Meet the Organizers

Mike Case, or W8MSC, began his journey in amateur radio in 2014, quickly advancing from a licensed technician to a general class in the same year, and then to an extra class licensee by 2015. His dedication to the ham radio community extends beyond his personal achievements; as a Volunteer Examiner (VE), he plays a pivotal role in mentoring and advancing the skills of others. Mike's commitment is further exemplified through his active membership in the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (SLAARC).

Mike's involvement in the amateur radio world is deeply integrated with his love for the outdoors. He played a significant role in the program development of Michigan State Parks on the Air from 2017 to 2019, a project that combines amateur radio with the exploration of Michigan's natural beauty. His passion for outdoor activities, especially camping and hiking, aligns seamlessly with his role at Parks on the Air (POTA), where he has been a key developer and administrator since the program's inception.

A veteran of the United States Air Force (1989-1994), Mike served as a telecommunications specialist in both the Air Force Communications Command and Air Force Space Commands, honing skills that would later enrich his amateur radio endeavors. His technical background is further solidified with an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Programmer/Analyst. Mike's unique blend of military service, technical expertise, and passion for amateur radio and the outdoors make him a distinguished member of both the amateur radio and larger outdoor communities.

John Haworth, with the call sign NU8M, has been a dedicated member of the amateur radio community since his high school days at Portland High School in 1984. Mentored by Ralph Burch W8LCU (SK) and the Ionia County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ICARES), John's passion for amateur radio was nurtured during these formative years.

He continued to pursue this interest at Michigan State University, studying Materials Science while actively participating in the MSU Amateur Radio Club (W8SH) from 1985 to 1990. Under the guidance of Trustee Gerald (Jerry) Park W8QS (SK), John contributed to maintaining the club and its vibrant membership.

John's journey in amateur radio paralleled his academic pursuits when he attended the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign for his Masters in Metallurgical Engineering. Here, he was a part of the amateur radio club (W9YH) from 1990 to 1992, further solidifying his commitment to the hobby.

For more on John’s current activities in amateur radio, visit his website at nu8m.com. His journey exemplifies a lifelong dedication to the world of amateur radio and its community.

After MSU, I attended University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign to earn a Masters in Metallurgical Engineering. While there, I was a member of the amateur radio club from 1990 to 1992 (W9YH).

Current activities are shown on my website, nu8m.com

Tom Martin, known in the amateur radio world as W8TAM, is an active participant in Michigan's amateur radio scene. He is a proud member of the ARROW Communication Association in Washtenaw County, Michigan, a group dedicated to fostering communication and innovation within the amateur radio community (find more at www.w8rp.org). Tom is an original member of the Parks on the Air (POTA) development team, serving as a system administrator and playing a crucial role in the program's success and growth.

In addition to his involvement with ARROW, Tom is a committed spotter for the Washtenaw County Skywarn program, playing a crucial role in weather observation and safety. His commitment to the hobby also extends to the LARS club (W8NBY) in Luce County, Michigan, where he is an occasional member.

Tom's presence is felt in the wider amateur radio community as he regularly checks into the U.P. Net on 3921khz at 5pm EST/EDT daily. For those interested in keeping up with Tom’s amateur radio activities and insights, he welcomes followers on Twitter at @de_w8tam. Tom's involvement in various facets of amateur radio showcases his dedication to this engaging and vital form of communication.

Louis Kolenc, N8LEK, has been an enthusiastic amateur radio operator since obtaining his Technician license in 2002. He quickly progressed, achieving his General license in the same year and advancing to Extra in 2003. His passion for the hobby is further demonstrated through his role as an ARRL Volunteer Examiner, where he collaborates with the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (N8SL) in administering exams.

Louis's background is as impressive as his dedication to amateur radio. He served in the US Navy on board the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 in the Pacific Fleet. He worked as an aviation electronics technician in the Aircraft Maintenance Department, gaining invaluable experience in electronic module troubleshooting and repairs for the various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft on-board the ship, both on the flight deck and in the avionics shops.

After his honorable discharge, Louis returned to Michigan, where he earned an AAS in Electronics Technology followed by a BS in Electrical Engineering. His academic pursuits have greatly complemented his amateur radio activities.

Louis's favorite operating activities include engaging with Parks on the Air and participating in Field Day events. His journey from military service to amateur radio prominence embodies a blend of technical expertise and a deep love for the hobby.

