This was absolutely great and brought a tear to my eye. I (re)discovered my desire to become licensed while I was dealing with 9 weeks of chemo back in 2015. I was so sick from the chemo and sick of bad TV while stuck in bed, and something just reminded me of my SWL-ing when I was a kid. Then, after my SW radio arrived from Amazon, one morning at about 3AM, I heard a broadcast talking about why you should get an amateur license. The next morning, I started my path to get my tech license. I had enough inspiration to fight because of my then 7 month old son and my wife, but this hobby gave me something I had missed most of my adult life and it pushed me through those final days of chemo. I sometimes read these types of stories and have a lot of survivor's guilt. No one knows why some people live and others die. All I know is, each day is a blessing, even when you think you are having a bad one... I've had cancer twice in my life and learned what bad days were. Ham radio is an amazing hobby, and has been a great gift for me on this second half journey of my life. Godspeed John WA2EQJ, it was an honor to learn about you in this story, and I hope we can meet someday somewhere... 73 Mike Wells, N8DAW
a big thank you a fellow soldier for what he gave, our freedom is sacred more,so now than ever before in a changing world, respect to him and his family. thank you for a wonderful story that should remain a pard of the qrz.com website, Robert G0WYD.
As a vet also from the Army and a radio operator and instructor during the 60s this story really hits home. Not many operators in the Army today, mostly considered a collateral duty as I understand it.
Great story! I'm so glad others were available to help him out and that his love of the hobby never faded.
Whoa that was heartfelt! Outstanding story. Brought a tear or two to my eyes. Sarge is an inspiration and American hero - we cannot thank those enough who made his special day possible.
Ha! real radio ops in the military today? must be kidding! for sure, satellite, digital, etc. has taken over what we once did, but it ain't radio opping!
