Maritime Mobile Service Network

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Paul Van Meurs – KM4MA. Paul was a longtime member and friend of 14.300 MHz and served many years as a Net Control and Relay Station for both Intercon and the Maritime Mobile Service Network. He was also a member and NCS for the Waterway and Cruising Club Net on 7.268 MHz.

His presence and friendship will be missed by all.

Rest in peace!

With a heavy heart,

Bobby Graves - KB5HAV

Paul Van Meurs was born on October 14, 1947, in Greece, New York.

Paul developed an interest in Ham Radio when he was 12 or 13 years of age and learned CW (Morse Code) from his father.

In 1966, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army and went through Officer Candidate School (OCS), and was sent to Ft Benning, Georgia, home of the US Army Infantry School and volunteered for Viet Nam.

Paul served in a Mechanized Division in Vietnam where he lost a leg in combat. Among other medals, Paul was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, “which recognizes the inherent sacrifices of all infantrymen, and that, in comparison to all other military occupational specialties, infantrymen face the greatest risk of being wounded or killed in action.” Paul was also awarded the prestigious, Silver Star Medal, the third-highest military decoration for valor awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces. Paul was promoted to the rank of Captain and spent a year and one-half convalescing in the U.S. Army Hospital at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Following his discharge from the US Army, Paul moved to Florida where he graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in what else…communications. During that time, Paul and his wife Cassie owned an 18’ cuddy cabin Crestliner in which they enjoyed long weekends on the water. The nautical life was good, so they bought a John Hanna designed 38’ Alden Sloop named “Po” and lived aboard in the Titusville Marina. Paul was lured back into amateur radio in the mid-’80s after being impressed with a friend’s ability to stay in contact via ham radio with friends back in the States while cruising in the Bahamas.

Paul was active with the Maritime Mobile Service Network in addition to his faithful service to The Waterway Radio & Cruising Club Network. He also started the Land Cruisers Net.

Paul and his deep voice will be missed.