This month, Member Spotlight features one of our newer and up-and-coming YL members, Carla Berg – KI5KTE.
Carla joined BVRC in July 2025, and has developed a fervent passion for our great hobby since that time.
Carla was first licensed in 2020 when she passed both her Technician and General license exams, being issued the call sign KI5KTE. She has retained her original call and is having a blast with it on the area repeaters and on HF. Carla is a retired Navy veteran (thanks for your service, Carla), but works almost full time at Hobbs State Park east of Rogers.
Ham radio runs in Carla’s family. She was first introduced to the hobby by her sister Kristie White – W7MIX who resides in Tallahassee, FL and is also an avid amateur operator. “I was looking for a new hobby and Kristie was there with a suggestion,” Carla said.
When asked what her favorite interest in amateur radio is, Carla replied:
“I’m still trying to figure that out! My initial interest was to help in emergencies with weather, power outages, and CW. However, I must learn more about radios and antennas before jumping headfirst. Initially, everything went wrong as I struggled to learn on my own, with Kristie living a considerable distance away. My first setup was only for 2-meters and I struggled with that. I wasn’t a fan of most nets because of the evening times when I’m winding down from work. I treasure my evenings with a beer in my chair while watching Star Trek or something else with my husband, Todd…something we’ve had (and still have) as a routine for more than twenty years (along with our dog Max). Now, back to answering the question… my 2-meter radio was an old police radio that was limited in frequencies, and I had a Yaesu handheld that broke (charger fitting broke off), plus a raspberry pi that I ultimately hated. I then bought a new Yaesu. However that setup, combined with so many more negative experiences, led me to packing everything in my truck and driving it to W7MIX and dumping it on her!
In 2024 I found someone, Frede – WD5BPC, in the Hobbs State Park Conservation Area (where I work) parking lot on his radio. I introduced myself and he allowed me to watch as he activated Hobbs for Parks On The Air! So exciting! I was re-energized! He and a few friends made a radio and antenna setup that would be easy for me to use for my own POTA experience. I jumped at the opportunity! I purchased everything on their list and studied-up on the radio and the POTA program. I was still fine-tuning my purchases for the outdoor setup. I hadn’t used it yet as my nervousness was setting-in on “going it alone” on this new ham journey. And it was getting hot with lots of biting insects surrounding me in the yard.
Then I met Joe – W5AEN, a volunteer at Hobbs State Park. I introduced myself as I ogled over his truck antenna and decor. After an hour, I asked him, “will you be my Elmer?” Joe agreed and introduced me to BVRC members during Field Day 2025. Before I knew it, I had several Elmers for different ham things. Joe helped with getting my truck outfitted along with my very first in-house shack setup that worked. During Field Day, I met Don – K5DB, who helped me learn more about antennas. I also met Brad – KJ5CWR, who introduced me to my new Anytone 878 and Comet antenna. Don, with the help of Stephen – N5ZE, helped me get a more finely tuned antenna up and going. I was quickly becoming a POTA hunter inside the house! Shortly afterwards, I was up and running on FT8 with the help of Joe, Don, Stephen, and Jay – W5JAY. Again, back to answering the question….I am enjoying DXing because it is so addictive using FT8. I’ve also activated three parks with K5DB and W5AEN, which was an exhilarating overload! I foresee POTA activation in my future! I still want to dabble in every facet the hobby has to offer before I officially decide my favorite area of interest. Next up is to get my ATAS installed on my Honda Ridgeline.”
When asked what her most memorable radio experience was thus far, Carla said, “Finding BVRC will always be my first and most memorable experience. The club members are all so nice and so helpful with beginners. There are not enough words to express my gratitude. Thank you! However, I know you are looking for a more hobby related answer, so I give you this…. activating a park for the first time. There were a lot of lessons learned in a short amount of time that day!”
Carla is married to her husband Todd, who does not have a ham license at present. She said he expressed interest at the time she was taking her exams for Technician and General. Carla shared although he could pass all three licenses offered without ever opening a book to study, he has not yet done so. “He had just ‘come off the ship’ for the last time as a Merchant Marine engineer and was settling into the life of retirement. He has a steady routine now and less interested in a new hobby.”
Carla also has other hobbies which include sewing (from time to time), using a Cricut machine, and making a variety of herbal products.
Carla has a nifty station consisting of an ICOM 7300 feeding a Windom OCFD antenna up around 60 feet. For HF, she uses an Anytone 878 and Comet antenna for 2-meters. She also has a Yaesu FT-891 and ATAS, along with a RECON 40, Bioenno solar charger, and LiFePo4 battery that she plans to use for portable and mobile use in the future.
Carla, it is great to have you in the BVRC family. Keep up the good work and the excitement!
