I became interested in amateur radio in my early teens when as an SWL I started hearing ham signals. I taught myself code (the hard way) but did not know any hams at that time. A few years later, I took but failed my Novice test because of the code. I tried again in the Fall of 1979, when I took and passed my Technician Class (later Tech Plus) exam at the Federal Building in Boston. I operated as N1AXR while a member of the Northeastern University Wireless Club, W1KBN, and later served as co-president of the revitalized UMaine Ham Radio Club, W1YN.

I upgraded to General in the mid-1980s, and again in 1999, to Extra when I was issued the call AA1UT. Finally, in January 2014, I applied for and was granted the vanity call WT1A.

I am currently Deputy Director of Emergency Management in Androscoggin County, Maine, and have served in that capacity for over 10 years. My duties include supervision of the county's RACES/ARES Team. Prior to my employment in emergency management I was employed in law enforcement for 20 years. I am also currently a member of the Androscoggin Amateur Radio Club and the Yankee Clipper Contest Club.