I enlisted in the army in '69. I got to "Nam" in 1970. I was already playing with electronics before I enlisted so it was not new to me. I found out about how I could talk to my family at a place called a MARS STATION. Well, it sounded good to me being along ways from home so off I went to find it. I found it and made the call and then asked how could I get involved with running phone patches for the GI's. That was all it took and I was on my way to being a MARS operator.

It was very heart warming to be able to help the men and women talk to there loved ones from across the sea. I meet a lot of new friends while I was there and have talked to a couple since I have been back to the states. I have memories that I will never forget about those days.

Randy Chavis  AB8AAD, E4 1971 - 1972