About US
Howdy! I’m Andy, KE5EXX. I’m located deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, EM21.
This site is a culmination of 3 generations of Amateur Radio operators.
My dad was WN6EIZ.
My older brother is KC5ILR. One of his sons is KI5FCV.
I am KE5EXX. One of my sons is KE5GAQ.
The other son is a communications specialist in the US Marine Corps. We’ll work on getting him licensed in a few years.
I guess you could say that communication (whether as a hobby or a service) is in our blood.
In May 2005 I tested for and passed Element 2 and received my Technician License. I passed Element 1 (Morse Code) in August 2005, and passed Element 3 (General) in September 2005. I also helped my 10-year-old son, Andrew (KE5GAQ), prepare for his Technician (he tested and passed on the same date I passed General). Andrew has since passed Elements 1 & 3, earned a Goldfarb Scholarship, graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2017, and currently flies helicopters in the Navy.
Andrew and I have taken part in several ARRL Field Days; HF, VHF, and UHF contests (we’ve won our division a few times), and served during times of emergencies during Hurricanes Rita, Katrina, Ike, & Gustav. I’ve also volunteered for communications support during forest fires and Search and Rescue operations. We’ve participated in other community service events as well.
I’m an IT Specialist by trade. I thought I’d make a website where hams could find the swag we’ve always wanted, but could never find.
That’s how hamswag.com came into the picture.
I’m working with a local promotions shop to develop high-quality, ham-related swag.
I hope you find something good here. If you think of something that would make a good shirt, let me know. If I like it and think it is marketable, I’ll send you something special.
By the way, my brother, Joseph (KC5ILR), designed some amazing Morse Code Keys and created a site for CW Enthusiasts. Check out CW Morse. In honor of Joseph and his family (and all the CW Operators around the world…) I created the “got cw” shirt.
