Winter Field Day Like You’ve NEVER Seen It-With a Military Twist!

David Stickelman KF6KAT and Tammy Stickelman are bringing ham radio back to the field-literally. Their portable setup is more than just a radio operation; it’s an event. Operating out of restored military vehicles, including an M35, an M37, and even a vintage M1950 Arctic tent, David and Tammy have turned their passion for emergency communications and camping into a full-scale mobile ham radio operation. Whether it's Winter Field Day or a Parks on the Air activation, their retrofitted rigs and family-oriented approach draw plenty of attention-including from curious park rangers and intrigued fellow campers.
David, a former Army signal officer, and his wife Tammy, have blended ham radio, military history, and outdoor adventure into something entirely unique. Their expeditions aren’t just about making contacts-they're about community. Friends, family, and even their horses tag along, turning their camping trips into full-scale events that combine vintage military gear with modern ham radio technology.
From restoring classic military trucks to integrating radio teletype machines into their setup, the Stickelmans embody the hands-on, pioneering spirit of amateur radio. Their enthusiasm for the hobby is contagious, proving that ham radio isn’t just about gear-it’s about the experience, the connections, and the stories.
Catch the full conversation and see what it takes to bring a mobile military ham shack to life. Join the discussion and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more great stories from the world of amateur radio!

[@childsrp]

MAJ Stickelman has the best retirement radio setup that I have ever seen, and I have been doing military communications for 29 years. He has modernized and restored several different radio systems that are both functional and retro. I have loved watching his projects as they have progressed and they remain true to historical Army Signal Systems visuals while integrating more modern radio systems into them. He put such a large portion of his adult life into the military, I am glad that he has been able to spend so much more time with his family since his retirement from our FA Fires Brigade.

[@adyg6ad73]

Camping and radio, what’s not to like 👍

[@gfodale]

I can't afford the neat stuff, so I'm trying to build up similar with civilian equipment. Focus is on EmComm, but plan to do POTA for practice setup/tear down, etc. Hope to use it for training as well. I still have a long way to go, though progress is steady. In the 80's I got to set up expeditionary airfields. It was fun when we got to do our job.

[@warp9988]

Ooh we should be friends. 73s