Contacts: Chris Smith          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
          Cyndy Mycoskie       5/3/96

HYDROLOGIST DAVE HELMS RECEIVES NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AWARD

Dave Helms, 61, the Hydrologist-in-Charge for the NWS River Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Ga., was presented with the Max A. Kohler Award during a recent ceremony in Atlanta. The award recognized Helms' 27 years of sustained service to the NWS's hydrologic program. Helms, who in 1962 began his career at the agency's Upper Air Unit at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, has served as a hydrologist in the Atlanta area since 1982.

The award's namesake, Max A. Kohler, served in many capacities for the federal government in the field of hydrology. When he retired in 1973, after 36 years of Federal Service, Kohler was the director of the Office of Hydrology in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Elbert W. Friday, Jr., the Director of the National Weather Service, presented the award last month during a meeting of the agency's regional directors. During the ceremony, Dr. Friday said the award was similar to being named as a "most valuable player in hydrology."

"I'm surprised and deeply honored to be recognized like this," said Helms. "It's been my privilege to serve the people of this great country for a long time. I really appreciate it when folks take time to say 'thank you' like this."

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