02/02/2024

Newly licensed ham Charlie Hartley, KF0OOP, 18, is one of ARRL  The National
Association for Amateur Radio¿ newest members. He's majoring in sound
engineering at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and is an
accomplished musician, playing both bass guitar and the upright string bass.
Ham radio, live sound, and music run in his blood; he's the grandson of Bob
Heil, K9EID.

Charlie had been secretly studying for his license. After passing his test, he
revealed his new Technician-class privileges and call sign to his famous-ham
grandpa as a birthday surprise. The pair joined many others at the ARRL Midwest
Division Convention/Winterfest, which is organized and sponsored by the St.
Louis and Suburban Radio Club.

ARRL Midwest Division Vice Director Dave Propper, K2DP, personally took
Charlie's membership application at the event. ARRL Director of Emergency
Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, was a keynote speaker for the DX/ARRL Banquet
at the event.

He said it was a good gathering to connect with hams in the division. "Ham
radio is alive and well in the heartland of America, and it was encouraging to
meet with so many members who were clearly passionate about serving their
community through amateur radio," Johnston said.

Several major manufacturers exhibited at the event, which was held at the
Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois, on January 27. The hamfest
hosted the 2024 ARRL Midwest Division Convention.

Find more about being an ARRL member at www.arrl.org/membership[1]

[1] https://www.arrl.org/membership%20

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