The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) has recognized one of its long-time members, Antony “Tony” Siese, VP9HK. HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, announced on October 20 that the net would confer upon Siese the title of “Honorary Member,” in recognition of his 31 years of service. Graves said Siese is the first non-manager to be named an Honorary Member.

VP9HK joined the HWN in 1985, although, he said, he took a “sabbatical” last year. In 2003, his reports during Hurricane Fabian gave forecasters at the National Hurricane Center valuable ground-truth information and insight as to what the storm was doing in Bermuda, Graves said, earning Siese the Message in a Bottle Award from W4EHW (now WX4NHC) for the 2003 Hurricane Season.

“It is very rare for any individual to be so dedicated to an organization, especially as a volunteer,” Graves said. “Tony, on behalf of the Hurricane Watch Net, thank you for all you have done and continue to do.” Siese was first licensed in the UK as G4CIL in the 1970s. He’s lived in Bermuda for more than 52 years. — Thanks to the Hurricane Watch Net