Jason Maguran, known in the amateur radio community as KN4AL, began his journey with ham radio in 1989 during his college years in Tampa, FL. After moving back to Detroit, MI in 1995, he remained an active participant in the ham radio scene until the early 2000s. Following a hiatus of over ten years, Jason rediscovered his passion for amateur radio in late 2020, spurred by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. His recent endeavors include a growing interest in the Parks on the Air program.

Beyond amateur radio, Jason's interests are remarkably diverse and include electronics, where he explores the intricacies of circuits and gadgets, and astronomy, gazing at the stars and unraveling the mysteries of the universe. His adventurous spirit is evident in his love for Jeep off-roading and kayaking, pursuits that take him to new terrains and waters. Jason is also an avid cyclist, enjoying the freedom and challenges of biking, and a beer homebrewing enthusiast, crafting unique brews and experimenting with flavors.

James Mills, who operates under the call sign K8JKU, has been an enthusiastic amateur radio operator since obtaining his Technician license in 2021. In a remarkable display of dedication, James expanded his expertise by acquiring both the General and Extra licenses in 2023. His interest in amateur radio stems from a longstanding fascination with electronics and radios, a field outside his professional background but close to his heart.

James is an active member of the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (N8SL), a group celebrated for its dynamic involvement and strong presence in the amateur radio community. He contributes to the club's vibrant activities, helping to foster a spirit of collaboration and learning among its members.

For those interested in staying connected with the latest happenings and initiatives of the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club, James encourages visiting and following their Facebook page at FB.com/SLAARC.

Zach Raubinger, known in the amateur radio community as K8ZRY, began his journey in amateur radio in 2018, starting with his technician license under the call sign KE8JRZ. In January 2019, he quickly upgraded to a General license, showcasing his dedication and rapid growth in the field. Beyond his personal advancement, Zach plays a pivotal role in the Livonia Amateur Radio Club as both the Director and IT Manager.

POTA (Parks on the Air) was Zach's gateway into the world of ham radio. His passion was ignited while operating portable at Maybury State Park K-1518, a location that holds special significance as the starting point of his amateur radio addiction. Zach is known for his enthusiasm in interacting with new hams, where he enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences in the hobby.

Within the Livonia Amateur Radio Club, Zach is responsible for the Digital station during the club's field day. He has a particular affinity for digital modes, especially FT8 and FT4, which are among his favorite activities.

Professionally, Zach is employed at Ford Motor Company as an IT Engineer, demonstrating his technical expertise beyond amateur radio. Additionally, he explores his entrepreneurial spirit through ownership of a coffee shop franchise, a venture that he manages as a side business. His diverse interests and skills make him a versatile and engaged member of both his professional and amateur radio communities.

Eric Stoddart, known by his call sign K8ERS, began his passionate journey with amateur radio in 2012, initially obtaining his technician license as KD8TW in January 2012. His dedication to the hobby quickly led to an upgrade to a general license in March 2013, followed by adopting his current call sign, K8ERS, in April of the same year.

Eric's activity primarily focuses on the HF bands, where he enjoys contesting and has developed a significant interest in portable operations, particularly with the Parks On The Air (POTA) program. His involvement in POTA reflects his adventurous spirit in amateur radio, always eager to explore new locations and set up operations in diverse environments.

A true tinkerer at heart, Eric experiments with various antenna designs in the field, constantly seeking what works best in terms of performance and ease of setup. His hobby extends beyond just operating; he enjoys delving into different aspects of amateur radio, embracing new and challenging projects with enthusiasm. This approach has led to a more active engagement in the past year, with a motto of "if I can hear you, I will work you."

Eric's journey in amateur radio is characterized by a continuous quest for innovation and a willingness to try out new ideas.

Mark Torigian, with the call sign K8MST, made his debut in the amateur radio world as a General Class operator in April 2021. Currently, he is diligently working towards obtaining his Extra License and mastering Morse Code, which he has set as his immediate priorities.

Mark's journey in ham radio began in February 2021, and he quickly immersed himself in the hobby, particularly in digital modes, which he frequently utilizes during his daily commutes. His commitment to the ham community is further evidenced by his memberships in the ARRL & QRZ. Additionally, Mark is an active participant in the LARK Ham Radio Club in Howell, MI, where he engages with fellow enthusiasts.

A significant part of Mark's amateur radio experience involves his enthusiasm for Parks on the Air (POTA). Through POTA, he has deepened his understanding of HF radios and antennas, embracing this challenge with great zeal. Mark has begun activating parks, and while he enjoys this aspect, he also finds pleasure in hunting and learning from experienced POTA operators.