[PBARC] SKYWARN Recognition Day

[E. Glenn Wolf, Jr.]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2003    

Amateur Radio Operators and the National Weather Service Observe SKYWARN
Recognition Day

Little Rock, AR - November 18, 2003 - The fifth annual SKYWARN Recognition
Day will take place this year on Saturday, December 6, 2003.  Amateur radio
operators throughout the United States will be operating high frequency
radios from at least 85 National Weather Stations (NWS) in recognition of
the vital public service hams provide during times of severe weather, and to
strengthen the bond between the two groups.

Ham operators in Arkansas will be operating from the NWS location in North
Little Rock for this one day operation, and will be contacting other radio
operators at other NWS locations and radio operators across the world using
multiple modes of operation including SSB, FM, AM, RTTY, CW, and PSK31.

Many times, hams have assisted the NWS by providing real-time reports.  "You
simply can't put a price tag on it", says Scott Mentzer (N0QE), organizer of
the event and Meteorologist-In-Charge at the NWS office in Goodland, Kansas.
"The assistance that radio amateurs provide to the NWS throughout the year
is invaluable."

J.C. Smith, N5RXS, will be the amateur radio coordinator for this event in
Arkansas.  He can be reached at 501/316-4499 or email at n5rxs@alltel.net.

For additional information, please contact Bob Ideker, WB5VUH, at
501/868-8847 or wb5vuh@arrl.org.

###

Special note:  Although television coverage is greatly appreciated and
requested, prior notification of an intent to do so has been requested by
the NWS to include an expected arrival time.  Please notify J.C. Smith of
your availability subject to the availability of your reporters to attend.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation.