About Myself

I have over 25 years of experience in aviation maintenance in both mechanical, troubleshooting and leadership roles currently serving as a senior technical advisor for multiple air carriers. As a former firefighter of twelve years, I’ve personally witnessed the importance of reliable radio communications during emergencies and the need for a robust, reliable and community-serving radio infrastructure.

With a long history of Amateur Radio in my family, I followed in those footsteps and became active in Skywarn, ARES along with maintaining and building Amateur Radio repeater infrastructure. I lead ECRA’s System-1 repeater site in Peyton, CO and ongoing expansion efforts across the Eastern Plains. Through this work, I’ve learned the value of structured documentation, fair coordination, and teamwork between clubs, operators, and coordinators.

Why am I running?

Since the founding of ECRA over two years ago—long before we were formally established—I’ve had the privilege of working with some of Colorado’s most dedicated and finest Amateur operators, system owners, emergency managers, and public service professionals.

As a firefighter, I know exactly how dangerous it can be to rely solely on cellular service when every second counts—literal seconds. Amateur Radio has a proud and longstanding tradition of public service, and as both a firefighter and a ham, I’ve been there, I’ve done that, and I’ve seen firsthand what the lack of reliable radio and cellular coverage can mean when lives and livelihoods of communities are literally on the line.

Traveling throughout Eastern Colorado has shown me just how fragmented and fragile our communications infrastructure has become. Both the cellular and Amateur Radio repeater networks can be improved. While there are some truly great repeater systems already serving the region—and this is no criticism of them—it’s clear that expansion and collaboration are essential. Strengthening Amateur Radio coverage across Eastern Colorado requires cooperation, realistic and fair coordination, and leadership focused on the greater good.

~Sometimes, progress means revisiting how things are connected — rebuilding stronger foundations so that when we link again, we do so with greater purpose and unity~

Through these experiences, I’ve spoken with hundreds of Hams across this great state who share a common goal: to see Colorado’s repeater coordination process strengthened, modernized, and made accessible to everyone — while still recognizing that our spectrum is not infinite and must be shared responsibly. I understand that seeking a position within the CCARC may invite differing opinions, and even strong debate, but open dialogue is how progress begins. Respectful disagreement isn’t a weakness — it’s evidence that people care enough to engage.

For decades, the CCARC has been the volunteer cornerstone of repeater coordination in Colorado. Yet even the strongest organizations must occasionally pause, reflect, and evolve.

It’s time to renew the spirit of transparency, representation, and collaboration that first built Colorado’s fantastic Amateur Radio community.

As Secretary, I will:

• Ensure meeting records and communications are clear, timely, and accessible.

• Support fair, responsible and open coordination practices that benefit all Colorado Amateurs.

• Encourage respectful dialogue and technical excellence among member organizations and entities.

~ Change doesn’t come from conflict—it comes from commitment. ~

I’m not running to tear anything down — and I’m not running to make “getting a repeater easier.” I’m running to help build something better. Together, we can strengthen coordination, rebuild trust, and move Colorado Amateur Radio forward.

For questions or correspondence, contact Bryan Wheeler (KB9UZO) at info@ecra-coloradohamradio.org