This article is the result of a simple question: When it comes to the hobby of ham radio, what are you thankful for? The responses were immediate, genuine, and passionate. The emotional depth of the responses demonstrated that ham radio is so much more than a hobby. This story tells itself, written in the words of the experiencers.
“My appreciation for our Amateur Radio community extends back to my very first encounters with those that would become my elmers. And my thankfulness continues now almost several decades into this wonderful hobby, for all those I’m privileged to know as volunteers or merely as a distant voice (or digital contact!) out there on the bands.”
–Andrew W1AXS
“I am thankful for the friendships and family that being a ham radio operator has brought me. The contacts with people all over the world who you are “part of the group” with. And locally, the family that accepted me as one of them when I got licensed and are now family to me. Ham radio gave me a purpose when I didn’t feel like I had a purpose. Ham radio is a community that I am a member of and that is what I am thankful for.”
–Barbara KC1SSY
“Community – that’s the real answer.”
–Bill KC2NMK
“It’s all about the people. Sure, there’s equipment and things, but really, it’s all about the people.”
–Bob AB1EP
“I just can’t put into words all the good things ham radio has brought to me.”
–Chuck AC1BS
“For me it is the education. I went to get a book on simple electronics and ended up a ham realizing there is no “simple” electronics. But there are endless opportunities every day.”
–Dick W1KRP
“I am thankful that I was introduced to this hobby when I was young. It put me on a path of learning and improving myself. It has always brought me joy and lifelong friends and mentors.”
–Jeff KA1DBE
“I am truly thankful for the friendships I have made with members of EAWA and the special people I have met through ham radio. The social aspect of ham radio has enriched my life: learning and sharing with others, including my father and my son; supporting others through community service; sharing the thrill of making that special contact. It has been fun building radios and antennas that actually work; a thrill making a Clean Sweep in Sweepstakes, working a station through a satellite, and making the contacts for a POTA activation. But it is the relationships with other hams for which I am most thankful.”
–Joan W1DLC
“Getting that license and getting on the air pulled me out of teenage depression and literally saved my life. … I have met thousands of hams since and I am thankful for all the interesting people attracted to amateur radio. The EAWA has become something special for me and it is great to see how amateur radio and our club brings together many different people.”
–John KQ1P
“I’m thankful for the my local ham community, who are like family to me, and the larger, world-wide ham community who have embraced me on this new journey. This hobby has become my lifestyle. I appreciate how it challenges me to learn and build new skills.”
–Marion W1GRL
“I like the challenges of the hobby. Whether it’s building an antenna, making a distant country contact or tuning the equipment for best performance. Also the camaraderie of the people has been excellent!”
–Mark W1ABY
“I am thankful for all of the club members who have shared their knowledge with and encouraged me at every step. I’m also thankful for the club members who showed me what I needed to do POTA because it combines my love of the outdoors with ham radio.”
–Matt KC1VLH
“Just plain super thankful for not only the opportunities ham radio provides, but also for the service aspect of the “hobby.” I enjoy the technical side of it, the challenges, chasing new DX opportunities and the camaraderie we hams have with each other. Also, when I went to Montana this spring, I was given the opportunity to attend another club’s Field Day. No matter where you go there is a bond between ham operators. We’re like a brotherhood and sisterhood kind of fraternity. They welcomed me like I was one of their long term friends they knew for years. That is one of the great things about the service/hobby.”
–Matt W1MRH
“I’m thankful for being a part of this great group called the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association.”
–Mel W1MEB
“Friendship, by far, is the best aspect of ham radio. It is what bonds us together in this amazing hobby. I am so thankful for the many friendships I have with hams throughout Maine, and beyond. … I’m thankful for the hams that step up in leadership positions.”
–Phil N1EP
“I am thankful for a hobby that both my wife and I enjoy whether we’re doing something together or independently.”
–Stan W1BOY
There is always an outlier who reminds us to enjoy each other’s company and to laugh! Phil N1EP also included, “I am thankful that Mel W1MEB will come to his senses and just gift me his amplifier, because I did buy him a piece of pumpkin pie. Equitable trade, no doubt!”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you, your family, and our special ham-ily!
Written by the EAWA, organized by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 