Keesler wins "Storm Ready Award"

Ken Graham, New Orleans National Weather Service meteorologist in charge, presents the “Storm Ready Award” to Brig. Gen. Brad Spacy, 81st Training Wing commander, May 29, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. After 18 months of preparation, Keesler received the award, which was based on the base’s ability to handle severe storm conditions and took 18 months to qualify for. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Keesler wins "Storm Ready Award"

Keesler recognized with "Storm Ready" award

Published May 29, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler received the "Storm Ready Award" from the National Weather Service May 29 at the Bay Breeze Event Center, just before the base's hurricane preparedness town hall meeting.

Ken Graham, New Orleans National Weather Service meteorologist in charge, presented the award to Brig. Gen. Brad Spacy, 81st Training Wing commander, which recognizes Keesler's ability to handle severe storm conditions.

"It takes the whole base to achieve recognition like this," said Spacy. "Being well-prepared for hurricane season depends on everyone, and the more ready we are the more we can focus on our day-to-day mission of training the world's best Airmen."

To qualify for the award, Keesler needed to have at least five ways of communicating weather to personnel, three different avenues for coordinating with the community and all offices involved with storm preparations had to be inspected.

Rosanne Peterson, CSC employee and an emergency management program analyst for Keesler, worked directly with the New Orleans office for approximately 18 months to ensure Keesler was storm-ready.

"The award shows the community that we have the resources we need to survive a storm," said Peterson. "The preparations took a lot of time, but ensure we have all the appropriate processes in place."