Old Buzzards Radio Club

3905 MHz.

By W3ZRQ / W3TI Nr. 15

ITS ORIGIN                                       

PAST

            The Old Buzzards first originated in May of 1960 by Pete W3NEZ and Al W3ZRQ (now W3TI). It all began when Al W3TI was laid off from work, resting between jobs, and Pete W3NEZ just began his retirement. Both stations met one afternoon on 3905 Khz. and had a very enjoyable rag chew. At first it was a catch as catch can type QSO each afternoon and soon became a regular schedule on the same frequency at 1:30 p.m.

            In the weeks that followed our Rag Chew session was joined by a ham from Tamaqua now living in Lewisburg, Pa. Bill W3JDU., Wayne W3AKN and Bill W3MXD. Each of these worked night shift and would have a chat with us before going to work. This 1:30 Rag Chew session continued through the summer months and one day a station ( call unknown ) broke in and asked what we called our group. This was followed by another voice that broke (call unknown ) and said, “You Old Buzzards don’t need a name”. That very moment Pete and I agreed we should call ourselves the Old Buzzards.  Please note we were just a Rag Chew group and not a club.

            By the time September rolled around W3ZRQ / W3TI was called back to gainful employment and was unable to join the group until later in November. It was noticed a drastic changed had overcome the Old Buzzards Rag Chew group. It was now known as the “Old Buzzards Radio Club”.

ENTER THE COLONEL

            Two months lapse of not joining the groups rag chew had produced many changes. A Harrisburg station had taken over as a self-proclaimed leader. A retired military Colonel, Hank W3ND had moved in and taken over and brought a group of his friends. They changed the name to a club and issued Old Buzzard Club member numbers. Pete W3NEZ was issued Nr. 1 and W3ND as Nr. 2 followed by his friends who were numbered in sequence. W3ZRQ / W3TI spoke up and complained about the manner in which this group had taken over our Rag Chew group. W3ZRQ was give Nr. 15

            Checking the present roster you will notice the original group ended as Bill W3JDU Nr. 26, Bill W3MXD Nr.32 and Wayne W3AKN as Nr. 59. Contrary to belief, Merl Beam K2BX, Nr. 5 grandfather to Sue KA2OWL was never one of the original Old Buzzards group. He joined in late October. K2BX and W3TI became very good friends. Merl spent many a weekend in Tamaqua and broke bread at our table many times.

            Did you know K2BX was Knighted by the King of Italy in 1946? During the early 1920’s Merl intercepted an emergency radio message from the Italian expedition to the North Pole that were stranded. Merl relayed the message to the Italian embassy in Washington, DC who in turn got the Italian government to send out a rescue team. While Merl was stationed with the U.S. Signal Corp in Italy following World War II this information somehow reached the King of Italy and had him brought before him. He was given a Knighthood of Italy for the service he performed over 25 years earlier.

            The first “Fly In’s” were held in the spring and later moved to October and held at the Jolly Fisherman restaurant – motel, Harrisburg. It was a two-day weekend activity. A banquet held Saturday evening with special awards and program. These Fly-Ins have been documented by W3TI with 8x10 photographs, the Buzzards official photographer. Those who stayed over at the motel would have a group breakfast before motoring home. During those early years there was no such thing as a net control. The only number you had was that on the roster.

CONCLUSION

            May of this year will be our 49^th anniversary. Over the years membership has been increased tremendously, which is a good thing. I must add at this pint, monitoring the group from time to time leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to good Amateur Radio operating practices. Some get torqued out of shape when they don’t get a number. WHY a number? WHAT’S wrong with the Amateur Call issued by the FCC? Let’s all take three steps back and take a good look at ourselves and the OLD BUZZARDS. The influx of Citizens Band operandi is definitely quite noticeable. As Old Buzzards and Old Timers in Ham Radio we should take pride in ourselves and show our ability to teach and pass on good operating practice to the new influx into our wonder Hobby. Let us strive to keep the Old Buzzards Club in Amateur Radio. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

PRESENT

           For many years there were two nets every day but in the late nineties it was decided to have only the morning net. There are now 6 regular net controllers and several alternates. The nets start with the first round as a meet and greet and end with the 73 round. Tune in  on  different days and you’ll see that there is really no “set” net preamble that is used by  any two net controllers. Each of them mentions what they feel are the important points to  pass on  and then things are off and running. There are from 30 to 50 check-ins and the nets last one to two hours. The Saturday net controller has a little black book and if you  don’t stay  for the 73 round your name will get in that little black book.

