Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.

A Picture from History: I Will Stay

Large parts of New Orleans remain flooded two weeks after several levees failed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo: Bob McMillan/ FEMA)
In this Picture from History we look at Richard Webb -- a blind man from Louisiana who bravely brought his Ham radio to a local hospital to save lives.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
JUMP TO SECTION Jump To:

    America had plenty of advance notice that Hurricane Katrina was on its way.

    Hurricane Katrina
    Hurricane Katrina (Photo: NASA)

    Likewise, the country knew it was going to be bad. Hearing this, however, one man decided there was something he could do to make a difference.

    Grabbing his portable, battery-operated ham radio station, Richard Webb made his way to New Orleans’ Charity Hospital.

    Charity Hospital New Orleans
    Charity Hospital in New Orleans (Photo: Niels Olson via WikiCommons)

    There was only one problem…

    He was blind.

    Katrina Makes Landfall

    Katrina hit. It was everything anticipated and more.

    As the floodwaters rose throughout Louisiana, Webb sat at the hospital relaying messages for those in need.

    An Army National Guard air crew member looks out at the flooded streets of New Orleans.

    There was no electricity, no phone service, and the hospital didn’t even have running water. The ability to perform any level of advanced quality care was long gone.  

    For one pregnant woman, however, the hospital was her only hope.

    She was already in labor and waded through floodwater to make it to the hospital — scared, wet, and cold.

    Large parts of New Orleans remain flooded two weeks after several levees failed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo: Bob McMillan/ FEMA)

    After an assessment by doctors, it was quickly determined that the woman needed an emergency c-section if her baby would have any chance of survival.

    If these two were to have any chance of living, mom and baby needed medivac quickly. But, again, there were no phones.

    But in stepped Webb…

    Over the Radio Waves

    He began to broadcast. He offered where he was and what was needed.

    Emergency communications chain quickly developed as other ham radio operators furthered the message down the chain.

    Ham Radios
    Ham radio

    Not long afterward, a helicopter was sighted…the medivac.

    The woman was airlifted away from the hospital and taken to a hospital with power. She received an emergency c-section, and both she and the baby lived.

    And all because Webb was willing to use his ham skills, abilities, and gear to save the lives of others.

    Ham Radio Shack Yaesu VX6

    This is a new style of article for Pew Pew Tactical; if you liked it — let us know in the comments! If you didn’t enjoy it…well phooey. To catch up on previous Pictures from History, click on over to our History Category.

    The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

    Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

    15 Leave a Reply

    • Gregory E Harber

      Thanks for the wonderful, uplifting story!!!

      September 14, 2021 11:43 am
    • Eric Thompson

      Fantastic read! We need more of that for sure. Reading how people use their tools to help others is an upbeat concept. And we could all use good news once in a while...

      September 13, 2021 2:42 am
    • Bob

      Great Article - definitely do more of this.

      September 12, 2021 7:11 pm
    • Marion McMillan

      Loved it. Amateur radio is right up the Preppers alley and a lifesaving skill in emergency situations. So when you’re stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and food, please consider becoming a licensed radio operator. The license doesn’t matter when the SHTF, but you need to practice using your equipment before it’s actually needed. Keep em coming.

      September 12, 2021 6:10 pm
      • Aden Tate

        Practice is key with radio. It can be a rough learning curve - mainly because of the testing process which was built by engineers for engineers - but once you pass that, getting on air is relatively straightforward.

        September 12, 2021 6:40 pm
    • Vincent Alberry

      Bloody HERO. It's stories like this, that makes days like these, more bearable.

      September 12, 2021 5:52 pm
    • Mark

      Well done, from KI5KQV, to whomever the HAM was. Well done. Alan, great job getting the info and putting it out there. There will be hundreds now that will study, test and join the HAM community.

      September 11, 2021 7:30 pm
    • Grunthos

      I like it.

      September 11, 2021 3:31 am
      • Aden Tate

        Thanks, Grunthos.

        I can't help but picture Groot saying your name.

        September 11, 2021 8:39 am
    • Mark

      I, hope these words reach Ronnie(musician) Millsap. We is also a ham operator and has been one for years.
      Thank you for the article.

      September 11, 2021 3:30 am
      • Aden Tate

        Glad you liked it Marky Mark. It was a blast to research and write.

        September 11, 2021 8:39 am
    • BenV

      I have my ham license. The media concentrated on New Orleans but Mississippi was harder hit. For the first two weeks amateur radio was the only communication resources in much of Mississippi. Hams traveled at their own expense (FCC forbids compensation). Using their own equipment they installed their radios and antennas in both semi's and government vehicles (such as forest service trucks from California). It was these vehicles carrying ham radio operators that coordinated delivery of food, water and other supplies.
      It wasn't until two weeks after Katrina that the first semi trailer portable cell phone system arrived.
      Hat's off to all the hams that volunteer their time, resources and expertise. It is events like Katrina that prove that amateur radio is a national asset and still relevant in today's world.

      September 10, 2021 9:08 pm
      • Aden Tate

        I agree. Ham radio rocks.

        I think at the very least - should one not want to study for the licensure test - one should get invested in CB radio. It's most certainly better than nothing, and can easily save lives.

        September 11, 2021 8:36 am
    • Regular Guy

      Loved it! Blind, and doing more with his skills than those who can see. That guy deserves a beer, or two.

      September 10, 2021 11:49 am
      • Aden Tate

        It's a story that gives me chills. That guy was a true man - willing to use what he had to save the lives of others.

        September 11, 2021 8:38 am
    Join the community! Log in
    Please provide a valid email address.
    Password is required.
    or
    Register
    Please provide a valid display name.
    Please provide a valid email address.
    The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
    Please accept in order to continue.
    By unsubscribing, you will not be able to access exclusive training courses in your profile. You will still be able to save and access your products and articles.
    or
    Trouble logging in?
    Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
    Please provide a valid email.
    Password
    Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
    To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
    In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

    Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.

    Login or create a free account to get the following
    Access and save hundreds of reviews, gun guides, and articles!
    Find the best daily deals on guns, gear, and ammo
    Manage your newsletter subscriptions and comments