Endorsements for Phil Theis to be the next Atlantic Division Director

From Joe Taylor, K1JT

I am delighted to endorse Phil Theis, K3TUF, who is standing for election as Director of the ARRL's Atlantic Division. Phil has been an active amateur for over 50 years, with involvement in most facets of our hobby. Professionally, he has experience with FCC matters, with emergency communication systems in Lancaster County, PA, and (some decades ago) with selling Clegg radios to the amateur radio community. Phils leadership skills make him ideally suited for service as Atlantic Division Director.
Joe Taylor, K1JT

From Tim Baldwin, N3LLZ

I've known Phil Theis for nearly twenty (20) years. Our association began as he and his IT staff at D&E Communications provided support for Lancaster County's 9-1-1 center. Phil and his staff were always top-notch. They made certain the county's 9-1-1 center used the most stable hardware platforms to perform its critical work. No matter the project we were working on at the time, Phil would always take time to discuss amateur radio. It has been (and still is) a pleasure to discuss amateur topics with Phil. He genuinely cares about the hobby, as well as for those who are involved in it. I think Phil would be a terrific representative as Atlantic Division Director.
Tim Baldwin, N3LLZ
Lancaster County 9-1-1

From Dale Long, N3BNA

Phil Theis, K3TUF is the consummate amateur. He is an expert technician, building projects for himself and for others. He is active on all bands from 160m to 10GHz and is active in many VHF and HF contests from his well-appointed station. Phil is a tower climber and is recognized as a tower safety expert, Phil is very active in numerous amateur radio clubs. And he is always ready to help others. Phil has been a leader and organizer of a a large mountaintop VHF activity. Phil has had career in the communications and solar energy industries. He is capable of managing large projects and is flexible dealing with others. I highly recommend K3TUF as a highly qualified candidate, an active DXer and contester and a good and compassionate person.
73,
Dale Long, N3BNA

From Martin Johnson, W3YOZ / W3SO

I endorse Phil Theis, K3TUF for Atlantic Division Director. His extensive on the air operating, major station building activity and recent Dayton presentation on tower climbing safety demonstrate to me an individual with the energy and enthusiasm to devote to this important post. For many, a division directorship would be a capstone at the end of a long ham career. Although Phil has been licensed much longer than most, he currently is in his prime. He has recently upgraded his top drawer station covering 160 meters through microwaves including assembling a 160 foot rotating tower and raising the antennas himself. His Hamvention speech illustrated his tower climbing prowess. It is this stamina and drive that has convinced me that as director he will best meet the demands of administering to the seven section Atlantic Division.
Marty W3YOZ/W3SO

From John Rodgers, N3MSE

Allow me to introduce myself I am John Rodgers, N3MSE Section Manager for Western Pennsylvania. I would like to offer my endorsement of Phil Theis, K3TUF as a successor to Bill Edgar. I have met Phil and talked to him on a number of occasions and I believe he has the knowledge and ability to succeed Bill. His is active on the air and has a solid technical background. I would ask you to support Phil in his candidacy for Atlantic Division Director.
John N3MSE

From Glenn Kurzenknabe, K3SWZ

I have known Phil Theis, K3TUF since the early days of the AMSAT/OSCAR program and his days at Clegg Labs. Phil is a man of many talents both in and outside amateur radio. He has demonstrated a sincere interest in the workings of the ARRL and the future of ham radio. I have had the pleasure to travel with him while visiting radio clubs throughout the Atlantic Division while he made technical presentations. He has never been too busy or too important to listen to those with questions or problems. Phil’s technical expertise is well documented with his first class contesting station, which is operational from 160 meters thru 24 GHz. We need fresh thoughts, actions and a strong voice for the Atlantic Division, and Phil is the man who can bring those attributes to the ARRL BOD. I am pleased to endorse Phil Theis, K3TUF, for ARRL Atlantic Division Director. Glenn R. Kurzenknabe, K3SWZ
ARRL Life Member
ARRL DXCC QSL Card Field Checker - Atlantic Division
Radio Club of America - Fellow

From Don Hawbaker, WA3RGQ

I write to endorse Mr. Phil Theis, K3TUF, for the position of ARRL Atlantic Division Director, 2014. Phil is a Life Member of ARRL and a long time supporter. He has designed, installed, and operates an outstanding amateur radio station. He consistently places near the top in ARRL sponsored contest on all the bands from MF, HF, VHF, UHF, to SHF. I have talked to him on the air many times and consulted with him in person many times. We should take advantage of his demonstrated leadership, experience, technical expertise, insight, and foresight by electing him to serve in this position. I believe it will greatly benefit ARRL and the amateur radio community.
73s. WA3RGQ, Donald E. Hawbaker

