
Michael Martens, KB9VBR (left) with Wausau Fire Department Deputy Chief Phil Rentmeester, at the WI Valley Radio Association Field Day site.
June 28, 2013
Greetings!
I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Michael Martens, KB9VBR. I am the new DEC for the Northeast Wisconsin district and I’m honored to be chosen for this position.
I’d like to thank Mark Rasmussen for his tenure as the previous DEC and look forward to working with him as the new SEC. I know I’ll have some pretty big shoes to fill.
As for myself, I lived in the Wausau area since 1978 with the exception of about 5 years in Madison while attending the University of Wisconsin. I have a degree in Communication Arts and have worked for the last 20 years in a variety of positions in IT, sales, marketing, and non-profit management. Recently I spend 3 years in the non-profit sector employed with the local Boy Scouts of America Council and am currently self employed, running a online marketing and consulting business. I’m married for almost 20 years to my wife Christine and have two children: Greta a senior, and Carl a sophomore at Wausau East High School.
I was first licensed as a Tech Plus in 1999, received my General in 2000 and achieved Amateur Extra in 2002. Emergency Communications has always been a draw for me, and have been an active member of the local ARES/RACES and SKYWARN teams since getting my license. I served as AEC for Marathon County ARES/RACES and have been their EC since 2006. I’m also active with the Wisconsin Valley Radio Association and currently serve as the club president. I also dabble with antennas (you may know me as www.jpole-antenna.com), amateur television, and HF voice and digital modes. Besides amateur radio, my other hobbies include photography, cooking, camping, and bicycling.
I’m usually a pretty active person, but am pretty easy to get ahold of. Email at kb9vbr@yahoo.com is usually the best unless it’s urgent, then phone call at (715)845-4218 works. I’m an advocate of the power of social media and may use those channels to disseminate information. Feel free to connect with me personally on Facebook or on Twitter (@NEWIARES).
Thanks again for everything you do in your community. I’m looking forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Michael Martens
KB9VBR