In part 1, we got to know JARC’s President, Doug, WF5O a little better. This “Get to Know” series spotlight is on JARC’s Treasurer, Don Olson, WA5W.
What are your aspirations for the club this year?
Replace the wooden pole antenna with our foldover kind. and finish the UHF-VHF antenna system.
How long have you been licensed?
About 46 years, my previous call sign was WB5QAZ
How long have you been a JARC member?
46 years! I formally joined JARC when it adopted the VHF Club.
How long have you been a JARC officer?
About 16 years now. I served as Secretary and most recently, Treasurer.
Recent JARC accomplishment you’re proud of?
COVID-19 slowed down the remodel of the club but it’s nearly done. I’m particularly excited about the soldering station we have up and running now.
What radios do you use?
I really like the Yaesu and Icom brands and I have quite a few of them! I have the Icom 7600, 9100, 9700, and 7000. While my HTs are Yaesu.
First Radio?
It was quite something compared to what’s available now! It was a single diode with an old telephone earpiece and the house gutter for an antenna!
Favorite HF antenna style?
I have two: one vertical and one long wire.
When logging QSOs, which software do you use?
I use N1MM when contesting.
What are some of your favorite ham radio activities?
I like working satellites and fox hunts. Besides being JARC’s Treasurer, I’m also the Chairman of JARC VEC.
What are some other non-ham radio hobbies or activities of yours?
I have a lot of other hobbies and feel that I can make anything out of nothing! I enjoy computers and networking, electrician, A/C mechanic, woodworking, and photography. I contracted my two houses. I also regularly donate blood and I’ve donated over 8 gallons!
What’s your profession?
I’m currently a consultant and I’m currently assisting a company that drills for oil and gas in Kuwait.
After earning a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, I started my career at NASA in Houston where I tested rocket engines for Apollo. I then spent 54 years at Shell in the oil and gas engineering division. While at Shell I earned my Professional Engineer license (# 15817). I retired from the US Army as a Captain in 1981, then worked for another energy company that I helped go public on the NYSE in 2003.
Any Family Members in the Hobby?
My former father-in-law.
Who’s someone in the Club that you admire?
JARC has a great history of dedicated Presidents, but Doug is the best!
Where can you typically be found on the air?
On the club’s 444.000MHz FM repeater.
Thanks, Don, for sharing a little bit about yourself with the club! Check back soon for the next part in the series with our remaining club officers and directors.
