🎉 Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of Barry Goldwater (1909-1998). A prominent political figure, he also began his second term in the U.S. Senate on this day in 1969, serving Arizona until 1987.
Barry was also a dedicated ham radio operator with the call sign K7UGA, whose passion for the hobby extended beyond personal enjoyment. During the Vietnam War, Goldwater used his ham radio to help soldiers overseas stay connected to their families back home. Through his efforts, he facilitated thousands of messages, known as "phone patches", allowing servicemen to communicate with their loved ones in a time before widespread digital communication.
This act of service highlighted the potential of amateur radio to bridge distances and provide comfort during challenging times. Goldwater's ham radio work remains a powerful example of how technology can be used to foster human connection and community.
Starting January 6th, you can visit the Arizona Heritage Center to see his original ham radio setup in person! Stop by to explore this fascinating piece of history.
Barry Goldwater was honored as an Arizona Historymaker in 1992. The Historical League noticed this ham radio on a tour of the Goldwater home, conducted by Susan Goldwater Levine. Now the ham radio can be enjoyed by visitors to the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park.
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