          On March 19, 2008, Donald Yeich W3DMM became a Silent Key. He was one of the longest serving Net controllers and dedicated members of the Old Buzzards. During the year 2007 there were over 55 new members making a total membership of 625 and active paid membership of 165. Yes the dues are still $2.50 per year.  The Old Buzzards have two Fly-Ins, or luncheons, each year. One Fly-In on the third Thursday in April, and one Fly-In on the third Thursday in October.

          The yearly memorial Service for our Silent Keys is in April and the yearly election of officers is in October. Elected then are a President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer for a term of one year. The Vice President moves up to President and then the new Vice President is elected. Fortunately the Secretary/Treasurers usually stay on for many years. Rudy Dietz, W8KKB was the Secretary/Treasurer for over 8 years. Hope, KB3CGC stepped into the job in 2002 and is still Secretary/Treasurer in 2008.

         The Old Buzzards net is registered with the ARRL Net Registry with WA3GDC as Net Manager. Thanks to Tom Brew, K3WS who has a web site, K3WS.com that contains a lot of Old Buzzard Information. The Old Buzzards will celebrate their 50th birthday in May 2010.

         As of June 1, 2008, Al Breiner, W3TI, Old Buzzard # 15, originator of the Old Buzzards Club, and Dick Kerlin, K3AM, Old Buzzard # 17  are still active members of the Old Buzzards. Many of the Old Buzzards are also members of the Roosters and all think The Old Buzzards and the Roosters are a fine group of amateur radio friends.

Thanks go to the following Old Buzzards for updating the History of the Old Buzzards, Tom WA3HVP, Tom K3WS, Jack N3JLW, Hope KB3CGC and Dick WA3GDC.

FUTURE

   We all need to remain vigilant and keep abreast of the actions of the FCC that protect Our rights and privileges as licensed Amateur Radio Operators. Individual as well as Collective activity on all band segments available to us helps ensure that the  amateur Radio hobby will not fade away and participation in local emergency communications Activities helps underwrite the perceived value of amateur radio activities to the general public. We must also support and work with the ARRL to protect our amateur radio privileges. The Old Buzzards have on several different occasions collected funds from interested active members and contributed them on behalf of the Old Buzzards to the ARRL’s  Spectrum Defense Fund. We Old Buzzards must teach and practice good operating principles especially when we are “On the Air”.

The Current Old Buzzard Officers are:

YEAR –   2009 - 2010

PRESIDENT        TOM  BAKER              WA3HVP
V.PRES.              ALBERT  LAFFERTY   K3KPE
SECTY/TR.         HOPE MILLER             KB3CGC

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YEAR –   2008 - 2009

PRESIDENT        JACK WEBER             N3JLW
V.PRES.              TOM  BAKER              WA3HVP
SECTY/TR.         HOPE MILLER            KB3CGC

                                                                
We elect the officers for a term of one year, the elections are always held at the Fall Fly In in Harrisburg in October , the third Thursday of October. We have three officers, President, Vice President and secty/treas. The present Vice President always steps up to President and we elect a new Vice President. We always elect the Secty/Treas each year but usually the present secty/treas stays for a long time ( we hope).

The Old Buzzard Net Controllers are:

MONDAY - - AB3FW - - WALT - - # 614

TUESDAY - - W3TKR - - ROY - #592

WEDNESDAY - KB3CGC - HOPE - #488

THURSDAY - WA3GDC - DICK - #414

FRIDAY - - N3JLW - - JACK - - #543

SATURDAY - WA3HVP - TOM - - #553

Alternate OB NET CONTROLLERS;

K3JJC Jim, N3JOS Dick, K3RRA Don, N3PG Barry, and on weekends K3WS Tom , currently retired from Monday OB NCS, had to go back to work. 

