On July 1, at the weekly Clandestine Coffee gathering of the EAWA, Phil announced, rather loudly, “I just want you to know that I have no restraints! I can do whatever I want now!” That’s typical of Phil’s ever-present jokes and sarcasm. July 1 marked the end of his tenure as the Maine ARRL Section Manager. It was clear that he was happy to have the gift of more leisure time and fewer commitments. Over these past few weeks he’s been on the radio more than he has in years. Even though he’s been reducing his leadership commitments, he’s not leaving amateur radio behind. He is retooling, learning some new facets of radio, and simply having fun on the air waves.
This article is a mix of Phil’s words and quotes from others. I took the liberty to bold key words for emphasis. When I asked Phil about his leadership positions in various amateur radio organizations, he shared:
In the past 30 years I have served as a club president, county ARES emergency coordinator, Maine Section Emergency Coordinator, and Net Control Station for NTS and ARES Nets, to name a few activities in which I have dedicated time and effort.
Serving as Maine’s Section Manager from December 2021 through June 2026 was a highlight and privilege. It opened my eyes to how so many hams volunteer every single day running traffic nets, relaying radiograms, conducting emergency communication exercises, organizing hamfests, and so much more.
I really enjoyed working and collaborating with affiliated clubs, ARRL field service appointees, and others in the pursuit of contributing to this amazing hobby and service. Other life goals and personal reasons made me decide to not seek reelection this time. Perhaps if things work out, I will run for section manager again in a couple years or so, but for now my focus is elsewhere.
I also asked some people who worked with Phil to share in this retirement tribute. They wrote:
“Phil demonstrated more initiative and just plain hard work than any section manager I have encountered anywhere in the ARRL in my time as director. He did not hesitate to take on the most difficult problems facing his Section and Amateur Radio in general, and he made good progress with everything that he touched. He was a true pleasure to work with, and we will all miss his leadership very much. I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Phil.” ~Fred, AB1OC, former ARRL New England Division Director
“During my time as ARRL Vice Director for the New England Division, I cannot think of a more dedicated Section Manager than Phil. He epitomizes what the job entails. Phil is always rallying the troops and acknowledging the volunteers in his section for their efforts. Phil is a “force multiplier.” It’s unfortunate that we can’t clone Phil and seed all of the other seventy ARRL sections with N1EP clones.” ~Phil, K9HI, Vice Director of the ARRL New England Division
“Phil has done an outstanding job as Section Manager for Maine. His visibility and involvement have been incredible. His on-air presence on various nets, visiting clubs in-person, touring field day sites, participating in hamfests and interacting with many hams has made him an incredible force in the hobby.” ~Cory, KU1U, Assistant Section Manager
“As the Maine State Emergency Coordinator (SEC), I was blessed with Phil’s appointment to the position and mentorship while serving. Phil’s support as the Section Manager and a County EC, among others, simply sets the example of support above and beyond. Phil was always available to ‘rein me in’ and provide advice, which is greatly appreciated! Good luck, Phil.” ~Keith, KE4UCW, Maine State Emergency Coordinator
“Phil’s energy and contributions to the ham community have been overwhelming. Anyone who replaces Phil will have a tough act to follow. Great personality and instant friendship. Enjoy yourself Phil! (I suspect retirement is not in his vocabulary.)” ~George, K1GDI, Seagull Net
“As a former Section Manager for Maine, I know just how demanding and challenging the role can be when it’s done right. Phil had the right stuff and did the job with finesse” ~Michelle, WM1C, Former Maine ARRL Section Manager
“I have known every Section Communications Manager/Section Manager in Maine for the last 60 years (in fact I married one!) and I would rate Phil, N1EP, top tier for effort and effectiveness. Maine has been fortunate to have his leadership for the past 4-1/2 years.” ~Bill, W1KX, former Maine SCM/SM
I also asked Phil about his early experiences with amateur radio and his preferred modes of operation. He shared:
Even as a kid, I was always interested in radio-electronics and was an avid short-wave listener. I didn’t earn my ham radio license until I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1996. I jumped into the hobby head first and have had a blast ever since.
Very early on I got involved in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and also the National Traffic System. Meeting and working with all the like-minded hams in Maine helped me make friends all over the state. The friendships you make among the ham radio community, if you get involved, is the best part of this hobby.
My most memorable QSO was talking with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. Also, I used to run the annual Wreaths Across America special event (W1A) and had some awesome conversations with veterans or family members of veterans who shared their stories with me. It was quite heart-warming.
Another couple of QSOs that stand out for me is when I was first learning CW and was on the bands at 5 wpm, I had contacts with a couple centurions. They were very patient with my sloppy fist and I felt it was an honor to chat with these very senior operators.
I have tried as many aspects of amateur radio as possible, including phone, digital modes, coffee-meets, CW, digital voice modes, coffee-meets, satellite, DX, kit-building, coffee-meets, and more coffee-meets. One mode I have not tried yet is moon-bounce (EME). Maybe I will eventually check that one off the bucket list after a clandestine coffee meet.
I also asked some members of the EAWA to share a little about their experiences with Phil in leadership positions. They offered:
“One of Phil’s concerns is how to keep amateur radio alive and vibrant for coming generations. He has organized and formed a non-profit (Kidz Radioactive, https://kidz.n1ep.com/) to find and support young people curious about ham radio. This has met with some success through offering lessons at local libraries and summer camps. The organization is now offering a grant for other ham radio clubs in Maine to actively encourage new young hams. This all is a result of Phil’s leadership.” ~John, KQ1P, President of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association
“Phil conducted a technician class for people interested in ham radio. As someone who had no experience in electronics or radio, his teaching style was patient and helpful. He took the time to explain the concepts in a manner that not only made them interesting but also understandable. I passed my test, upgraded to general, and have found an amazing and fun-filled hobby!” ~Barbara, KC1SSY, Emergency Coordinator for Hancock County
“As Maine’s ARRL Section Manager, Phil officially established an Assistant Section Manager position to promote and support Maine’s YLs and women interested in amateur radio. Phil has been available to the Women Radio Operators of Maine group and has supported the women’s newly created Facebook page.” ~Joan, W1DLC, Director of the Women Radio Operators of Maine
“I have known Phil for many years. He is always engaging, and will always help, another ham. He comes up with ideas for the promotion of amateur radio that are current and relative to his target audience. He is also networking and helps with introductions of hams in need to hams who can help. His presence representing the state of Maine at the national level will be missed. He truly worked hard and brought amateur radio front and center all over the state.” ~Jeff, KA1DBE, former president of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association and Assistant Section Manager
For those of us who interact with Phil all the time, it’s easy to get lost in his jokes, pranks, love of Baofengs and coffee-meets, and lose sight of the hours of dedicated effort, time, energy, thought, and worry he has spent on the administration and advancement of this wonderful hobby and service. While we celebrate his many leadership-driven accomplishments and his retirement, I, for one, hope we continue to hear him vote “no” to every meeting adjournment. I hope we continue to hear him say, “We were having a good time until you showed up,” or “They let you in here???” I also hope we continue to hear about his many hours on the air waves and new adventures in radio.
Congratulations Phil! You’ve more than earned your right to play radio for as long as you want!
Compiled and written by Marion, W1GRL
W1TU 