Meet the organizers
A crew of field-radio enthusiasts who plan the sites, handle the logistics, and keep the welcome mat out. All volunteers, all in it for the community.
The Michigan POTA Meetup is run by a small team of passionate operators united by a love of the outdoors and amateur radio. From site logistics to a friendly welcome, they work to make each meetup memorable. Want to get involved? We welcome new organizers, advisers, and volunteers at michiganpotameetup@gmail.com.
Mike Case
W8MSCLicensed since 2014, Mike advanced from Technician to Extra in short order and serves as a Volunteer Examiner, mentoring new operators. He's an active member of the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (SLAARC).
He played a significant role in developing Michigan State Parks on the Air from 2017 to 2019, and has been a key developer and administrator of POTA since its inception. A U.S. Air Force veteran (1989–1994) who served as a telecommunications specialist, Mike pairs deep technical experience with a lifelong love of camping and the outdoors.
John Haworth
NU8MA dedicated operator since his high school days in 1984, John was mentored early by Ralph Burch W8LCU (SK) and Ionia County ARES. His passion for radio ran alongside his studies in Materials Science at Michigan State.
At MSU he was active in the Amateur Radio Club (W8SH) from 1985 to 1990 under trustee Gerald "Jerry" Park W8QS (SK). He later earned a Masters in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, where he was part of the club (W9YH) from 1990 to 1992. His journey reflects a lifelong dedication to the hobby.
Louis Kolenc
N8LEKLicensed since 2002 and an Extra by 2003, Louis is an ARRL Volunteer Examiner who helps administer exams alongside the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (N8SL).
He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as an aviation electronics technician, working on fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Back in Michigan he earned an AAS in Electronics Technology and a BS in Electrical Engineering. His favorite activities are POTA and Field Day.
Jason Maguran
KN4ALJason started in ham radio in 1989 during his college years in Tampa, stayed active after moving back to Detroit, then rediscovered the hobby in late 2020 with a growing love of POTA.
Beyond radio, his interests run wide: electronics, astronomy, Jeep off-roading, kayaking, cycling, and homebrewing. That adventurous streak fits right in with portable operating in Michigan's parks.
James Mills
K8JKULicensed in 2021 and an Extra by 2023, James focuses on SSB/phone and POTA activations. He co-hosts the Everyday Ham podcast with Rory (W8KNX) and Jim (N8JRD).
As an organizer of the Michigan POTA Meetup, he creates opportunities for operators to connect in the state's most scenic parks. An active member of the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (N8SL), he especially loves group activations that help newcomers get on the air.
Mark Torigian
K8MSTA General Class operator since 2021, Mark is working toward his Extra and learning Morse. He got started in digital modes, often operating during his daily commute.
He's a member of the ARRL, QRZ, and the LARK Ham Radio Club in Howell. POTA has deepened his understanding of HF radios and antennas, and he enjoys both activating parks and hunting from home.
Terry Bone
W8TMBAn Extra Class operator with a lifelong fascination for communication technology and the outdoors, Terry is an avid POTA participant who loves combining radio with exploration. He mentors new operators, supports club activities, brings deep portable-operating experience, and when he's off the air enjoys hiking, camping, and tinkering with new antenna designs.
Tom Martin
W8TAMAn active voice in Michigan's radio scene, Tom is a member of the ARROW Communication Association in Washtenaw County and an original member of the POTA development team, where he served as a system administrator.
He's a committed Washtenaw County Skywarn spotter, an occasional member of the LARS club (W8NBY) in Luce County, and a daily check-in on the U.P. Net (3921 kHz, 5pm ET). Find out more at w8rp.org.
Zach Raubinger
K8ZRYLicensed in 2018 and upgraded to General the next year, Zach serves as Director and IT Manager of the Livonia Amateur Radio Club. POTA was his gateway into the hobby, sparked while operating at Maybury State Park.
He runs the digital station at the club's Field Day and favors FT8 and FT4. By day he's an IT Engineer at Ford, and he runs a coffee shop franchise on the side. He loves welcoming and helping new hams.
Eric Stoddart
K8ERSLicensed since 2012, Eric works mostly the HF bands, where he enjoys contesting and has developed a real passion for portable operating with POTA. His adventurous streak keeps him exploring new locations and setting up in all kinds of environments.
Want to help run the meetup?
We're always glad to welcome new organizers, advisers, and volunteers. If you'd like to pitch in, we'd love to hear from you.
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