W9BRD 1939 Chicago, Illinois

Operator: Rod H. Newkirk was a top notch operator and served in WWII.

After the resumption of the ARRL DXCC Program on 15 November 1945, QST introduced the "How's DX" column beginning with the January 1946 issue, penned by Byron Goodman, W1JPE. 
Goodman, later W1DX,  would continue thru February 1947. 
The March 1947 How's DX column was then picked up by Joseph Grahn, W1CH. Grahn would continue thru November 1947.
Newkirk, W9BRD then W1VMW, who had moved to Connecticut earlier in the year to be an operator at W1AW, was asked to take over the How's DX column, which he did with the December 1947 column.
Newkirk returned to Chicago, and his familiar W9BRD callsign, August 1948, and continued to pen How's DX from his hometown.
Newkirk's unique style and innovation with How's DX continued for over 30 years, when he penned his final column which appeared on pg. 63 of the February 1978 issue of QST.
Jim Cain, K1TN, wrote a very thorough tribute and history of Rod Newkirk, W9BRD, which appeared on pg. 52 of the March 1991 issue of QST.
Rod's son David, W9VES, now W9BRD has an incredible page on the history of his father and the W9BRD callsign.
Go to: http://dpnwritings.nfshost.com/ej/w9brd/ for an enjoyable read!

A young Rod Newkirk W9BRD contemplating his future. A Newkirk Family picture.

Rod copied a perfect 55 WPM in a CW test!

Rod was author of the ARRL's "How's DX?" column for 30 years!

Rod sent these cards to those who helped out with DX alerts and postings with DX info and pictures.

Rod was also famous for "Hows DX Jeeves" in QST Magazine.

Rod qualified for the Queen Bee Network Certificate.
The founder of the QBN was AB5TY (YL) Macalee "Lea" Hime 1927-2015.
A true bellwether of early telegraph.

QSL W7GPP Collection
Info, photo, certificate courtesy of W8SU
Newspaper article from Chicago Tribune 1959
Info courtesy of W4WJ