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MidWest SSTRC, Inc. Mission Statement
The MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center (MidWest SSTRC Inc.) is comprised of members whose primary purpose is to assist in providing early detection of severe weather. We communicate this critical information to government officials, other recognized agencies and organizations including the National Weather Service allowing for timely public severe weather warnings and providing emergency response as appropriate. MidWest SSTRC Inc. endeavors to assist in any way it can in the protection if life and property from any threat, be it natural or man made.
About MidWest SSTRC, Inc.
MidWest SSTRC Inc. is a 501c3 Non-Profit Corporation
MidWest SSTRC Inc. offers our sincere thanks and appreciation to our many Members, our Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, to the many supporters from, local, state and federal agencies, organizations and others who without their support would make our job all that much tougher. We deeply appreciate the efforts of so many as all continue to serve our communities.
From days of long ago to the present and beyond to the future - there has been and will be a need for the volunteer. The volunteer is only as effective as the support surrounding that person or group of persons.
As the President/CEO of the MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center, my personal interest of severe storm involvement dates back to 1967 and continued to 1983 when I had to good fortune to network with others who continue to be committed to volunteer people and resources for the purpose of early severe storm warnings. The relaying of accurate, real time information is an integral and essential ingredient to this focus. This is now what is referred to as providing ground truth. MidWest SSTRC Inc. is a noncommercial, non-profit organization of volunteers, whose goal is to help to develop the best possible severe weather warning system for the areas in which we serve. We have come a long way from having to stop and use pay phones, to using the first cumbersome cellular phones to now having use of our own Business Band radio frequency and sharing the air waves with the Amateur Radio Networks (HAM).
Those reports include, yet are not limited to; the occurrence of tornadoes, funnel clouds, large hail, damaging straight-line winds, flash floods, etc. As world events change, changes in national security have led MidWest SSTRC Inc. to incorporate our trained skills with the National Highway Watch Program. The reporting is done both in real time and after-the-fact, in providing what is referred to as "ground truth" for severe weather events and weather phenomena. Post event evaluations are also an important function of MidWestSSTRC Inc.
From 1983 to the present, while working with committed severe storm groups, organizations, government agencies and individuals we have seen a need and direction to become even more committed, to remain professional in our efforts and involvement that focus's on Severe Storm Tracking and Response. Our continuous internal training programs are an essential means of allowing our members to be the best of the best in severe storm awareness, tracking and reporting. MidWest SSTRC Inc. is blessed with many outside sources of training as well, including the National Weather Service, Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Universities, Technical Schools and Colleges and many others that are accessible to not only to Midwest SSTRC Inc. but also to the general public as well.
The concept of the MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center was born out of this direction; the direction to give back to our communities, to make a difference, to be there when it counts. Over two years of discussions and planning had laid the groundwork for this non-profit organization and in essence MidWestSSTRC has been in existence since 1983.
Our purpose and existence is to the point. A professional and knowing means of assisting in the early warning of severe storms, the proper response and the professional, accurate means of relaying storm information…that those efforts assist in protecting life and property.
Our future goals are many and include the response to severe storms and how we as an organization will be able to lend assistance to those who request. We are pleased to announce that MidWest SSTRC is a member of the National Association for Search and Rescue is but one of those steps of meeting the many goals that we have set.
MidWestSSTRC continues to offer assistance to local and non-local storm spotter groups, the National Weather Service and other organizations with field information as we commit numerous personnel and resources to this effort at any given time - in Dane County, Rock County and other areas as requested. Individual lifestyle schedules can be challenging for any volunteer and also for obtaining additional needed volunteers and we welcome all those who have an interest in joining MidWest as we are committed to serving our communities.
MidWestSSTRC has committed personnel to attend various conferences and training over the years and will continue to do so as they become available. MidWest SSTRC Inc. has hosted and will continue to host various public and in-house severe weather training events, seminars and classes.
What we do is not a sport; nor is it to be taken lightly. Although there are lighter moments in what we do, the situation can and does become a serious matter to be dealt with professionally and expeditiously. Often times vary little happens. But when things start to happen, one must be trained and prepared to serve the community in the best means possible.
Drop by and visit us at www.midwestsstrc.org or email your interest to our Secretary and Membership Coordinator Dan Starker at kb9uop@yahoo.com .
MidWest SSTRC Inc. Dane County General Meetings take place the third Monday evening each month (year round) at 7 PM and are held at the Monona Community Center, Main Hall, 1011 Nichols Road, Monona WI. Special thanks to the City of Monona.
MidWest SSTRC Inc. Rock County General Meetings take place the forth Wednesday evening of each month (year round) at 7 PM and are held at the American Red Cross Building 211 North Parker Drive , Janesville WI. Special thanks to the American Red Cross and all the folks in Rock County.
Remember NWS Spring Training is just around the corner! So if this is something that interests you, come on board, we'd love to have ya! Remember, be safe, be knowledgeable, and be prepared.
Dale L Bernstein
President/CEO
MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center Inc.
