Brigadier General Benjamin J. “Joe” Spraggins – Professional Profile

In this episode of the Weather Heroes series, The Katrina Chronicles, we meet the man who oversaw the Harrison County, MS response and recovery efforts following Katrina’s devastating impact. 

Brigadier General Benjamin J. “Joe” Spraggins (Ret.) is a distinguished military and public service leader with over 34 years in the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 2006 as a Brigadier General. He commanded the Combat Readiness Training Center Gulfport, the 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian, MS, and served as Chief of Staff of the Tennessee Air National Guard. An aviator with more than 3,400 flight hours, his final assignment was Battle Commander for the Continental United States Region under NORAD, overseeing U.S. air sovereignty.

Following his military career, Spraggins became the Harrison County, MS Emergency Management Director, coordinating recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010), the Haiti earthquake (2010), and the Nashville flood (2010).

While recounting his Katrina experiences, the General describes the many challenges to recovery, shares some very moving stories, and provides insights into the long-term recovery efforts along the MS coast and what can be done to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

In 2013, he joined the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and currently serves as the Executive Director. He leads programs in coastal restoration, resiliency, and marine fisheries.

General Spraggins also serves on multiple regional and national boards, including the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Authority. 

Known for his dedication to coastal Mississippi, he is a respected leader in disaster recovery, marine resource management, and community service

“Have a very good plan, practice it regularly, and be ready for what can happen; be prepared for war with nature. Never get complacent”

In this episode of our ongoing Katrina Chronicles, we discuss the recovery of coastal Mississippi schools in the aftermath of that devastating hurricane. The massive destruction of school buildings, the loss of facilities, faculty and staff presented unprecedented challenges. Almost everyone – teachers, parents and pupils were unhoused and had evacuated to places across the southeastern US. 

Today, Glen East, Gulfport School District Superintendent, talks us through the journey to normalize one of the major aspects of daily life – school. 

The decision to get the schools up and running as quickly as possible met a critical need for Katrina’s youngest victims. Studies later confirmed that school life, with its routine, safety, and sense of caring, was vital in helping the children cope with the daily challenges wrought by the aftermath of Katrina. Amazingly, the first schools were able to be reopened in 26 days!

Resources were gathered from around the country, partnerships made with other districts, solutions found to the many, many challenges. The reopening of schools in Gulfport and other coastal communities was paramount to help begin healing the devastated city.

So, join me in welcoming Mr. East as he recounts the post Katrina days and the rebuilding of a school district and community. 

When Hurricane Katrina tore through the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, Gulfport Police Sergeant Andy Ratcliffe found himself at the heart of one of America’s most devastating natural disasters. A native Mississippian with an infectious enthusiasm for life, he helped maintain order and lead rescue efforts in the storm’s immediate aftermath. As a military pilot, he also took to the skies, flying FEMA and other officials over the wreckage and delivering lifesaving supplies by helicopter to stranded survivors.

In this episode, Colonel Ratcliffe reflects on the chaos and courage of those days: neighborhoods erased overnight, airports operating without controllers, and military‑style drop sites becoming lifelines for desperate families. He shares vivid first‑hand accounts of the destruction, the resilience of Gulfport’s community spirit, and the rally points that kept responders united when everything else was falling apart.

Commissioned as an aviation officer in 1998, his current command assignments include: Commander, A/1-185 AVN, Commander, I/1-185th AVN, Commander, HHC/1108th AVN GRP, and Commander of A/1108th AVN GRP. He has served as the Brigade AVN Officer for 155th ABCT, Executive Officer for 1-185 AVN Regiment, and Chief of Staff for 66th Troop Command. He has deployments to Iraq, Kuwait and Kosovo. He currently serves as the Facility Commander at the MS-AVCRAD and is also the Commander of the 1108th TASMG.

Colonel Ratcliffe is the recipient of numerous military awards and decorations which include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Master Army Aviator Badge.

He has seen Gulfport recover over the years as he continues his orientation towards service as a community leader.  He serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Gulf Coast, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulf Coast Business Council, and the Gulf Coast Boys & Girls Club while also a Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gulfport.

Andy Ratcliffe’s story is more than a remembrance—it’s a testament to service, leadership, and the unbreakable will of a community recovering from a catastrophe.

In this next episode we meet Ferrell Alman. When Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury on Gulfport, Mississippi, it left behind a city in ruins - landmarks erased, homes shattered, lives forever altered. Among those caught in the storm’s path was Mr. Alman, a local business owner whose own home and family were affected. But Ferrell didn’t retreat from the devastation. He stepped forward.

We'll hear Ferrell’s remarkable story of resilience and compassion. Rather than succumb to despair, he turned his home and his business into lifelines for those who had lost everything. His actions helped spark a wave of recovery and hope in a city struggling to find its footing.

Ferrell shares how Katrina reshaped Gulfport, how neighbors became lifelines, and how a community found strength in unity. His story is a testament to the power of local leadership and the extraordinary good that can come when people choose to care.

“You survive, you persevere... you just learn how to adapt, and your whole world kind of changes.” - Ferrell Alman

Ferrell Alman isn’t just a business owner - he’s a cornerstone of Gulfport’s recovery and a shining example of what it means to show up when it matters most.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast, chaos reigned and communication was critical. At the heart of the storm’s coverage was Dave Vincent, a seasoned broadcaster and station manager of WLOX-TV, He delivered life-saving information to a community in crisis. As the disaster unfolded, Dave and his team provided award-winning coverage that kept residents informed, connected, and hopeful.

