(October 18, 2005) The National Weather Association (NWA) will recognize National Weather Service (NWS) employees and partners at its 30th annual meeting (Oct. 15 – 20) in Saint Louis, Mo.  Launched in 1977, the NWA awards program is designed to recognize employees and partners whose dedicated efforts provide critical meteorological services and information to the public.  Recipients nominated by the NWS Southern Region this year include:

Dr. Pablo Santos, science and operations officer for the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Miami.  Dr. Santos will receive the NWA’s Operational Achievement Individual Award.  This award is presented each year to an NWA member who has made a significant contribution to operational meteorology.

The staff at the Weather Forecast in Melbourne, Fla.  WFO Melbourne will receive the Larry R. Johnson Special Award for providing innovative, life-saving meteorological and hydrological services to the citizens of east Florida during Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne (2004 hurricane season) while enduring personal hardships.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).  Chapman-Henderson and FLASH will receive the William J. Bennett Public Service Award, which is presented annually to an individual or organization that directly assists the National Weather Service in providing weather related information to the public.  FLASH has partnered with the NWS on numerous projects, including the nationally known Turn Around, Don’t Drown® flood safety awareness campaign.

The names of the recipients of this year’s Member of the Year and Broadcaster of the Year Awards are being withheld.  They will be recognized in a surprise announcement at the NWA Awards banquet, Oct. 19.