[amsat-bb] AO-51 update - "Thanks"

[James Luhn]

I would like to say "Thank You" to all who manage AO-51 and all of the 
other Amateur Radio Satellites.  I am new to satellites but not new to 
Amateur Radio.  I recently celebrated 50 years as a Ham and my first 
contact via a satellite.  My first contact via AO-51 brought back so 
many memories of my first contact as a Novice at 11 years old.  When I 
mentioned that I was making my first contact via satellite, the users 
that afternoon welcomed me with open arms and I soon had stations 
calling me as a #2, a #3, and even a #4 contact.  Everyone was so 
forgiving of my excitement with getting calls mixed up, unbelievable 
phonetics, and probably poor operating etiquette.  There is nothing more 
exciting than to hear your call coming through the satellite after you 
get enough nerve to transmit.  I listened for at least 100 passes before 
I dared hit the transmit switch.  After all the listening, I still 
probably got it all mixed up.  To me this was the ultimate stage 
fright!  Thank you again to all involved.  You gave me an opportunity to 
add another day in my life that I will never forget.  What a great hobby 
we have!!!!

73's and 88's to all!
James
WA5AOO
EL29