The Hanson Family Honored for Outstanding Service as Volunteer Cooperative Observer
NOAA’s National Weather Service has selected Charles Hanson and Randall Hanson,
both residents of Correll, Minnesota, as the recipients of the 2022 Family Heritage Award for 50
years of distinguished service to the Nation through the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP
program). Ryan Vipond, Meteorologist, presented the award to Mr. Randall Hanson during a
webinar ceremony on October 24th, 2022.

“Volunteer weather observers are so important to what we do. The weather data they
provide to us on a daily basis is invaluable. It has a significant impact on not only the weather
forecasts that we produce but also it a major part of the climate record across the Nation. And,
taking these daily observations, like the Hanson Family has for the last 50 years, plays such a
crucial role in the agriculture community the Hanson’s live in, said Ryan Vipond, Meteorologist.
The Hanson Family has been reporting daily temperature and precipitation readings to
the National Weather Service since September 1st, 1972. They hold an impressive record of
accurate and timely observations, hardly missing a day over the course of the last 50 years.

The National Weather Service’s Cooperative Observer Program has provided scientists
and researchers with vital observational data for more than a century. Today, over 10,000
volunteer observers participate in the nationwide program to provide daily weather observations
on temperature, precipitation, snowfall and other hydrological or meteorological data such as
evaporation or soil temperature. The U.S. Congress recognized the value of the COOP
program and its observers by authorizing improvements to the program through the National
Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-423).
NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and
warnings for the United States and its territories. The 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. In partnership with national and local
government, members of the weather enterprise, Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors, and
academia, the National Weather Service is working to build a more Weather-Ready Nation to
support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. Visit us
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