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Let's Make a Deal!
Joint RWIS site serves Department and Air Force

The contest began as a way to thank Mountain Home Air Force Base for providing power to the new Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) site located in Grasmere by letting them name the structure.

Each site operates solely on generator or solar power. In times of inclement weather, the challenge can be accessing power. Vaughn’s solution was to locate the RWIS site close enough to MHAFB’s radar site and use the base’s solar and generator power system to provide backup power during poor weather conditions.

In order for ITD and the MHAFB to partner in this venture, Vaughn sought permission from base personnel and established a Memorandum of Understanding. As a goodwill gesture, a contest to name the RWIS site was created. Several suggestions were submitted, and the winner was “Grasmere Air Guardian,” submitted by Lt. Col. Scott “Disco” Downey. He took home a $50 gift certificate as part of the recognition.

“It’s a win-win for both the base and ITD,” said Vaughn. “The base can read the road conditions report plus view the condition on the cameras and decide if the weather warrants sending military personnel out to the site for duty. Additionally, ITD receives needed power during inclement weather to ensure the RWIS site is operational.”

Pictured right: Mountain Home Maintenance Foreman Carl Vaughn presented Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Disco” Downey with a gift certificate for winning the “Name the Road Weather Information Station (RWIS)” in Grasmere, Idaho.