YEAR 2009 HAM OF THE YEAR

Randy Helfrich KD7ZAA joined our Club in 2003, he has always been the "go to" guy when we needed help with the Club's mandated tasks and programs.

He has been a regular volunteer in the annual WVARC Equipment Auction. He worked with the hospitality team to host the annual Christmas party. He managed Del Webb Hospital Emergency Response activities. He took part in every annual Palo Verde Siren Test since 2003. And upon the sudden death of the Short Skip Editor Elzie Campbell AA7TU in 2008 he immediately stepped into the position.

Randy was born in Florida in 1941. His father, an aeronautical engineer relocated the family to Denver Colorado. While in high school, he was a Arapahoe Search and Rescue Patrol volunteer. In 1965, he joined the Colorado Air National Guard as a medic. The Guard Unit was activated and sent to Viet Nam in 1968. During this tour he decided to pursue a nursing career. After returning from that conflict he married Paula and settled in Wyoming. He attended the University of Wyoming and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

In 1976 he received a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. His active duty military service included service US Air Force Academy Hospital. After leaving the Air Force he rejoined the Air National Guard as a Flight nurse. he retired a Lt. Colonel with a combined total of 32-years service. He had received several awards during his career including two Air Force commendations.

Randy and his wife retired to Sun City West, Arizona, and now enjoy RV travel. And found a new hobby: Amateur Radio.