Paul Braun - WD9GCO

Anchor Desk, Reporter

Paul's personal biography:

I was born in Chicago, and my family moved to a little farming community in Southern Illinois called Steeleville when I was in 4th grade. It was there that my 4th-grade teacher, Mr. Wasmund, taught me about the joys of electronics and Heathkit. Soon after, Mr. Wasmund helped me build my first Heathkit, a transistor radio (the rectangular black-and-white one, if you remember those.)

That led to shortwave listening, which started the radio bug. 

After meeting my Elmer, Steve Ramsey K9SR in early 1978, I got my Novice ticket (Steve snuck the code test by me by saying it was just another “practice session” and then announced that I had passed the test.) I upgraded to General the following year. I currently hold an Extra-class license. I belonged to the Marissa Amateur Radio club, of which Bob Heil was president, so I’m lucky to be able to count Bob as both a friend and as one of my Elmers.

I attended Valparaiso University and, upon graduation, decided that I liked the city and stayed put.

Over the years, I've worked in radio at various local stations, designed sound for a local theatre company and produce an acoustic concert series there as well. I have worked in corporate IT for many years, currently at the University of Chicago. I also work for a production company at a local casino mixing live music on weekends and setting up and running A/V equipment for special events. I also manage social media outlets for several musicians. Once a nerd, always a nerd…

It was at the theatre where I met my wife, Sheri, and we've been married since 1987. No human children, but we do have a comfortable assortment of furry ones.

I'm active on HF, both SSB and the digital modes (and CW again once I polish off the rust); 2M FM for local repeaters, and UHF DMR. 

I’m President of our local amateur radio club, and I’m also an ARRL-registered Volunteer Examiner.

I am also a proud member (Number 141) of the 100 Watts And A Wire family (www.100wattsandawire.com) and am a contributor to Christian's podcast.

I was recruited by Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, and cannot truly express my gratitude for being invited to be part of such a respected organization. I remember listening to the Westlink Report on the Marissa, IL repeater when I was a kid, and now I get to help carry on Bill Pasternak's legacy. It's truly an honor.

Callsign:   WD9GCO
Contact:   QRZ