A veteran of the news industry, Dave holds degrees from three colleges, including a master’s in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi. He continues to serve on the university’s School of Mass Communication and Journalism Advisory Board and has been inducted into both the school’s Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Dave’s leadership and dedication during Katrina exemplify the vital role of local journalism in times of disaster. His tireless work—alongside the entire WLOX-TV team—ensured that the people of Gulfport and Biloxi had the information they needed to make life-or-death decisions.

“I wish today we had that camaraderie we had back then. People really came together and helped each other.”  - Dave Vincent

As part of our ongoing Katrina Chronicles, today we meet Fire Chief Billy Kelley.

When Hurricane Katrina slammed into Gulfport, Mississippi, it left behind a trail of destruction that reshaped the city - and the lives within it. Billy was on the front lines, firefighter extraordinaire. He faced the storm’s fury not only as a first responder, but as someone whose own home was ravaged.

Now the department’s fire chief, he reflects on those harrowing days: the scramble to save lives, the coordination of a sprawling relief effort, and the unwavering spirit of a community that refused to be broken. His story is one of grit, leadership, and a resilience that defies description

With over 20 years of service, Billy was appointed chief in 2021. He now oversees an operation that spans eleven stations and delivers critical services—from land and maritime fire suppression to emergency medical care, HAZMAT response, technical rescue, and fire prevention. Under his leadership, the Gulfport Fire Department remains a pillar of strength and preparedness.

Mr. Kelley’s courage during Katrina—and his continued dedication—serve as a beacon for anyone facing disaster. His words capture the heart of Gulfport’s response:

“Resiliency... it was happening everywhere around here. From coast to coast... this place just really stepped up and a lot of people just did what they had to do.” - Billy Kelley

August 2005—when Mississippi met its moment of truth.

In this episode, we meet Billy Hewes, a lifelong Gulfport resident whose home was left battered by Hurricane Katrina. But Hewes was more than a survivor—he was a driving force in the recovery. Serving as a state congressional leader while also working as an insurance and real estate agent, he brought a rare, multifaceted perspective to the crisis. Hewes takes us inside those early days—navigating logistical chaos, political challenges, and personal loss.

He recounts stories of resilience from the Gulf Coast. His voice carries the spirit of a community rising from devastation, sparking coordinated efforts at the city, county, and state level to not just rebuild—but rethink the future.

"We weren’t just rebuilding homes—we were rebuilding hope.” - Billy Hewes

Welcome to another powerful installment of the Katrina Chronicles, our continuing series marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While most of the public focus after Katrina was on New Orleans due to the devastating levy breaks, this killer storm wrecked the coast of Mississippi in ways still being studied today. The citizens of Mississippi responded with heart, grit, and a steadfast belief that they would overcome the effects of the storm. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, and the long, arduous path to recovery is a moving testament to courage and community strength.

Today, we’re privileged to speak with Pat Sullivan, Fire Chief of Harrison County, Mississippi. Back in 2005, when Katrina roared ashore, Chief Sullivan was leading the fire department in Gulfport—a city squarely in the storm’s path along the Mississippi coast.

In this episode, he takes us back to those harrowing days: the tense lead-up to landfall, the unprecedented challenges faced by first responders, and the deeply human moments that emerged amid the chaos. Through his firsthand accounts, Chief Sullivan paints a vivid picture of the courage, determination, and resilience that defined the response. His heartfelt reflections shine a light on the tireless efforts it took to safeguard lives and begin the long road to recovery—honoring the spirit of a community forever changed.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina (August 2005), a large and extremely powerful hurricane, caused enormous destruction and significant loss of life. It is the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States, surpassing the record previously held by Hurricane Andrew from 1992. In addition, Katrina is one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever strike the United States. In all, Hurricane Katrina was responsible for 1,833 fatalities and approximately $108 billion in damage (un-adjusted 2005 dollars).

Hurricane Katrina - August 2005

I was super fortunate to get a chance to speak with Mike Boylan, the creator of Mike’s Weather Page. Many a time have I and my co-workers used the information there to help fine tune response plans. 

Found at spaghettimodels.com, Mike’s Weather Page offers a comprehensive collection of tools and data to track weather events. Mike’s Weather Hero journey is truly inspiring. What started as a side project in 2004 has grown into a trusted resource for weather enthusiasts, emergency responders, businesses, citizens, the military and many others.  

Mike's dedication to providing accurate and accessible weather information earned him the prestigious Governor’s Hurricane Conference Tropical Meteorology Award in 2021. He is the first private citizen to have been awarded this honor making his achievement even more remarkable. 

Mike’s Weather Page helps countless individuals and organizations prepare for and respond to natural disasters. As you’ll hear, Mike’s humility and passion shine through as he tells his story. We get a little weather geeky towards the end as we discuss various hurricane modeling efforts. Mike is well versed in this subject.

Join me, as we get to know Mike and hear his story. Let me know what aspect of Mike's story resonates with you the most?

Mike’s Weather Page

Weather Heroes

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In the first of our Katrina Chronicles series, we have the privilege of speaking with EG Warren, a veteran insurance agent boasting over fifty years of invaluable experience. EG reflects on his early days in the insurance industry on the Mississippi coast and candidly shares the personal and professional hurdles he encountered in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience and fortitude of a community ravaged by one of the most destructive storms in history.

Despite his humility, EG's narratives reveal the staggering challenges he faced. The interview kicks off with a brief history of EG's journey before diving into the chaotic aftermath of Katrina. EG’s office transformed into a vital hub for the exchange of information, offering essentials like water and clothes, and serving as a connection point for the entire community. EG is one of the many heroes that shined through during the dark days of Katrina’s aftermath. Tune in as EG chronicles the daily struggles he and the community endured.

Hurricane Katrina - August 2005 (National Hurricane Center)

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