Red Crosser Ronda Roy arrives to Scott Gilbeaux's home in Youngsville, LA the morning after a devastating tornado destroyed his home. After assessing the damage, our Disaster Action Team can help connect survivors like Scott with immediate assistance. Photo courtesy of Kelly Domingue.
August 23, 2024
By: Samantha Ferrer, Red Cross volunteer
On June 1st, Youngsville resident Scott Gilbeaux experienced a disaster that left him bereft of his home: a tornado. Unaware of the potential tornado threat, Scott was in his home when he heard the sound of a train whistle and headed outside. As the wind hit him hard on the chest, he fell to the ground and crawled on his belly toward his tractor, to which he held on for dear life while the destructive winds swirled around him.
“I thought I was dead,” expressed Scott, who was alone at the time with no one within a half mile radius. Then, a crashing sound – like a coke can being smashed. When he looked back at his trailer, it was upside down. “Thank God I got out when I did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here,” said Scott.
A father of two daughters and former Merchant Marines Captain, Gilbeaux was surprised to be alive as the silence of the aftermath of the tornado settled in. “I don’t remember much of what happened,” confessed Gilbeaux when trying to recall the immediate moments following the tornado.
He reached out to the Red Cross of Louisiana early the following morning. Disaster Action Team volunteers arrived at his home before noon, assessing the damage to the property.
“This is more than a job for them. They were so kind and checked on me; called me to make sure I was okay,” said Scott about Ronda Roy and Kelly Domingue, who responded to his call.
Scott received immediate monetary aid from the Red Cross. His eyeglasses and medications, which were lost in the disaster, were replaced by the organization as well.
“People you least expect really care about you. There are people in this world who really care, no matter what,” expressed Scott, who is extremely grateful to the Red Cross volunteers who aided him and cared for him in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe. “I can’t wait to be able to give back to the Red Cross.”
Recovery from a total home loss is more than challenging. Currently, Scott is living on his boathouse without any plumbing or running water, with support from his daughter and mother as he awaits repairs. He has also been on leave from work while recovering from an injury, and is living on his savings and the crucial immediate aid received from the Red Cross.
Thanks to generous donors, the Red Cross is able to provide monetary aid to people impacted by natural disasters such as Scott, as well as replace medication and other indispensable necessities. In addition, caseworkers provide clients with referrals for housing and other services they may require as they navigate the process of recovering from a natural disaster and rebuilding their life after losing their home.
Despite the challenge, Scott expressed how this experience strengthened his faith and showed him the goodness in the world and the passion of people to help others. Thanks to Red Cross volunteers, victims of natural disaster can navigate the rough waters of the aftermath with a bit less stress and the hope and strength to carry on.
After surviving what Scott said was the scariest moment of his life, the veteran posted his American flag as a symbol of hope and strength. Photo courtesy of Kelly Domingue.
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