Jeff Basham’s Blog

Technology can and does save lives every day. This is just one account of a 22 year old who volunteers as much of his time as possible, just like I did when I was 22, and still do today. He’s a hero.

http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/12/08/how-to-save-a-life/

“My name is Scott Gast. I am 22 years old and live in a small town called Colonial Beach, VA (population < 2,000). I try to stay busy all the time and have been that way since I was a little kid. I am a Graphic Designer under contract (paid), Shift Manager (paid), Ambulance Driver (Volunteer), and I am also an Independent Storm Chaser for the National Weather Service (Volunteer). I volunteer as much of my time as possible and in any way possible with no limitations."

...

"I could not believe what I had seen. What happened next was even more unbelievable. The broadcaster stated that their news station had contacted the National Weather Service office in Sterling, VA (Maryland’s local NWS office), who then told them that thanks was not due to their office, but to the SkyWarn Storm Spotter in Colonial Beach, VA, who was able to report an earlier tornado associated with the same storm cell. That, in turn, had prompted them to issue an advance warning for their county when they did. They did not mention my name as the NWS is not allowed to by law, but it was not necessary."