GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans five years ago Sunday.

The depth of the disaster is something that may only truly be understood by the people who endured it. One of those survivors now lives in Grand Junction, works at City Market and gardens for charity.

Richard Nye says the garden he grows for the Catholic Outreach is therapeutic, since the trauma of Hurricane Katrina still affecting him. "I was a Platoon Sergeant in Vietnam. This was just as scary," says Nye.

He lived in New Orleans for 19 years, and says the vicious storm was unlike any Louisiana had ever experienced. "When it hit, it was like 10 freight trains," he says.

Raging flood waters trapped thousands in the city and killed more than 1,500 people. "I saw a body floating," says Nye. With the help of another man, he covered the body with plastic bags.

Nye stayed in the devastation to rescue some of the most helpless victims. "We had a truck from Baton Rouge that came in and we loaded 150 animals," he says.

Masses of people crowded into the Super Dome, begging for food and a way out. The federal government was chastised for not responding more quickly. The relief effort was held up by confusion, protocol and some say racism. But Nye will only comment on his experience.

"Governor Blanco did a great job in response. FEMA...never," says Nye.

A half decade later, Nye says his neighbors are still suffering, while memories of despair still plague the former Sergeant. "I lost men. I still have friends down there," says Nye.

Working his garden, Nye says he often thinks of his friends who lost everything but refused to drown in Katrina's aftermath.