A story about the picture of K9BUL (below)

and the "Real" K9BUL from the "Orlando Hamcation"

Below is the email exchange between the real K9BUL and I.

I received this email Monday 9/25/06;

Mike,
 
I reviewed the Hamcation Pictures and got a real kick out of the second picture in the series.  I knew I had a few wrinkles and was kinda ugly but you were able to capture the real me.  Good to see everyone having a good time.
 
73's
 
Norm
K9BUL

I replied;

Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 7:55 PM
Subject: RE: Orlando Hamcation Pictures
 

Norm,

   I didn’t even think to look up the call on QRZ…so I feel very DUH…right now. Do you want to leave it there? I will gladly remove it if you object.

   Better yet send me a picture of yourself and I will state the Bull was bootlegging your call from Florida.

   Sorry if I caused you any problems…it just seemed to fit. We do have a great group of people here. We are not a club but a good working team and having a blast.

   Did you just stumble on to the pictures or did you get to start at the beginning of our website?

http://n4maa.us

   We have a very special event our group is getting ready to do December 8th through the 11th. It will be a FIRST from the west coast of Florida since 1955. That’s all I can tell you right now but we started working on this project right after Field Day. I will add you to our field day email list if you wish.

   Get back with me if you have some time. I do appreciate the email.

New Orleans just scored a touch down against Atlanta in the first 2 minutes. Guess I might watch a little football. J

73,

Mike n4maa

Norm K9BUL Replied;
Mike
No problem leave the picture in the series.  I think it's a great picture.   I found the picture by doing a search on my call. 
 
About two years ago I up graded to an Extra Class License.  After that I decided to treat myself td a vanity call.  When I was 14 years old (about 49 years ago) K9BUL to me to the Dayton Hamfest.   He inspired me to get my license and I've enjoyed ham radio since 1963.   I decided to keep his call on the air in honor of him.  Any way that is the hsitory on the call. 
 
Great making your acquaintance.    We have traveled to Florida a few times.  Maybe one of these times we can drop by and meet a few hams in your group.      

73,  Norm K9BUL

I replied;

Norm,

   I would like to add this story of you searching your call and finding “your picture” at the Orlando Ham Fest. I think a lot of people would enjoy reading both our emails and the story to go with it.

   Orlando Ham Fest is great but they don’t have anywhere to sit down in the tail gate area. So our group rented a tail gate spot, put out chairs, a table, a large cooler full of bottled water with a sign that said “Rest area, sit down and have a bottle of water on the Alphalpha Repeater Group”. We gave away 250 bottles of water. It was a good thing we didn’t get caught because they were charging $1.50 or $2 a bottle.

   Anytime you are close to St. Petersburg, Florida my number is 727-823-4251 give me a call and I’ll buy your lunch or supper.

   I am from Dayton born there; I went to Trotwood Madison High School in Trotwood just about three miles from O’Hara Arena. Although I was licensed at age 14 in 1964, I joined the Army in 1967 and never made it to a Hamfest there until this year. I went by myself and stayed with an old high school friend that also visits here and stays on occasion.

   Anyway the door is open for you,

73, and thanks for good ole ham humor and cordial visit.

Mike Alphalpha J N4MAA