(October 22, 2024) This month, we are honored to spotlight Ray Christensen, forecaster of the NWS Aviation Weather Center in Kansas City, MO, one of our many veterans who work in our agency. Thank you, and all Veterans, for your service!
Why did you choose to join NWSEO?
I joined NWSEO in 2011 when a local NWSEO Steward took the time to explain all of the benefits of NWSEO. I watched as NWSEO worked daily toward the best interests of our Weather Forecast Office and how the local members were treated. The work I saw at the local level impressed me to understand the work at the Regional and National NWSEO levels. I then chose to invest in becoming a NWSEO member.
How do you feel the culture at NWS has evolved in terms of inclusivity, especially toward our Veterans?
Having served in the US Air Force and NY Air National Guard for 24 years, I had the privilege of performing alongside people of many races and from different cultures across America, Europe, and Asia. I was raised in a predominantly Latino Community in New Mexico with people from Latin America, many Native Americans, and others with a variety of backgrounds. I feel the NWS has created an increasingly diverse and inclusive workforce, hiring more people of color and women, many of whom might also be Veterans. The NWS has done fairly well in representing the Veteran community. Still, I would like to see an improvement in the understanding, recognition, and leveraging of our Veterans' leadership, experience, and diversity. I hope NWSEO can encourage the NWS to help our Veterans and hiring officials effectively translate and understand the skills, experience, certifications, and training gained in the military into civilian terms that will resonate with managers for leadership opportunities, promotions, and hiring.
What has NWSEO done that has impacted you the most?
NWSEO is always looking out for its members and the employees of the NWS, helping those who have been treated unfairly, working to improve our work-life balance, and keeping our jobs safe! I am proud to be a member of an organization that does everything.
Is there anything else you want to share with NWSEO members and leaders?
I am proud to be part of Team NWS and Team NWSEO. I hope that our leaders will remember that people should always come first. I hope that they can continue to improve work-life balance and find better ways to address the issues that plague shift workers. It is critically important to keep an open mind toward trying new ideas to help shift workers who face many struggles as individuals and within their families.
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