N0SZP
Probably one of the most recognized voices on the MoKan repeater is that of Dwayne Beaver - N0SZP. For those of you who don’t know him Dwayne is the Net Control Operator for the MoKan Skywarn group here in SW Missouri. Mokan Skywarn relays severe weather information to the NWS in Springfield, Mo. The Mokan repeater covers roughly a 50 mile radius surrounding Joplin, Mo.
After getting to know Dwayne I was impressed with how serious he takes his position as a severe weather spotter and his net control position. As you read the following bio that I had Dwayne put together for the site you will see why we are lucky to have such a dedicated net control operator for our group. His write up also shows is willingness to help and serve the community. Enjoy.
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Dwayne Beaver N0SZP
Skywarn Net Control for the MoKan Emergency Preparedness Group
I was born in Kansas City, Missouri along with a Twin brother in March of 1951. I tell everyone he was early and I was on time as usual.
We both joined USMC in April of 1968, and went active on delayed entry program Sept 4th 1968. As a matter of fact they thought that was so interesting that they swore us in on WDAF-TV
I served with the Marine Corps for 3 ½ yrs. I received my training at
Court House Bay on the Marine Base of Camp Lejuene N.C. as an electrician. After I graduated from Electrician School in 1969 I went to
2nd Force Service Regiment. I was sent to Vieques Island Puerto Rico
For 6 months
While at Vieques Island I experienced Hurricane Camille before hit the
United States, It caused major damage and killed a number of people.
I returned to Camp Lejuene and got my Orders for the Western Pacific. I
went home for a 30 day leave before heading to Camp Pendelton, Calif, to get prepared for deployment to Da Nang Vietnam with the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Division in the I Corps area. I was only about a mile From the Da Nang Air Base.
I spent 13 months in Vietnam, and returned to Camp Pendelton to serve the rest of my time in the Marines till of all days, The Marine Corps Birthday.
After Serving in the Marines I worked many different jobs. One of the most interesting was with Libby Welding Co In KC MO, This was the same company that built the very generators I ran while in the Marines. As a matter of fact, I worked on several prototype Generators that they were developing.
I worked many different types of jobs after that. I was a truck driver for
A Linen Service Company, which serviced 12 or 13 Hospitals in the KC
Area. I worked with Spellman in Smithville Mo. for 4 years.
I worked for Columbian Steel and Tank, they manufactured many
of the grain bins you see on the farms, I also worked for Banner Iron Works
In St. Louis MO, they made the master cylinders for breaks for Lockheed Martin. I also worked with Electrical contractors doing jobs in Colorado and Oklahoma
I have a daughter, a twin brother and a younger brother. My wife, Debra, and I have been married for almost 14 years.
I have studied Severe wx since I was 15 yrs old. I got the chance to meet Allen Pearson who was the Director of the Severe Storms Forecast Center in KC MO. Pearson went on to help Dr Fujita develop the F scale they used to determine the damage that a tornado produces.
They have made changes in recent months, they now have what is called
An Enhanced Fujita Scale ( EF Scale). The NWS has also implemented the
new “Polygon Warning System”.
I initially got involved with Emergency Management in Carthage, Mo when it was referred to as Civil Defense. It was later changed to Carthage Emergency Support Unit. We also did Skywarn duties for the City of Carthage.
I became a Ham Radio Operator in June of 1992. I became involved in
the ham radio side of Skywarn and continue to this day being involved
with SKYWARN in the Tri-State area. I have been involved with the
MOKAN EP group for 2 yrs.
I served on the Board of Directors of the Eastern Jasper County Red Cross for three years.
I have received certifications in MASS CARE , AID TO FAMILIES, AND CPR,
I also received an HONOR AWARD from National Red Cross called
A Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
I have also received Recognition from
Department Of Commerce United States of America
Recognizing me for TENS YEARS OF SERVICE in the GOVERNMENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA I received that about 4 yrs ago from NWS in Springfield MO.
Rick Adams, a friend of mine who also served with me in the Carthage Emergency management, became a ham in the early 90s. His call is AA0KC. Rick went from Novice to Extra in 1 yr.
Rick convinced me that I would really like with all that was involved
In and how all these different agencies had worked together
through all the years.
I like doing Net Control for the MOKAN EP Group. I enjoy the involvement of all the people in the area, the camaraderie, and helping the NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE save lives, that is main reason for being involved as I have.
73’s
Dwayne - N0SZP
