Radio Amateurs, ARES Group among NOAA's 2005 "Environmental Heroes" (Apr. 28 2005)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recognized four Amateur Radio operators and an Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) group among its list of 2005 Environmental Heroes. Given in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, Environmental Hero awards honor NOAA volunteers for their tireless efforts to preserve and protect the nation's environment.
"NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time," said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr, undersecretary of Commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "They set a perfect example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like them." Established in 1996, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission.
Among this year's honorees are Charles T. Byars, W5GPO, and the Wichita County Amateur Radio Emergency Service of Wichita Falls, Texas. Byars is an ARES District Emergency Coordinator in the ARRL North Texas Section. For more 30 years, he and Wichita County ARES members have volunteered their time, expertise and resources to help the National Weather Service (NWS) detect and track dangerous storms.
"Their tireless efforts, long hours and dedication to helping to protect the citizens of Wichita Falls and the surrounding area have led to more accurate and detailed weather information being disseminated, more timely warnings and quite possibly lives being saved," NOAA said in recognizing Byars and his ARES team.
Wichita County Emergency Coordinator Dave Gaines, N5DHG, says the City of Wichita Falls will host an awards presentation on May 10.
Three Florida radio amateurs also were recognized for their efforts as Amateur Radio net control operators for the NWS office in Ruskin, Florida, during hurricanes Charley and Frances. NOAA says Paul Toth, NA4AR, of Seminole, Robert M. Stanhope, W3RMS, of Valrico and Sean C. Fleeman, N4SCF, of New Port Richey volunteered a total of 125 hours during the two storms last year.
"They gave up time with their families to gather real-time reports during the hurricanes to enhance NWS warnings and also provided up-to-the-minute weather information for recovery operations in west central and southwest Florida," NOAA said in commending the trio.
Toth is a Technical Specialist in the ARRL West Central Florida Section.
NOAA recognized 34 individuals and three organizations across the US as Environmental Heroes. The complete list of 2005 award recipients is on the NOAA Web site:www.noaa.gov/earthday
