Since 1955, Bedford resident Ralph Dieter has been talking to people all over the world. Through his personal amateur, or ham, radio, he has had conversations with people in Japan, Spain and Kuwait City.

“Now most of my contacts are within 200 to 300 miles of Bedford, but for 40 years now I have had regularly scheduled meetings four times a week,” he said.

The current sun-spot cycle, which lasts 11 years, is currently not favorable for long distance discussions, but overall his radio time is still enjoyable.

Dieter, Assistant Scoutmaster of Bedford Troop 414 and a town cemetery trustee, has even taken his radio on Scout trips. “The kids love it,” he said. “I take a battery with me and put the antenna in the trees.”

Dieter has been involved with Scouts since 1977 when his son, David, joined. Through the years, Dieter has seen many Scouts earn the rank of Eagle, including David, who became the third Eagle Scout from Bedford Troop 414. This year has been monumetal for the troop, as the 57th and 58th Eagle Scouts were honored for achievements on Jan. 19, said Dieter.

Russ Ouellette, whose 13- year-old son, Liam, is in Bedford Troop 414, said Dieter is someone who is part of Bedford’s foundation.

“He’s like the mentor and the example for every kid in this troop,” he said. “Ralph goes on every camp out, and is the first one there and last one to leave.”

Dieter said Bedford Troop 414 curently has the largest enrollment in its history, with about 85 boys.

“We’re looking forward to a three-night trip to Bear Island and a Boy Scout skills competition,” Dieter said.

Dieter and his wife of 52 years, Alberta, have two children. Their son David lives in Merrimack and daughter, Susan, lives in Texas.