Congratulations to W0AAE, Kees [pronounced Case] Van Oosbree of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Kees has been selected as Amateur Radio Newsline’s [arnewsline.org] 2023 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year.
Kees is a recent graduate of Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, MN where he earned a membership in the National Honor Society and was recognized as valedictorian of his class. Kees currently holds a General class license and is a member of the Minnesota Wireless Association [https://www.w0aa.org]
Kees remembers his interest in amateur radio began during a visit to a museum when he was 12 years old. In that museum was an amateur radio, and the display demonstrated how radio allowed communications to happen. Kees was hooked and immediately started studying for his first license. He also remembers hearing HF radio for the first time. His interest led to learning about remote operating and reaching out to W2RE, Ray Higgins, who has become an Elmer in the area of remote/DX operating.
Kees has been active with YOTA – Youth on the Air and has taken a variety of leadership roles within the organization, including training of youth operators. He is also interested in remote operating and chasing DX. Presently he has 165 DXCC’s.
He will be presented his Award at the Huntsville HamFest August 19th.
Kees begins his studies of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University in August, and will be taking his HF rig with him.
Send Congratulations to Kees via his QRZ page: https://www.qrz.com/db/W0AAE
Press Release: https://www.arnewsline.org/2023-yhoty