Land Mobile Radio Services
My first exposure to 2-way radio was in jr. high school in 1968. A good friend from school had conned his parents into getting him a Lafayette Comstat-19 CB radio so he could "join an after-school homework net". Yeah, sounds kinda like "choir practice", doesn't it? We horsed-around a lot on that CB and learned a lot about 2-way radio in the process.
I joined the Air Force midway through college. I chose to be a Security Policeman rather than a communications tech (still not sure why I made that choice), and spent the next 6+ years on active duty. I earned my first ham license through classes at the base's ham club, and started to become more radio-active than ever. My interest was always with the FM and repeater part of the hobby. I joined local clubs as I moved about from assignment to assignment, making friends and learning more about radio as I went along. Work-wise, I stayed in the security business for my daily bread, moving into civilian life as an employee of one of the major aerospace companies in Southern California.
Things changed dramatically in 1992 when my major aerospace employer suddenly folded-up their in-house security operation and I was laid-off. At that time, I thought I wanted to make the move from security specialist to police officer, so I jumped-through all the hoops, passed all the tests, and was hired as a Police Recruit by one of the largest cities in Southern California. Although I made it through the academy, I wasn't able to survive the on-the-job training. They said I was too nice to people to be a good cop. Looking back, I think they were right, but it was devastating at the time to be forced to resign.
After some time of minimal employment, I was hired by Yaesu USA (now Vertex Standard) as a Technical Support Rep in their Land Mobile Division. It was my ham ticket and the knowledge of radio gained by casual reading and playing-around that landed that job for me. It was exciting and fun to work for one of the major 2-way radio manufacturers. I was able to be a help to innumerable people to understand how to use their radio equipment and get the most out of it (part of that "too nice to people" thing, I guess). I was privileged to go to the Dayton Hamvention and the Las Vegas International Wireless and Communications Expo several times, and I occasionally traveled to many parts of this great land of ours to give Technical Seminars for Vertex dealers. Although I loved helping people with their radio issues, as I moved-up the ladder at Yaesu I found that I was unable to endure the company's management practices. I reluctantly left Yaesu after 8 years of service.
I'm currently back in the security field, now working in the Long Beach, CA marinas (the largest municipal marina system on the west coast). Although it's great to work outdoors and down by the seashore, I still want to keep my hand in the 2-way radio business. That's why I've started this little side-enterprise. I'm hoping that it will grow into something I can do at least somewhat profitably into my later years.
My lovely and very tolerant wife Janice and I have well-settled into our home here in Cypress, CA (incidentally - it's the very same house my CB-friend lived in during our high school years). I have two grown children from my first marriage, both living in other states. Jan also has two grown children from her first marriage.
Last, but certainly not least, is my faith. I like to refer to myself as a Christian of the Lutheran persuasion, having been raised in the faith by firm but loving parents who saw the importance of "Train(ing) a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it". (That's Proverbs 22:6.) They trained me, and I did not turn from it. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my savior and as Lord of my life. In serving Him, I believe that I should be about helping and serving my fellow man. I therefore apply my Christian ethic to my work and my dealings with others as best as I am able.
Thanks for stopping-by this "back page" of the site. I hope it gives you a little better understanding of where I come from and what makes me tick.
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E-Mail: davidakins@sbcglobal.net
