West Gulf Division Vice Director - Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV

Address:  2210 South 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen, TX 78550

Telephone: Home - (956) 425-3128, Fax: 425-8797

I was born into a family of hams so it was a natural thing for me enter the amateur radio service. Fortunately, I had a great Elmer, Bob Stark, W5OLG. Bob was my mentor, scout master and good friend. He was always at the top of DXCC list and I learned a lot about geography by placing pins in large map in his shack marking exotic countries that he had worked.

Now, I am a periodontist in Harlingen, TX where I have practiced at Valley Periodontal Associates for 32 years. I also serve as the President of a non profit corporation named Dentists Who Care which employs 128 volunteer dentists to deliver charity care to indigent children in South Texas. Dentists Who Care's volunteers has provided $2 million in dental services to over 18,000 indigent children.

Locally, I am a co-founder of the South Texas Amateur Repeater Society (STARS) one of the largest amateur radio organizations in South Texas. Look for the ECHOLINK node K5RAV-R which is linked to the 146.70 Rio Grande Valley repeater. You might also find my APRS HF/VHF Gateway station on 10 Mhz.

The digital modes are my favorites and I have been a RTTY operator since 1963. Started with a Model 15 Teletype, but since 1979, have been a computer user.

You can find me on the Texas Traffic NET 3873 Mhz most evenings and during the day on Fridays and Saturdays on the 7290 Traffic NET.

Since 2000, I have been the Vice Director West Gulf Division of the ARRL. My ARRL service has been the highlight of my amateur radio career.

Check out my web site www.k5rav.com for further information.