NWA Award recipients pose with Southern Region Director Bill Proenza. (L to R) Southeast River Forecast Center HIC John Feldt, Former WFO Memphis Meteorologists Dan Valle and Jason Beaman, Proenza, WFO Birmingham Meteorologist Mark Rose and WFO Memphis WCM Richard Okulski (Photo: Bernard Meisner, SRH)
(Oct. 15, 2008) - National Weather Service Southern Region employees and partners captured a number of awards at the National Weather Association's 33rd Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky. Launched in 1977, the association's awards program is designed to promote excellence in operational meteorology and related activities. It recognizes individuals and groups who perform day-to-day tasks of providing meteorological information and support service to the public.
This year's Operational Achievement Group Award was presented to the staff at the Memphis forecast office and former Memphis Meteorologists Dan Valle and Jason Beaman for outstanding warning services provided during the April 2, 2006 tornado outbreak affecting portions of Tennessee and Arkansas.
The Operational Achievement Individual Award went to Southeast River Forecast Center Hydrologist-in-Charge John Feldt. He was recognized for developing and providing innovative hydrometeorological products and services during the prolonged (2006-2008) drought in the Southeast.
Birmingham. Ala. forecast office Meteorologist Mark Rose received the association's Public Education Award for the design, development and marketing of a weather safety digital video disc for school children. The disc has been shown to audiences throughout the nation.
This year's Larry R. Johnson Special Award was shared by the West Texas Mesonet Group of Texas Tech University and the staff at the Lubbock Weather Forecast Office. They were honored for providing timely, accurate meteorological and agricultural data for a wide variety of users throughout West Texas.
Finally, the Walter J. Bennett Public Service Award was presented to Roy Sedwick of the Lower Colorado River Authority. Sedwick was recognized for his exceptional achievements in fostering public awareness of numerous, critical National Weather Service safety programs including SKYWARN, StormReady®, Turn Around, Don't Drown® and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
