Ham radio

This is just a cool article and since I am a ham radio operator I will post it cause I am proud of being one!

Ham Radio Operator Glen Briggs Receives NOAA Environmental Hero Award

Grundy County Emergency Services Coordinator Glen Briggs received the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Hero Award today in Trenton, Mo. Briggs was recognized for assistance to the National Weather Service in meeting its mission to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.
Glen Briggs in action

Held annually in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, the Environmental Hero Award honors NOAA volunteers for their tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation’s environment. Briggs was recognized for his long-time commitment to helping provide high quality weather information to Grundy County residents and for volunteer assistance in the severe weather warning program, Andy Bailey of NOAA’s Kansas City National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill said.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such dedicated people as Glen Briggs volunteer so much of their time to help keep their neighbors informed and safe,” Bailey said. “He sets a perfect example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more volunteers like Glen Briggs.”

Briggs was commended for his over-all excellent service investing hundreds of hours a year as an amateur radio operations operator assisting the National Weather Service in their severe weather and for specific efforts on May 13, 2009. On that day of the Kirksville, Mo. tornado, Briggs provided real-time information to Pleasant Hill forecasters that resulted in saving countless lives by giving residents time to seek shelter before the tornado devastated the Kirksville area.

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, the Environmental Hero Award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA and its line offices carry out their mission. The mission of the National Weather Service is to protect lives and property and enhance the National economy.

During a ceremony honoring Briggs this week Bailey said, “On behalf of the many people you’ve helped keep safe in northern Missouri, I am pleased to present you with the 2010 Environmental Hero Award. Your dedicated efforts and concern for your community make our nation a better place.”

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Please visit http://www.noaa.gov.