I started my career in broadcasting in 1993 in Lubbock, Texas.  My supervisor stressed upon me, at that time, the importance of my joining the Society of Broadcast Engineers.  Not understanding the importance of that alliance, my initial thought was that I couldn't afford it.  After a year of being influenced to at least visit a chapter, I gave it chance.  I went with the expectation of perhaps seeing new technologies, but I got much more than I expected.  As I sat in the meeting, there were three things that stood out in this group:  (1) there was such great camaraderie; it reminded me of my military days, (2) The knowledge each person had and how well they expressed it, and (3) the significance of becoming certified through the Society of Broadcast Engineers.  I had no idea how these things would affect my life today.  I left that meeting with a new-found appreciation for the SBE.
 
Through the SBE, I met a man who took me under his wing and taught me everything I know at this point today.  It was his friendship and his mentoring of me that helped me in my present career in television.
 
As I became more involved in the SBE, my knowledge grew faster than I expected.  Throughout the seminars and meetings that was offered through the SBE, I gained a vast knowledge in my career and was able to excel in it; and I was able to find the perfect job in which I am still employed.  I held an office position for two years, and I am currently the Frequency Coordination Committee Chairman for Kansas City; and I have been a Frequency Coordinator since 2004, where I have coordinated all frequencies for the Kansas City Metro Area, and also all frequencies for Game Day Operation for the NFL, college games, and NASCAR Races.  I also coordinate many other major events in the Kansas City Metro Area.
 
As I became more involved with this group, it allowed me to achieve one of the goals I had set for myself -- becoming certified in the industry.  I recently received my CBTE (Certified Broadcast Television Engineer).
 
As I reflect on the first meeting I attended those many years ago, I find those characteristics in myself now, and being a part of the SBE is a part of my life that I hold dear to my heart-it has become a part of who I am.  I have learned that it is not only what you get out of it -- it is what you put into it.