2008 NWA ANNUAL AWARDS

The National Weather Association 2008 Annual Awards were presented by President John R. Scala at the October 15, 2008 Annual Awards Banquet. The banquet was held during the NWA's 33rd Annual Meeting at the Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville, Kentucky. Award Committee members for 2008 were:  Chairperson Daniel McCarthy, Leann Allison, Paul Dixon, Fred Glass, Bradford Herold, Alan Johnson, Deirdre Kann, Mike Roberts, Keith Stellman, Bruce Telfeyan, and David Valler.

Operational Achievement Individual Award is presented to a NWA member who has made a significant contribution to operational meteorology for an accurate/timely forecast for one or more significant weather events or for sustained superior performance.

John Feldt, National Weather Service, Southeast River Forecast Center, Peachtree City, Georgia

Distinction: For the development and provision of unique hydrometeorological services during the historic drought of 2006 through 2008 in the southeastern United States



NWA President John Scala and John Feldt, Hydrologist in Charge of the Southeast River Forecast Center
Operational Achievement Group Award is presented to a group of two or more individuals for a significant contribution to operational meteorology.

Jason F. Beaman and Daniel Valle, National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office, Memphis, Tennessee



Distinction: For outstanding and life saving service during the April 2, 2006 tornado outbreak that produced F3 tornadoes which spread damage from Marmaduke, AR to Bradford, TN

President John Scala presenting the award to Dan Valle (left), now at NWS Pocatello ID, and Jason Beaman (far right), now at NWS Raleigh NC; Rich Okulski accepted the award for the Memphis TN NWS Forecast Office
The Walter J. Bennett Public Service Award is presented to an individual or organization directly assisting the meteorological community in providing weather-related information to the public. Walter J. Bennett served the public in extraordinary ways for over 50 years; he was also the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the US Weather Bureau Office in Jacksonville, Florida in the 1940s and 50s.

Roy Sedwick, Lower Colorado River Authority, Austin, Texas

Distinction: For partnering with the National Weather Service to enhance public understanding of severe weather threats, especially those associated with flooding

President John Scala with Roy Sedwick
Aviation Meteorology Award is presented to an individual or group to recognize significant contributions to aviation meteorology, such as impact of operational forecasts on aviation operations, and advances in aviation meteorology including research in detection and forecasting of aviation hazards.

Brian Pettegrew and the University of Missouri-Columbia Forecast Team

Distinction: For dedication and exceptional aviation forecasting in support of the Air Race of 2005, a cross country air race disrupted by Hurricane Rita

President John Scala presents the Aviation Meteorology Award to team members: Willie Gilmore, now with NWS San Angelo TX; Chris Melick, now with Baron Services; and, Amy Schnetzler, a recent MS grad from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Team members not pictured are Brian Pettegrew, Rachel Redburn, Chris Schultz, Chris Foltz, and Melissa Chesser.
Public Education Award is presented to an individual or organization providing significant contributions to increase the public's weather awareness.

Mark W. Rose, National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office, Birmingham, Alabama

Distinction: For the design, development, and marketing of the nationally recognized weather safety DVD, "Surviving the Storm", which is geared to elementary school children and focuses on severe weather safety

President John Scala and Mark Rose
NWA Broadcaster of the Year Award is presented to a NWA member Radio or Television weathercaster, or other member of the media, whose activities have significantly contributed to the development and presentation of weather information to the public service.

David Freeman, KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS



Distinction: For life-saving service during the 4 May 2007 Greensburg, KS tornado outbreak and for sustained promotion of improved private/public service partnerships enhancing forecast and warning services in Kansas

President John Scala presenting the  Broadcaster of the Year Award to Dave Freeman
Local Chapter of the Year Award recognizes an active NWA chapter significantly increasing the awareness of weather and the NWA in the chapter area.

The High Plains Chapter

Distinction: For heightening awareness of the National Weather Association throughout the High Plains through many diverse outreach activities conducted by chapter members

Executive Director Steve Harned; Rick Ewald, President of the High Plains Chapter; and President John Scala
The Larry R. Johnson Special Award recognizes unique events or extraordinary accomplishments by an individual or group contributing to operational meteorology.

National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office, Lubbock, Texas
and
West Texas Mesonet at Texas Tech University

Distinction: For the design and implementation of a real-time, free-access weather observation and dissemination system to improve forecasts, watches, warnings, agricultural, and climatological services for the residents of West Texas

Wesley Burgett of the West Texas Mesonet; President John Scala; and Jeffrey Vitale, NWS Lubbock TX
T. Theodore Fujita Research Achievement Award is presented to a NWA member whose research has made a significant contribution to operational meteorology.

Ronald L. Holle, Vaisala, Inc., Tucson, Arizona

Distinction: For distinguished research in identifying the characteristics and impacts of cloud-to-ground lightning resulting in improved lightning safety rules which have led to a reduction in lightning-related fatalities, injuries, and property damage

President John Scala with Ronald Holle
NWA Member of the Year Award is presented to a NWA member who has made significant contributions to the organization over a period of time.

David I. Knapp, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Distinction: For over 10 years of distinguished, tireless, and dedicated service to the NWA while serving as President, Councilor, Commissioner of Committees, and Aviation Committee Chair

President John Scala with Dave Knapp, US Army Research Labs, Las Cruces NM


Also announced at the Annual Awards luncheon were:

- the Sol Hirsch NWA Education Fund Grants of $500 to ten teachers,
- the Annual Meteorological Satellite Applications Award Grant of $500 to Amanda Mims of the University of Michigan, and
- the Best Student Presentation Awards