I am the first Ham Radio Operator in my family that I know of. On July 13, 2003 I traveled to Goshen Indiana to take my Element 2 (Technician) exam and passed and  became a Technician class Amateur Radio Operator. I was awarded the call sign KC9ENU. My first purchase was a dual band ICOM IC-T7H HT that I picked up at the Ham Vention in Dayton Ohio in April of 2005.

On August 26, 2014 I traveled to Marion Indiana to take my Element 3 (General) and Element 4 (Extra). I was successful in passing both tests so I became and Amateur Extra.   I opted to change my call sign and as of September 23, 2014 became N9RIS.  

On October 18, 2014 rejoined the Fort Wayne Radio Club.  On October 20, 2014 joined the ARRL and the Northeastern Indiana Amateur Radio Club.   November 6, 2014 was approved as Volenteer Examiner for the ARRL. On November 26, 2014 I received my VE number from W5YI. Finished the setup of my first HF station on December 2, 2014.  I still consider the HF setup a work in progress as I am still looking at a better antenna setup. Made my first HF contact (W1AW/9 – Illinois on 40 meters) on December 4, 2014.  Attended my first VE testing session on December 13, 2014. Due to personal problems I had been away from the hobby for a while. Glad to be involved again and I am currently having fun with the hobby.