2016-2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
KD8NOH


Tim Richards, KD8NOH
Tim first got interested in emergency communications through friends Ken (N8OL) and Tom (KC8MGD) He obtained his Technician license and call sign KD8NOH in April 2010 after passing the test at the Marshall Crossroads Hamfest. After working the 10 meter band, Tim found an interest in DX and upgraded his license to General in September 2010. Since then, Tim has earned his mixed DXCC certification and has submitted his application for the Diamond DXCC award. He also found an interest in contesting, and in 2011 took first place in Area 8, second place in the US, and third place in North America in the rookie category of the CQ World-Wide WPX Contest. Tim also participates in Field Day and the Michigan QSO Party each year and enjoys working digital modes.
Tim enjoys being a member of BARA and participating in club activities. He hopes that through the club more people will get interested in amateur radio and emergency communications.


First VP
KF8Z
Dan Utroske, KF8Z
First licensed in 2003, Dan spent a year playing around on 2 meters and trying to learn CW.  In 2004 he bought a Ten-Tec Triton to listen to the HF activity and get motivated...it worked.  In 2005 Dan upgraded to General and then Extra.  He picked up a bencher paddle and keyer and started making CW contacts for a few weeks.  Then he picked up a mic and CW got neglected for a couple of years.  Dan also discovered the world of DX and the world of contesting.  In 2007 he achieved DXCC on 20 Meters.

Email Dan, KF8Z
Second VP
N8OL


Ken Jewell, N8OL
Biography coming soon.


Third VP
kd8zb
Matt Adrian, KD8ZB
Matt was first licensed in 1965 as a Novice, upgraded to Technician and then Advanced. He's operated many bands and many modes but has never been a very active operator. He's more of a technical experimenter. Matt has been continuously licensed for over 43 years, and is a member of the ARRL and BARA.

Matt became interested in radio at the age of eight as the result of a crystal radio kit given to him by his father. Many hours were spent building antennas and listening to that crystal set. Matt remembers the evening he finished building the kit.  His father strung a wire out the second story widow of their home and attached it to a post across the street. They connected the ground wire to the hot water radiator. The first radio station they heard that night was KDKA.
 
Matt's third and current call sign is KD8ZB. He has a very modest station consisting of an IC-706MKIIG transceiver for HF and an ID-800H transceiver for VHF and UHF.  He's currently experimenting with digital modulation. Matt also operates VHF/UHF FM mobile and has equipment for APRS.


Matt believes amateur radio is a great hobby for many reasons, including the people involved. He appreciates the people he knows and has meet through BARA.

Email Matt, KD8ZB
Secretary
W8ALK
Annie Kaeding, W8ALK



In 2006 with the right timing and encouragement from her husband, Randy (K8TMK), Annie decided to take the classes offered by BARA. By November 2008, she advanced from Technician to Extra Class. Annie’s first call sign was KD8CZO which she changed to the vanity call sign W8ALK.  Annie hopes to get the WAS Award (Work All States). Annie was named 2008 BARA Ham of the Year. Annie worked at Heath Company for 21 years. In 1993, she became a Security Receptionist at Whirlpool. She retired in 2009.


Email Annie, W8ALK
Treasurer
KB8VIM
Gary Wallis, KB8VIM
Becoming licensed first in 1994 to join his late father-in-law in one of his interests, Gary has added this facet of electronics to his list of many spare time hobbies.  Within the past year, he's taken the opportunity to upgrade his license class with the help of our gracious BARA 'teachers', and he enjoys immensely the fellowship of BARA members.  In November of 2008 Gary upgraded to Extra Class.  

Email Gary, KB8VIM
Public Information Officer
Justin Edenfield
Justin Edenfield
Biography coming soon.
Trustee
n8kbg

Ron Ackerman, N8KBG
Ron earned his first Ham ticket, a Novice Class with callsign WN8WWR, in 1967 while in high school. He upgraded a year later to Technician Class with callsign WB8CEZ. Not long after getting the Tech ticket, other interests in life took precedence (cars, girls) so he sold all his ham gear except for a Heathkit Sixer HW29A he built.

Fast forward to 1988 while living in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Ron's interest in ham radio was rekindled by a visit to the nearby Amateur Electronic Supply store. He bought a couple of license manuals and Morse code practice tapes. After a few weeks of study, Ron earned a General Class ticket and became N8KBG. In 1990 he upgraded to Advanced. In November 2008 he upgraded to Extra Class.  His Ham radio interests revolve around operating CW QRP, and Digital Modes. Ron still owns and uses the Heathkit Sixer from 1969.


Email Ron, N8KBG

    
BARA Home