Posted March 8, 2008 Check out this OLD BUZZARD Video  << Click Here from Old Buzzard KA1KLO

Feel free to:
 
e-mail Tom@K3WS.com <

E-Mail the Old Buzzards C/O WA3GDC << Click Here

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Tribute to OB Silent Keys

Most Recent Silent Keys

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Founder of the:
THE OLD BUZZARDS RADIO CLUB

W3TI - - Al Briener - - # 15 - - SK November 19, 2008 - - Age 88,

KA3IMP- Ray D. King # 642 - SK November 23, 2008 - -Age 73, Just joined the OB in October 08 
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OLD BUZZARDS - - SILENT KEYS LOG            NOV. 24, 2008 

W3SFY - - - - LARRY GASCH- - - -  FEBRUARY 27, 1998 - - - #270 - - - AGE 71
W3JNT - - - - CLYDE COULSON -  DECEMBER 29, 1998  - - -#355 - - - AGE 80
N3BLJ - - - - -GEORGE PINTARCH-MARCH 6, 1999 - - - - - -  #353 - - -  AGE 84
W3OWW - -  GEARY RUSSELL - -  APRIL 2, 1999 - - - -  - -  - #437  - - - AGE 83
W2RON - - -  RON  LARKIN- - - - -  DECEMBER 1999 - - - -  -#484 - - -  AGE 64
W2IX - - - - - HARRY LASNDAU- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -#450 - - -  AGE 89
N2KYL - - -   TOM KOPYTOWSKI- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -#452 - - -  AGE 58
K2FVK - - - - DANA AYERS   - - - - FEBRUARY 9, 2000 - - -- #431 - - -  AGE 83
W3COW - - - TED THEADORE  - -  MAY 6, 2000 - - - - - - - -   #460 - - -  AGE 78
KA3TJK - - - STEPHEN SMITH    - - - - - - - -2000 - - SON OF NM3F - - - AGE 51
WA3IQT - - - JAY SIPE - - - - - - - - DECEMBER 17, 2000 - - -  #478 - - -  AGE 75
W3TWH - - - JOHN STRAUSS- - -  NOVEMBER 6, 2000 - - - - #349 - - - AGE 79
K3AQK - - -  MARION BOLLINGER -FEBRUARY 17, 2001 - -#357 - - - AGE 87
K3RRZ - - -  GEORGE WHITE - - - MAY 28, 2001 - - - - - - -   - #489 - - - AGE 82
WA2KZF - - GLENN WARD  - - - -NOVEMBER 20, 2001 - - -  #267 - - - AGE 87
K3COO - - - DAVE ORMOND-  - - NOVEMBER 24, 2001 - - - #374 - - - AGE 77
W8JJG - - - -AL BISHOFF - - - - - - - - -NO INFO - - - - -- - - - - #410

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N3BQV - - - AL STEWART - - - -   NOVEMBER 28, 2001 - - - #261 - - -  AGE 88
K3CRC - - - BILL BEHRENDS- - - DECEMBER 2001 - - - - -- #377 - - -  AGE 74
W3GRN - - -STAN SHIREY - - - -  DECEMBER 17, 2001 - - - #078 - - -  AGE 88
K3IFB - - - -CHARLIE FIELDS- -  MAY 15, 2002 - - - - - - - -  #354 - - -  AGE 86
KD3GH - - -WALT BROWN - - -   NOVEMBER 2002 - -- -     #370 - - -  AGE 90 PRE
N1GUP - - - FLOYD DOODY - -   OCTOBER 2, 2002 - - - - -  #403 - - -  AGE 78
K2GYX - - -NORMAN BERNAT- -  - - ? – 2002 - - - - -- - - - - #434 - - -  AGE 93
W3MXE - - DAY GRIMES- - - - - FEBRUARY 26, 2003 - - -  #439 - - -  AGE 73 PR. .
WA3VFD – CHARLES KESNER-APRIL 9, 2003 - - - - - - - -- #499 - - -  AGE  75

