After about a week of studying in the evening and about 6 hours of in-person class, I took a test through the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group VEC at The Foundry, a workshop on Fort Liberty for radio and electronics enthusiasts and operators. The test wasn't too hard and I passed with a 30/35 (85%). When the results moved through the GLAARG and FCC system, I found myself with the callsign KR4AUW. A proctor that I happened to know graciously gave me a Baofeng DM-1701 that operates on VHF/UHF (2m/70cm) and DMR. I've been tuning into the K4MN repeater at 7PM pretty regularly (but haven't mustered up the courage to check in as a visitor yet!).
My tax return this year will be approximately $507, and with that I may purchase a Xiegu G90, upon the recommendation of the aforementioned proctor. (I know it sounds financially irresponsible, but trust me, I'm doing just fine and I will be getting money returned from school that will go 50/50 into a HYS account and into the TSP Roth IRA.)
My goal is to get into the POTA and RACES programs, and focus on HF digital and CW modes as these seem to be the way forward, dispite one being ancient and the other the new hotness. Gotta get that General class first though.
If you'd like to reach out, tune into the K4MN repeater at 7PM and I'll be there. If you're not in the area, use Echolink or send me an email at my callsign at lucasburlingham dot me, or use the contact form under the article list at the home page. QSL cards are welcome, but it may take awhile for one to get back to you as I haven't designed one yet and I'm not sure if I will until I actually make a substancial number of contacts.
73 KR4AUW.