Picture taken 2006

So who/what is a NE7X anyway?

Tom's current Amateur Radio interest are: collecting and restoring old vacuum tube amateur radio equipment, chasing DX and contesting. Tom's favorite aspect of amateur radio is communicating with other amateur radio operators via "Morse Code."

Tom has worked as a UNIX/network engineer for the past 25 years at Intel Corp in Chandler Arizona and is now currently working for IBM in Phoenix Arizona

Tom's other interest are: collecting firearms, target shooting, motorcycles, computers, watching the History Channel, home remodeling, listening to Jazz, Blues & Acid Rock music on XM Satellite Radio and buying & selling on ebay.

Tom is currently a member of ARRL (American Radio Relay League), CADXA (Central Arizona DX Association) and NRA (National Rifle Association).

Tom is happily married to his wife Deborah and both enjoy their kitty-cat Julius. Deborah is a RN (Registered Nurse) with her Masters in Business and works at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Scottsdale Arizona.

Tom's stepson Brad Stacy is one of the best in video game art and character design. To view his web portfolio, visit "Pencil Jutsu" web site

Radio Shack:

Mouse click here for pictures of the NE7X Ham Radio Shack

Radio Antennas:

Good Friends of NE7X:

United States Army:

9th Infantry Division (Vietnam):

During 1967-1968, Tom was sent to Vietnam assigned to the 9th Infantry Division. After several weeks in-country, Tom as able to transfer to the 9th Signal Battalion and operated the MARS (Military Affiliated Radio System) radio stations: AB8AU & AB8AZ running phone patches (short-wave radio telephone calls) for the troops.

The 9th Infantry Division and the US Navy were both stationed at Dong Tam Vietnam. Together they comprised "The Mobile Riverine Force." For information about the 9th Infantry Division "Old Reliables" and the US Navy PBR (Patrol Boat River), CCB (Command Communications Boat) and PCF (Partol Craft Fast) swift boats, visit the MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATION web site.

The frequent mortar and rocket attacks on Dong Tam were well known to the Army and Navy personnel. Here is a link to a web site that describes (with photos) the 23 Feb 69 rocket attack that destroyed the main fuel dump and the 26 Mar 69 attack that destroyed the main ammunition dump. Mortar Attachks on Dong Tam

Viet-Cong bombardment was not unusual. Dong Tam was mortared with great regularity, typically three times a night for weeks on end. The VC wanted to keep us awake and edgy, tired solders made mistakes and had poor attitudes. Charlie would throw in three rounds, wake everyone up, and off we'd go to the bunkers with flak vest, helmet and M16 rifle. It got so intense at times that some fellows opted to sleep in the stuffy bunkers.

Currenty today the 9th Infantry Division has been deactivated.

1st Armored Division (Old Ironsides):

In 1971 the 1st Cavalry Division came to Fort Hood from Vietnam and replaced the 1st Armored Division when "Old Ironsides" deployed to Germany. Currently today the 1st AD is serving in Bagdad Iraq.

My Mentor:

Mouse click on the above picture to take the 1936 W8MPY radio shack tour.

Please feel free to send to: Tom(AT)ne7x.com
Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Sunglass Hut