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KA3TIW - - BUCKY HEAPS- - - JULY  ?, 2003 - - - - - - - - - #464 - - -  AGE 85
W3HVE - -  TOM FREEDOM  - -JULY 28, 2003 - - - -- - -     #138 - - -  AGE 91
K3NZD - - - EVELYN BREINER – MARCH 24, 2004 - - - -  #129 - -    AGE 80- W3TI
W3FZT - - - LEWIS E. DABES - APRIL 20, 2004 - - - - - - -  #153 - - -  AGE 91

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K3QMY - -  JOHN STAINS - - - OCTOBER 22, 2004 - - - -  #281 - - - - AGE 81
KD3ES - - - JIM  STAINS - - - -  DECEMBER 25, 2004 - - - - JOHN’S SON
W3HK - - -  GEO VAN DYKE -  DECEMBER 2004 - - - - -  #250 - - -  -AGE 90
K2YGF - - - BILL SCHALL - -   APRIL 14, 2005 - - - - - - -  #482 - - - - AGE 76
KC3VG - - -IVAN TROXEL - -  APRIL 22, 2005 - - - - - - -  #386 - - - - AGE 77
WB2EBO -  WALTER RUSSELL – MAY 17, 2005 - - - - -- #522 - - - - AGE 69
W3BRS - - -JOHN CAMPBELL - - MAY 19, 2005 - - - - -    #335 - - - -AGE 95
WA2PBD -  ESTELLE ROEHM - - MAY 28, 2005 - - -  - -   #494 - - - - AGE 78
W3HQG - - IRV HERSHOWITZ -   ?/?/2005 - - - - - - - - -    #096 - - - - AGE 81
N3WMA - -GENE HANDWERK - -JULY 10, 2005 - - - - -  #486 - - - - AGE 80
W8KKB - - RUDY DIETZ - - - -JULY 20, 2005- - - - - - -    #207 - - - -  AGE 81
K3GOO - -  DAVE ESH - - - - - -NOV.23,2005 - - - - - - -  #240 - - - - AGE 80
WA3LKV – LOUIS DANIELS - -   ?/ ? / 2005 - -- - - - - -  #401 - - - - AGE 84

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W2FHY - -  CAROL J. DOHNER –AUG. 30, 2006 - -  - - #534 - - - - AGE 96
W3YYL - -  LOUIS MCCANN - - SEPT. 9, 2006 - - - - -  #400 - - -  -AGE 82
W3ALR - -  ED. APPEL - - - - - - - NOV 22, 2006 - - - - - #419 - - -   AGE 77
W3BKF - -  EARL FOSTER - - - - NOV. 23, 2006 - -- - - #416 - - - - AGE 77
K2MFB - -  BILL F. VALKY - - - DEC,  24, 2006 - - - -  #539 - - - - AGE 82
W3GYD - - HENRI ZUBER - - -   JAN. 1, 2007 - - - - -   #496 - - - - AGE 79
KA3ZXX -  ROBERT (BOB)PETERS –MAR 14/07 - -   #477 - - - - AGE 77

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W3URG - - TOLBERT (TODD)PROWELL – DEC. 6, 2007 - - - - #509 - - - - AGE 73
KF2ZA - - - JERRY MORRISON- -DEC. 15, 2007 - - -  # 515 - - -  AGE 69
W3DMM -  DONALD YEICH - - MARCH 19, 2008 - - # 262 - - - AGE 90
W3HQA - - JOE MACKO - - -  - -MARCH 27, 2008 - - # 332 - - - AGE 88
W2BBB - - ROBERT J. SCHIFFEL - -FEBRUARY 21, 2008 - # 537 – AGE 87
W3KFD - - DICK KOOFER - -  - - - - SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, # 438 -  AGE 85
W3TI   --  - AL BREINER - - - - - - -  -NOVEMBER 19, 2008, # 015 -  AGE 88  OB FOUNDER
KA3IMP - -RAY D. KING - - - - - - -  NOVEMBER 23, 2008, # 642 -  AGE 72

