I got my amateur Radio Technician (no code) license in 1999. I enjoy building antennas, working at public service events, and Skywarn storm spotting.

Many hams are active in the National Weather Service (NWS) Skywarn spotter program, which was my initial motivation to become a ham. While spotting can certainly be dangerous, a good net control operator watching County EOC radar, many other spotters in the area, and assuring an escape route in your location selection; you're not a "sitting duck" as you would be at home.