From Rick Rosen, K1DS

I have known Phil Theis, K3TUF, for the past twelve years through our radio club and from working together with him on various projects, meetings and conferences related to amateur radio. His ham radio career is long and complete with all types of communication activity, including HF bands, DX, FM and repeaters and VHF, UHF and microwave activity. Phil is on the air almost daily and is very active in many of the on-the-air contests. He has qualities that make him an excellent candidate for Atlantic Division Director based on his experience, technical knowledge, communications skills and social savvy. He has been a liaison to the ARRL for our club for many years and is on a first name basis with the majority of the ARRL leadership, including our current and most recent presidents. He travels throughout the region to many of the radio club activities and has made presentations on a number of technical and communications topics. He has presented several talks to regional conferences on the frontiers of radio technology. His XYL, Claire, is also a licensed amateur and she is also an active participant in many of the same activities with him. He has the time, energy, capability and know-how to support the hobby and the efforts of the ARRL, regional radio-related activities and individual licensees. I fully endorse him, without reservation, for the Director position.
Rick Rosen, K1DS

From John Jaminet, W3HMS

Phil, K3TUF, is a really gung-ho radio amateur in so many phases of our hobby. His enthusiasm is infectious to say the least. He recognizes and appreciates our tradition rich past yet aggressively embraces and implements modern technology in his station. He leads by example, technical competence, and just plain old enthusiasm. As a Rover, I have been pleased to work him so many times on 50 MHz, 144 MHz, 222 MHz, 432 MHz, 903 MHz, 1296 MHz, 2304 MHz, 3456 MHz, 5760 MHz, 10,368 MHz and finally 24,192 MHz.
John Jaminet W3HMS CAPT SC USNR RET

From Bob McGwier, N4HY

I have known Phil for years as friend, amateur radio operator, experimenter, fellow Packrat VHF/UHF Society member, serious contester, fellow Flex Radio enthusiast, aid in starting the High Performance SDR activity and much more. I want to recommend Phil to you as your Atlantic Division Director. You will never find another who will work as tirelessly and thoughtfully for your division. He is invariably thoughtful and positive and will be a fantastic person to manage your division for the ARRL.
Bob McGwier, N4HY
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Virginia Tech

From Len Martin, N3NGE

I have known Phil for about 14 years first making his acquaintance via a 23CM SSB contact from his station in FN10, a rare grid (at the time) for UHF weak signal activity. Phil is an avid radio amateur who has perused an extensive range of activities and modes on all bands from 160Meters to 24GHz inclusive. He is constantly expanding his technical knowledge and operating skills while continually home-brewing and experimenting with everything from software defined radio to rotating towers. It is clear to me that Phil understands amateur radio in the broadest sense and can fully represent the interests and concerns of the ham community. Professionally Phil is and has been a manager, a technical leader, an instructor and he is an entrepreneur. He has the skills, experience and business acumen to guide and promote the activities inherent to position he seeks as our representative within the ARRL.
It is my pleasure to endorse Philip Theis for Atlantic Division Director.
Len Martin N3NGE

From Alan Donziger, N3AD

I first met Phil when I guest operated at N3NGE in VHF-UHF contests. Phil was the guy just to the west of us who always had a big single op score. We would sometimes talk during slow times. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Phil and Claire socially and as Phil became more active on the HF bands and in the Frankford Radio Club. Phil has built a first class station that includes all the VHF+ bands from 6 meters to a few centimeters (well maybe not literally) and all HF bands from 160 to 10 meters. While some of us have narrow ham radio interests – mine is HF contesting – Phil’s interests are much broader including community service, educational programs, and emergency communications. As an active ham for over a half century and a Life member of ARRL, I have a strong interest in the continued success and growth of our hobby. ARRL represents all of us in this endeavor. To do this strong leadership is needed. Phil/K3TUF is such a leader. I am pleased to endorse Phil for Atlantic Division Director.
Alan Donziger, N3AD

From Herb Krumich, K2LNS

Gentlemen,
We finally have a true ham at our doorstep, reaching out for a position with our community in mind. Not only is Phil an extremely intelligent person, but one with much needed common sense that is missing at times. He is a very active ham with many projects being completed. His primary love is the VHF bands through very high microwave frequencies. He is also active on the lower bands. Phil is very active with the Pack Rats out of the Philadelphia area. He has been giving speeches at other clubs meetings also. Phil is prepared to bring ham radio into the next decade with our vote. We need someone in this position to be an active supporter of many areas of the hobby. Phil is the guy. He will gladly visit your club's meeting, and fill a void for your program of the month. This is your chance to elect a person that can further our hobby. Don't let his enthusium subside. My vote is going for Phil Theis.
Herb K2LNS
Station mgr for the WA2FGK VHF contest station
Murgas ARC Treasurer

From Chris Bunting, N3FYI

Phil has been a critical pillar in our local amateur community for more years than I have been around. His vast technical knowledge, and experience in the hobby makes him an excellent fit for the job of Atlantic Division Director.
Chris Bunting, N3FYI
Former Lancaster County ACS Officer

From Bob Griffiths, NE3I

I am happy to lend to you my support for the position of Atlantic Division Director. I think that support and liaison with local amateur radio clubs is one of the most important aspects of the Director position. Your diligent, balanced and knowledgeable style of leadership will be well suited for this important role.
Bob Griffiths, NE3I, Former Emergency Coordinator, Montgomery County