OLD BUZZARDS FALL FLY IN - - OCTOBER 14, 2009 - -

The 62^nd Old Buzzards Radio Club Fall Fly In was held Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Old Country Buffet Restaurant in Mechanicsburg, Pa. We had 48 Hams and 9 guests for a total of 57 people present. That set a record for attendance as 55 was the most attended before at  the Mountain Gate in Thurmont, MD. The following Hams attended:

KA3ACP- Joe, K3AM- Dick, KC2ATK- John, K8AUS-James, W3AVQ- Barbara, N3BWC- Bruce, W3CAO-Bernie, KB3CGC- Hope, KC2DCU- Barbara, W3DTE- Joni, KB3DYZ- Sam, K3EAU- Sam, KB3FVT- Malcolm, AB3FW- Walt, WA3GDB- Bill, WA3GDC- Dick, KC8GHC- Bob, WA3HVP- Tom, KB3IQH- Tom, W3JLV- Jere, N3JLW- Jack, N3JOS- Dick, K3KPE- Al, WA3KYS- Phil,WB3LBR- Carolyn, KB3LEO- Marion, KB3LHT- Don, KB3LOK- Sharon, K3LPA- Karen, W3LPA- John, KB3LXI- Denis, W3MRL- Mike, KB3NL- Leonard, KB3OHZ- Rome, W3OKX- Walt, W3PDW- Brian, K3PMW- Pattie, KB3RFY- Jim, KA3RXE- Jeff, WA3SUZ- Bill, WA3SYR- Bill, W3TKR- Roy, KB3TLP- Richard, N3TUI- Tom, K3UCI- Lamar, WX3X- Ron, KA3YRO- Mildred, K4ZDH- Riley. There were 9 guests also.

Our Prisdent, N3JLW-Jack presided over the first half of the meeting. He started by having each person stand and introduce themselves. We then had the prayer by Walt, W3OKX. Then every one enjoyed the good food and there was plenty of it.

Jack then presented all the Old Buzzards who were present with the 50 year Birthday Pin that he designed and had made. Our 50^th birthday will be celebrated at the Spring Fly In at the Mountain Gate Restaurant in Thurmont MD. on Thursday, April 15, 2010. Jack thanked all for their help during the past year and turned he meeting over to our new President, WA3HVP- Tom.  Tom then called for the election of a Vice President. Al Lafferty, K3KPE was nominated, seconded and elected as our new Vice  President.

Hope Miller, KB3CGC our Secty/Treasurer gave his reports including a very good treasurers report. Hope also reported he had 3 new members at the Fly In. They were,W3DTE, Joni, # 685, WB4KTM, Jason #686 and KB3TLP, Richard # 687. That

Makes a total of 214 active paid members and a total of 687 members on the Old Buzzards Master membership list. We have almost doubled in membership in the past three years.

There were several door prizes given away and red roses were presented to all the ladies. Tom, WA3HVP announced that the Spring Fly In will be April 15^{th  2010} at the Mountain Gate in Thurmont, MD. The meeting was closed about 2 PM with a prayer by Walt, W3OKX

Report by:  WA3GDC   

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OCTOBER 16, 2008 – OLD BUZZARDS FALL FLY IN

The 60^th Old Buzzards Radio Clubs Fall Fly In was held Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the Mountain Gate Restaurant in Thurmont, Md.

We had 44 people , 34 hams and 10 guests present. The following Hams were present, KA3ACP -Joe Jr., N3AGM -Orville, K3AM - Dick, W3AVQ - Barbara, W3CAO - Bernie, KB3CGC - Hope, W3CWE - Dave,

W3DBZ - Stu, W3DON - Don, K3EAU - Sam, W3EHA - Ken, AB3FW - Walt, W3FYA - Doc, NV3G - Oscar, WA3GDB - Bill, WA3GDC - Dick, W3HNL - Dick, W3HOX - Bob, N3JLW - Jack, W3JOH - Bill, KB3JQH – Tom, WA3KYS – Phil, KB3LHT – Don, KB3LOK – Sharon, W3LPA – John, K3LPA – Karen, KB3NL – Leonard, KB3PUQ – Bruce, N4TKR- Roy, N3TUI – Tom, KC4UXO – Rocky, N3VAR – Steve, W3WON- Bill, and N3YPZ – Larry.

