Winter Field Day Like You’ve NEVER Seen It—With a Military Twist!

David Stickelman KF6KAT and Tammy Stickelman are bringing ham radio back to the field—literally. Their portable setup is more than just a radio operation; it’s an event. Operating out of restored military vehicles, including an M35, an M37, and even a vintage M1950 Arctic tent, David and Tammy have turned their passion for emergency communications and camping into a full-scale mobile ham radio operation. Whether it's Winter Field Day or a Parks on the Air activation, their retrofitted rigs and family-oriented approach draw plenty of attention—including from curious park rangers and intrigued fellow campers.

David, a former Army signal officer, and his wife Tammy, have blended ham radio, military history, and outdoor adventure into something entirely unique. Their expeditions aren’t just about making contacts—they're about community. Friends, family, and even their horses tag along, turning their camping trips into full-scale events that combine vintage military gear with modern ham radio technology.

From restoring classic military trucks to integrating radio teletype machines into their setup, the Stickelmans embody the hands-on, pioneering spirit of amateur radio. Their enthusiasm for the hobby is contagious, proving that ham radio isn’t just about gear—it’s about the experience, the connections, and the stories.

Catch the full conversation and see what it takes to bring a mobile military ham shack to life. Join the discussion and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more great stories from the world of amateur radio!

 

Nice setup and great way to combine several hobbies in one.

I would love to have an old M109 van for a mobile radio van. I had one while stationed at NTC/Ft Irwin but it was setup as a mobile machine shop. And I always liked the M37 too. I have no desire to mess with a GP small with arctic liner unless I have a squad to set it up - been there and done that.

 

Nice to see others who appreciate military coms gear and the importance of emergency communications. Please keep me in mind, as i currently have for sale the following in new condition;

For Sale Military PRC-77/ RT-841 radio, the Amplifier Power Supply AM-2060A / GRC and Vehicle Mount 1029/VRC
Discussion in 'Ham Radio Gear For Sale' started by AA9VZ, Yesterday at 2:17 AM.

Let me know guys if you are interested or have any questions. Thanks and 73's Terry AA9VZ

 

Each outing sounds like it is an adventure. Enjoy.

 

I've had plenty of green radios pass through the QTH over the years, but never any jeeps or humvees.

 

David, your adventure brought back memories for me. When I was in the HQ G1, USA Second Infantry Division back in the 1970s, we used to go to the field monthly with our XM820 "expando" van. We weren't commo, but we used one of these as our mobile personnel center. I would love to have an XM820 as a mobile shack. If I were 30 years younger... W3UG

 

By the way, a while back I had a 12-foot "Tank Whip" that was absolutely wonderful. But I haven't seen one of these in ages. It was build like a brick outhouse, and made a great vertical. Are these still available anywhere?

 

A M109 van, M820 or even a M944 truck mounted shop would be nice. I used all three while I was in the Army. They were all setup as mobile machine shops though. Heck I would be happy with a commo shelter in the back of a HMMV or CUCV.

 

I worked out of a AN/MRC-45 (P/O a OA-626/MSQ-T3 radar setup.)

We salvaged one the shelters and used it as a ground mounted radio shop near Panaca NV, a very rural setting.

 

Alas the Signal Corps is not what they used to be...they're mostly IT folks now. Ft. Wainwright had an amazing MARS station for decades, but now it's three sheets to the wind. And nobody seems much interested in resurrecting it.

 

That's sad to hear. I can remember calling back to the states from the Middle East and Europe through MARS stations.

 

FATS - HOME Flag and Torch Society is a group I recently discovered that is focused on (re) introducing radio art to Signal Soldiers.

I am involved with my local National Guard units coming up with ways to make formal training events with issued equipment such as the Falcon series of HF radios (PRC-150, 160). When I was an S6 (signal officer), soldiers really seemed to enjoy going to a local park (with permission from the park rangers) and setting up the HF radios and trying to get a hold of distant armories. Leaning the various military antennas and their strengths/weaknesses was of great value. We are working on formal training events that share some elements with POTA or contests, where they earn points for making contacts using various secure or non-secure methods. Soldiers over the last 20ish years really haven't had a lot of opportunity to use radio much given the huge focus on IP networks. This sort of training seems to be popular with the soldiers as well as commanders. Other than time spent to coordinate events and the rigamarole of getting frequency allocations, the price tag is really small to do these, the equipment is already in inventory, fuel really is the only cost. Amateur radio experience really is of great value when working with the military Falcon series of radios.

AA9VZ - I would be quite interested, naturally my CFO will need to approve of such a thing.

 

We used the M-109 Vans when I was in the Artillery ,2/83rd FA in Babenhausen Germany. We didn't use them for Comms but other special assembly purposes. They were great vehicles to work out of and would go anywhere. Once you learned the shift pattern it was awesome. Really wasn't hardback then Mid to late 70s.

 

IC XC NI KA Good to see my fellow Orthodox on the air!

Love the nostalgia and enthusiasm, and the family involvement.

The military trucks, trailers, tents, and gear really are great and deserve their own videos.