alive, listening nightly
Tim Cates (KC1QDK)
In 2021, I obtained my technician license and upgraded to General in 2022. I have a passion for CW and have been diligently studying since obtaining my license. I am keen on continuing my journey with CW. This spring, I had the opportunity to activate my first POTA park using CW exclusively, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby for me.
Barry and Mary Whittemore (NF1O / NE1F)
Mary and Barry were dedicated board members, each with their distinct roles. Mary was responsible for overseeing the membership, ensuring the organization's members were well cared for. On the other hand, Barry served as the Treasurer, meticulously managing the organization's finances.
Todd Neumann (W1STJ)
Todd, known in amateur radio circles as W1STJ, embarked on his ham radio journey in 2020 by earning his Technician License, quickly followed by his General License on the poignant date of 9/11/2021. He's diligently studying for his Extra Class License, honing his skills in SSB, FM, and the digital mode FT8.
Mike Sousa (KB1QVO)
I would advise them to attend a local club's meeting(s) and get to know some folks who talk on the air. Let them know that developing good friendships with the hobby is relatively straightforward. They don't need the most expensive gear and should try every exciting mode. I have convinced some individuals to get their Licenses by letting them know that the first (Technician) can expose them to much radio fun.
Casey Collins (KC1NID)
This Member of the Month is Casey (KC1NID) Casey loves digital modes and is always willing to lend a hand to anyone! He loves to camp and play portable radio any chance he gets! We are thrilled to announce Casey (KC1NID) as our Member of the Month! Casey is a true digital mode enthusiast, and his passion for the hobby shines through in all that he does. He is always eager to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge with others, making him an invaluable member of our community.
Jeanne Martin (KC1SPX)
I got my technician license in March of 2023. My initial thought was that ham radio might be a useful skill for emergency communication. A friend also inspired me with a ham radio license. She used her radio for medical rescues on horseback in areas without cell phone reception. I thought that was pretty cool. I decided to go for it and give the radio a try. How hard could it be? Since then, I’ve been exploring and learning about different aspects of ham radio. I’ve found that it’s much more than a form of emergency communication.
Tom Perkins (AC1J)
I became a club member during the mid-1970s and began participating in various meetings in the early 1980s. My involvement progressed to becoming a VE (Volunteer Examiner) Lead, where I helped fellow hams obtain their license. Later on, in 2006, I assumed the position of Club Callsign Trustee for our club's repeater, and in 2007, I served as interim Club President
John Grubmuller (K1XF)
Our featured member for this month is John Grubmuller (K1XF). He offers some valuable advice for new hams worth considering. He wisely points out that this hobby encompasses various aspects and that individuals have distinct goals. Therefore, it is crucial to connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate meaningful relationships with them. It's worth avoiding the temptation to impose one's hobbies on others.
Bill Freeman (KE1G)
The club member spotlight for this month showcases Bill Freeman, KE1G. Bill's interest in amateur radio started at a young age as he received his novice license at the age of 13, on March 5, 1963. Nonetheless, the novice license had a short validity of one year and was not renewable. Subsequently, Bill had to wait until approximately 1972 to obtain his technician license to begin transmitting.
Eric Pfeifer (N1JUR)
I've been pursuing this hobby since 1991, when I acquired my No-Code Technician license. I've been fortunate to have several Ham radio mentors who have guided me throughout my journey. Thanks to their support, I've been involved in several exciting activities, including Scouting, the local Ham Club in my teen years (Police Amateur Radio Team - PART), and I even helped found the Westford Academy High School Radio Club.
Bill Arcand (W1WRA)
I was first licensed in 1999 as KB1EFZ. I started the hobby interested in VHF+ weak signal work (mostly SSB ). While mainly on HF these days, I have been exploring getting back into 2-meter and above weak signal work.
Who's Behind
Your Callsign?
We'd love to get to know you!
Every GSARA member has a different path into amateur radio. Maybe you just earned your license, have been operating for decades, enjoy portable radio, or spend your time experimenting at the workbench.
Whatever your interests or experience, you're part of what makes this club special. Member of the Month is our way of sharing those stories and helping members get to know one another.
I'D LIKE TO BE FEATURED
I've been in the Ham world for about 10 years now and just renewed my license. You meet the nicest people and create lifelong friendships. Ham world and create lifelong friends.