ham 2008 event image 2009 SKYWARN
Recognition Day

Last Updated: 12/12/09 - tjs

Local amateur radio operators and members of the National Weather Service (NWS) participated in the 11th Annual SKYWARN Recognition Day on Saturday, December 5, 2009.  SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League.  It celebrates the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the NWS.  During the day SKYWARN operators visited NWS offices and contacted other radio operators across the world.

A majority of the equipment was setup on Friday, December 4th with the typical 1" of snow on the ground and cold conditions.  Luckily one of the dipole antennas had been strung earlier so it went quick.  Two high-frequency radios were used during the event to make contacts around the U.S., North America, and parts of Europe.

While many of the visitors were from the La Crosse area, amateur radio operators and SKYWARN group leaders from Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Clark, and Juneau Counties in Wisconsin also visited and assisted.  Over 30 people participated, enjoyed conversation and snacks.  There were several office tours of the NWS La Crosse conducted as well.

Contacts were made in nearly every state, but also six international countries.

Here is a summary:

  • Hours operated: 9
  • Total contacts made: 200
  • Total U.S. States contacted: 43
  • Total NWS offices contacted: 26
  • Total foreign countries contacted: 6 (Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden)

The map shown below includes the states or providences contacted by the NWS La Crosse station (WX9ARX) during the event.

Most of the operating was done on 2, 20, 40, and 80 meters, in addition to IRLP.

A special thanks goes out to the local operators who helped with setup(*) or radio operation, including:

  • Tom O'Brien - WB9BJQ*
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  • Carl Thurston - KC9HDS*
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  • Ron Martinmaki - W9EOA*
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  • Mark Smick - N9UNW*
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  • Larry Worthington - KC9HDP
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  • Todd Shea - KB9YXS*
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  • Bob Seaquist - KC9IWE
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  • Mike Mohler - W9MBM
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  • Roger Reader - KA9BKK
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  • Tom Peterson - KC9ECI
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  • Keith Butler - KC9IWL
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  • Ron Anderson - W9RMA
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  • Ron Larson - W9RLL
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  • Ron Krueger - W9JRW
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  • Van Elston - WA9FIO
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  • Paul Kohlmeier - KC9GBO
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  • Jim Netwal - W9UUM
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  • Gerry Leff - N9LRV
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  • John Wagner - KB9ULF
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  • Tim Degenhardt
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    The National page for SKYWARN Recognition Day can be found at: http://hamradio.noaa.gov

    Photos below by Tom Peterson (KC9ECI) and Todd Shea (KB9YXS):

    ham 2009 event image ham 2009 event image ham 2009 event image
    ham 2009 event image ham 2009 event image ham 2009 event image

    A video of the event can be found at:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ceaGT0ppuc

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