PANAMA CITY, FL (WMBB) — “I’ve never been scared of a storm a day in my life, and this one right here, put the fear of God in me.”

They are powerful words from a man that’s been through more than his share of storms.

“It gives me the goosebumps just thinking about it,” continued Cajun Navy President John Billiot.

Billiott says his pickup truck was totaled by a piece of plywood that flew off of the hotel where he was staying. He says he will continue to rescue as many people as he can, despite being asked by local authorities to stand down.

“I said God put me on earth to do this, and I’m going. America will have my back on this,” said Billiott.