Norbert Gabriel (Germany)

Born 1940 in Silesia. After finishing high school I apprenticed as an electrical and mechanical technician. In 1962 I became interested in amateur radio and after successfully passing the examination I received the call sign DJ7ZY.  In 1963/64 I attended Nautical School Bremen and acquired the “Second Class Ship Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate”.  I continued working as a radio officer on German ships and coast stations (DAN, DAO). This became part of my future profession and career with the German Telecommunication Administration. It included 7 years of monitoring service and radio frequency management as well as examining radio operators in the Amateur Radio Service, the Maritime Service and the Aeronautical Mobile Service. As a civil servant I was fortunate to serve with the “German Peace Corps” in Zambia/Africa during an amazing two-year sabbatical. In 1996 I attended further training courses at Nautical School Elsfleth and acquired the “General Operator`s Certificate“ for GMDSS operations. I believe my namesake the patron saint archangel Gabriel has often protected me during my whole professional career. Since he is also the patron saint of all radio operators, I wish all of you the same good luck.