For video footage of the event, click here. 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) honored United States Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan with a Congressional Resolution on Capitol Hill. On Petty Officer Ruskan’s first mission, he saved 165 lives during the catastrophic floods in Texas earlier this month. 

Congressman Gonzales and Petty Officer Ruskan were joined by Senior Advisor to the Secretary for the Coast Guard, Mr. Sean Plankey, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Tom Allan, Master Chief Heath Jones, 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Phillip Waldron, selected to be the 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. 

 

“165 lives were saved during the Texas floods because of United States Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan’s bravery and selfless commitment to his mission.  It was a privilege to thank, honor, and present him with a Congressional Resolution on Capitol Hill today,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Thank you to our United States Coast Guard leadership for attending today’s event, as a retired Navy Master Chief, I share the same pride you did watching this young man rise up and answer the call of duty. This incredible story gives us hope during a very difficult time in our state—Scott Ruskan is a true American hero.” 

 

On July 10, Congressman Gonzales introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring Petty Officer Scott Ruskan for his heroism. 43 members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined Congressman Gonzales’ resolution as original cosponsors.