Commerce Department Awards Bronze Medal to NWS Senior Hydrologist Reggina Garza

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded its prestigious Bronze Medal to NOAA National Weather Service Senior Hydrologist, Reggina Garza. A veteran employee of the NWS Southeast River Forecast Center, Garza is being recognized for developing a flood prediction system for the Red River in Northern Vietnam. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Garza was instrumental in the successful completion of an international project between the United States and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Two leading scientists from the Hydrometeorological Agency of Vietnam spent four months at the SERFC working with Garza on a daily basis to develop the flood prediction system. Developed in cooperation with the U.S. State Department, this high-visibility program was part of a bilateral agreement between the NWS and the Vietnam HydroMeteorological Service.

An unprecedented endeavor for Vietnam, the project presented a significant number of technical and logistical objectives to overcome. Garza’s determination and technical skill was critical in adapting U.S. technology for use in Vietnam, given the disparity in operational procedures and data availability in the two countries. Garza served as a teacher and advisor to the visiting scientists, working directly with them to develop the forecast model.

In addition to developing a flood prediction system that will save lives along the Red River, Garza’s tireless efforts also served to further enhance relations between the United States and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The award was presented at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. The secretary of commerce presents the Bronze Medal to commerce department offices and employees who have made outstanding or significant contributions in support of the overall departmental goals that serve the nation.

NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA's National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources.

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