Gerry Gawaldo received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Commerce and Transportation in 1971 and his Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis on Economics and Statistics in 1977 from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is also a Graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College (1982) and a retired Lieutenant Colonel. In civilian Life he is a double retired Planner previously working for Port Authority of Allegheny County and then Palm Beach County’s Palm Tran.
His interest in Amateur Radio began while stationed with the United States Army Support Command Hawaii, where he was given the assignment as Deputy MARS Director. His boss strongly suggested that he get an Amateur Radio License and he did (WH6IIK).
Upon returning to Pittsburgh, he changed his call (WA3YPG) but was not very active. As a Tech he did join the Greater Pittsburgh VHF Society. Upon retiring from Port Authority, he relocated to Boca Raton changing his call again (KG4FUR). When he turned 60, his wife (Cristi) strongly suggested that he get hobbies before he retired again. Being a dutiful husband with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), he complied. Joining BRARA, he was drafted to join the Board of Directors and was volunteered to become the Acting President. He got his General and Extra Tickets punched shortly. Six years later he called it quits.
Gerry is still active in both BRARA and Boca Raton’s Community Emergency Response Team Program, retains membership in Chapter 111 QCWA, and his certification as a Graphic Information Systems Professional (GISP), ARRL/LARC Volunteer Examiner, and AREC Field Examiner.
He serves as NCS for two South CARS Nets, the DMR-FL Local Tech Net, and the CERT Plan A & B Nets. He is also retains certification in Skywarn and over 20 NIMS courses including both G-300 and Florida’s Strategic National Stockpile Training Program. He is also active in his HOA serving on both the Master and Sub-Association as well as various committees (Design Review Board, Engineering, Security, and Emergency Response).
Other professional affiliations include the American Society of Highway Engineers [ASHE], Reserve Officers Association [ROA], and a Signal Corps Regimental Affiliation.