From Steve Sussman, W3BGN

I've known Phil since the early 70's and he has a proven record of service to the Amateur community. I recommend him for the Atlantic Division Director because he can spread enthusiasm and energy in what we do that is greatly needed in times like this. Vote for Phil.
Steve Sussman, W3 Bravo Golf November

From Joe Lockbaum, WA3PTV

I would like to say that Phil, K3TUF is a very Active and helpful Ham radio operator. He is involved in a VHF and Up Net on Monday nights in the Eastern part of PA. He is also an avid contester in the VHF and Up contests sponsored by the ARRL. He has built up a fine base station, HF up to at least 10 GHz. He also is building up a rover station for the 10 GHz and Up contest. When making contacts during contests, He is patient and is always ready to move up the bands to make contacts before moving onto other stations. I have worked him many times over the years during the VHF and Up contests (6 meters to 10 GHz) from my rover station. He is Always ready to give good advice when asked, and is always ready to listen to people when they have questions and/or suggestions. He has given technical presentations at club meetings in his area. Phil is a self starter who when laid off from his former employment, jumped in and started his own business. I believe Phil would make an excellent Atlantic Division Director.
Joe Lockbaum, WA3PTV/Rover
ARRL/ VEC, VE team member

From John Thompson, K3MD

I heartily recommend Phil Theis, K3TUF, as a successor to Bill Edgar. I have known Phil 12 years while contesting with him at the Mt. Airy VHF Club W3CCX June contest site in the Poconos. Phil is very balanced and technically proficient. He is good at conflict resolution. He has shown leadership ability in antenna parties, FD-like activities, and the like. He is a dual member of the Mt. Airy VHF Radio Society and the Frankford Radio Club, both highly respected radio clubs. I personally have worked closely with him on the use of logging programs at W3CCX. He has the enthusiasm and drive needed to guide the Atlantic into the 2015-2025 decade. This is not an easy task!
John W. Thompson MD(ret) K3MD
Pres. Susquehanna Valley ARC

From George Gadbois, W3FEY

I support Phil Theis, K3TUF, for the position of Atlantic Division Director. Phil is a highly technically competent Amateur active on all bands from HF to microwaves. His award winning contest scores prove his operating ability under high pressure conditions.

Phil has long been an advocate for club organizations to support Amateur activities in general and emergency communications when needed. His industry contacts from many years in computer networking are very valuable resources.

Phil has provided test equipment and expertise to aid in a nasty pager interference problem at the Ephrata Community Hospital. The source of the interference was easily identified. The steps required to suppress the interference to a level allowing efficient emergency communications was more difficult.

George Gadbois, W3FEY

From Roger Rehr, W3SZ

Phil, K3TUF, is an outstanding leader, team member, teacher, friend, and advocate for Ham Radio. He is smart, hard working, enthusiastic, tenacious, creative, and pragmatic. He has done a superb job as President of the PackRats Mt. Airy VHF Club. He is a top VHF/UHF/Microwave contest operator. I cannot think of anyone who would make a better Atlantic Division Director.
Roger Rehr W3SZ

From Michael Davis, KB1JEY

You could not ask for a friendlier or more helpful person in a position of ARRL leadership than Phil Theis, K3TUF. Phil’s range of interests span HF contesting, weak-signal VHF/UHF/microwave, legacy radio gear, and digital radio technology. In addition to being knowledgeable about amateur radio and extremely skillful in technical matters and contesting, I have never known Phil to back away from a request for his help.
I also know that Phil is intensely interested in the well-being of our hobby and the health of the ARRL. As Phil himself has stated, you WILL see him in person, on the air, and can count on Phil representing our interests to the ARRL. I heartily endorse Phil for Atlantic Division Director.
Michael Davis KB1JEY

From Sam Harner, WT3Q

I have known Phil for a while now and find him more dedicated to the Amateur radio hobby than most hams I know whether it be HF, or vhf/uhf contests or assisting in legal proceedings related to tower projects as well as helping local guys install antennas etc. His interest in the overall hobby is more extensive than anyone I know, a true HAM!!
Sam Harner WT3Q

From Ken Kent, KA2LIM

As you have been reading through these letters of support for Phil, you should be seeing the underlying message that he is the obvious choice for the position of Division Director. Phil will definitely communicate to all, on the issues that need to be addressed and seek your input to be conveyed to the proper place and individuals. I strongly support Phil for this leadership position.
Ken Kent KA2LIM

From Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO

I support Phil Theis for Director of the Atlantic Division. Phil has proven that he is an all round amateur radio operator. His is involved in clubs, contesting, emergency communications, and state of art technology. Having served as a past EPA Assistant Section Manager for almost 10 years and in various club and ARRL positions at a local, section, division, and national level, I know you have to be familiar with all areas of the hobby. Phil made it a point to contact clubs in September. There is no “I” in Team Work and Phil will bring us together as a TEAM.
I strongly encourage you to support Phil, K3TUF for Atlantic Division Director.

Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO
President Holmesburg Amateur Radio Club
Past EPA Assistant Section Manager
Past Assistant Atlantic Division Director
Past ARRL Public Relations Committee Member
Past Chairman ARRL Emergency Communications Advisory Committee