 
Our President, Jack, N3JLW presided  over the meeting. We started with the introduction of each one present and a prayer by Ken, W3EHA. Everyone then enjoyed the good food at the Mountain Gate.

 
Hope Miller, KB3CGC our Secty/Treas. gave his report. We then elected Tom Baker, WA3HVP our new Vice President.  President Jack, N3JLW then presented Hope, KB3CGC and Dick, WA3GDC with Certificates Of Appreciation from the Old Buzzards for their years of service. Then President Jack, N3JLW presented Hope, KB3CGC and Dick WA3GDC, with Honorary Life Membership Certificates in the Old Buzzards Radio Club. Tom, N3TUI presented Bruce, KB3PUQ a Certificate from ARRL for Bruce’s First HF contact. President Jack, N3JLW presented Life Membership Certificates to Roy-N4TKR and Tom- N3TUI.

Door prizes were presented to the following: Weather Station donated by Hope to KB3LHT- Don. Small weather station donated by Sam, K3EAU to Roy, N4TKR. $50.00 Lowe’s card donated by the club to Sam- K3EAU and a $50.00 Home Depot card donated by the club to Oscar- NV3G.

Red Roses were presented to all the ladies. The location of the Spring 09 Fly In and the Fall 09 Fly In will be announced later. There being nothing further the meeting was adjourned about 2:30 PM with a prayer by Ken, W3EHA.

Be sure to join us for the next fly in.KB3CGC

OLD BUZZARD – OFFICER INFORMATION       October 16, 2008

YEAR – 2000

PRESIDENT:         DICK METCALF              WA3GDC

V. PRES.                HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC

SECTY/TR.           RUDY  DIETZ                   W8KKB

YEAR -  2001

PRESIDENT;        HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC

V. PRES.               LEONARD KEEPERS      KB3NL

SECTY/TR.           RUDY   DIETZ                 W8KKB SECTY FOR 8 YRS. OUR 8^TH SECTY

TRUSTEE             JOHN  STAINS                K3QMY

BIRTHDAY CDS HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC

YEAR – 2002

PRESIDENT;        LEONARD KEEPERS     KB3NL

V. PRES.               DAY GRIMES                 W3MXE

SECTY/TR.           HOPE MILLER               KB3CGC

TRUSTEE             JOHN STAINS                K3QMY

YEAR – 2003

PRESIDENT:       DAY GRIMES                 W3MXE

V. PRES.              BOB HAGER                   K3HOX

SECTY/TR.          HOPE MILLER                KBECGC

TRUSTEE            JOHN STAINS                 K3QMY

YEAR – 2004

PRESIDENT:       RICHARD  SMITH          NM3F

V. PRES.              JOE MACKO                  W3HQA

SECTY/TR.         HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC

YEAR – 2005

PRESIDENT:      MIKE  LARCOMBE         W3MRL

V. PRES.             ED. APPEL                       W3ALR

SECTY/TR.         HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC              

YEAR – 2006

PRESIDENT       MERLE  RIGBY                K2AOV

V. PRES.             ORVILLE BOWERSOX   N3AGM

SECTY.TR.         HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC

YEAR – 2007

PRESIDENT:      ORVILLE BOWERSOX   N3AGM

V. PRES.              JACK WEBER                 N1JLW

SECTY/TR.         HOPE MILLER                 KB3CGC

YEAR –2008                                                                                         

PRESIDENT       JACK WEBER                 N3JLW

V.PRES.              TOM  BAKER                 WA3HVP

SECTY/TR.         HOPE MILLER               KB3CGC

YEAR –2009 - 2010                                                                                        

PRESIDENT      TOM  BAKER                  WA3HVP

V.PRES.             ALBERT  LAFFERTY      K3KPE