The Man Behind The Mic
Don DeGroot - KA6TGE
I was born in November of 1931 and was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Soon after my 19th birthday I left Wisconsin and joined the U.S. Navy. While serving in Naval Aviation I spent time in places like Quonset Point, R.I., Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Barbers Point, Oahu. I also served aboard two aircraft carriers. During my last two and a half years of military service I served on flight crews flying DC6's back and forth across the Pacific to Japan, Guam, and Kwajalein Atoll.
After being honorably discharged from the navy in 1955 I went back to school and three years later earned a journeyman certificate as a Tool & Die maker. I went to work for the Noel J. Brown Mfg Company where I eventually became an owner and partner. Sometime later I was promoted to plant manager and eventually president of the company. In 1982 the company was sold and I seized the opportunity to retire.
Soon after leaving the workforce I turned my attention to becoming an FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator and subsequently earned the call sign, KA6TGE. As a volunteer I devoted much of my time to emergency communications for local community agencies. I was Chief Radio Officer/Emergency Coordinator for the City of Santa Clara RACES/ARES for ten years. I am also a volunteer driver with the organization, "Heart of the Valley" where I drive seniors to their appointments. With the exception of the last two months which I spent on medical leave, I continue to be an active driver.
In April of 1991, Don, K6BYP invited to become a net controller on the Pacific Coast section of the International RV Service Net. I became Net Manager In May of 2001 and served until Oct of 2005 when health reasons forced me to resign.
I met my wife, Barb while in the Navy stationed at Moffett Field. We were married in 1953. We have four children, eight grandchildren and one great grandson
Barb and I have been motorhoming since 1979 and have traveled extensively throughout North America. We attended our first rally in King City in October of 1987. Since then we have only missed three rallies. We have hosted (or co-hosted) many rallies during this time. We hope to be able to continue RVing and attending the rallies as long as health permits. We have met so many wonderful people in this group.
Besides ham radio and motorhoming, I also enjoy woodworking. But without a doubt, my best times are spent with Barb traveling in the motorhome.