I was first Licensed in 1967 at age 14 years old. My license upgrades were in the FCC Chicago office by exam in 1967 and 1971 and I currently hold an Amateur Radio Extra Class license with 20 wpm code test.

I have been chasing DX since my years at Bradley University (W9JWC) and have achieved Honor Roll, 9BDXCC, 5BWAZ and DXCC Challenge. I am an active contester on CW, SSB and RTTY. Top Band, Magic Band and 2M EME are also interests. FFMA award was achieved in June, 2020 when I finished up all 488 continental grids on 6m. I need Zone 22 on 160m to complete WAZ. DXCC Challenge is now at 2994. 

I have been happily married for 37 years to Ilean and we have a daughter Cara..  I own Thompson Electronics Company, an electronics systems business in central Illinois for over 40 years.

Personal memberships include:

• ARRL Life Member
• ARRL Foundation Diamond Club
• ARRL Maxim Society
• A-1 Operator Club
• Society of Midwest Contesters
• The CW Operators Club
• Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club
• NCDXF
• INDEXA

W9DXCC DX Convention and Banquet, International DX Convention Convention and the Hamvention are regular stops. 

My other interests are Bradley University Basketball, running, golf, travel and snowmobiling.