Welcome to the new W5JCK.com website

I've totally redesigned my website and consolidated all of my older websites into this new one. It was created using Joomla running on a Linux server. My hope is it will be much easier to navigate and to locate information.

Short Biography

I'm Jack Swinden. Although my residence is in Arlington in the DFW metroplex, the view above is from my getaway cabin in Mills County near Goldthwaite, Texas. That is San Saba Peak in the photo, and a 50 mile view into the Big Valley  of Texas. I hold an Extra Class license with code credit. I am a member of the Arlington ARC, Tarrant County RACES, and I am a W5YI Volunteer Examiner.

 Proud to be an American, Proud to have been raised by Democrats

Though raised by Democrats, I'm a moderate, Independent more than than anything. And I'm normally very tolerant of opinions that differ from my own. However, lately I've reached the point that I cannot stand to hear any more right-wing garbage that implies one group is more patriotic than another. As a matter of fact, I find that very statement to be un-American. It is devisive, untrue, rude, and reflects the ignorance and immaturity of those doing the name calling. The truth is, if someone attacks our nation, almost every American, regardles of their political affiliations and beliefs, will unite against those who attack us.

I am very proud to have been raised by moderate Democrats. I am very proud that my Dad served over three years of combat duty during World War II. I am extremely proud of the fact that even though he was awarded a wall full of combat medals, that he never tried to use that to his advantage and that he never bragged about them. In fact, he never even displayed his medals, choosing instead to keep them stored away. He was a quiet man of peace who saw war and knew he had to go and fight to preserve the freedom we Americans hold so dearly. He hated war, he hated killing, but he did what he had to to preserve this great nation. He went through over three years of hell on earth, and I have no doubt he would have gladly marched back into that hell all over again to ensure that EVERY American, whether Republican, Democrat, Independent, conservative, liberal, moderate, or whatever would remain free to be whatever they desire. He was a true American hero, as were the millions of others before, during,  and since who have made unimagineable sacrifices to ensure our American way of life.

It is time to put aside personal affiliations and partisanships and ALL stand united as proud Americans, especially as our great nation goes through some of the toughest times it has seen in many generations. The greatest thing about this nation is that WE THE PEOPLE lead ourselves, and WE THE PEOPLE have always prevailed, sometimes with the help of our leaders, and sometimes despite them.

2008 Extra Exam Study Materials Now Available

I am slowly but surely getting my Extra class documentation updated to reflect the Extra Exam Question Pool that went into effect on July 1, 2008.  

About this website

This website is dedicated to Amateur Radio. If you would like to contribute links or information to be included, please feel free to email me by clicking the Contact W5JCK link on this page.

Thank you for visiting!