Congratulations on your General.

A VX-7R is central in my long distance commuter EDC. I carry a Diamond SRH320A antenna, for better receive and transmit.

We put a cheap mag-mount with SMA connector in our commuter van because AM and CB are pretty weak inside a vehicle. It is nice to be able to listen to the truckers and find out what is going on when we suddenly find the Interstate becoming a parking lot.

I've also got a Diamond SRH999 which is nice for listening to AM and the HF bands.