When catastrophic floods swept through Texas, Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan risked his life to save others—evacuating 169 people, including hundreds of terrified children from a submerged summer camp. It was his first mission.

As storms raged, Ruskan flew into danger, landed amid chaos, and led children—10 to 15 at a time—to safety aboard Army helicopters. His courage and composure prevented even more lives from being lost in one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history.

He’s called it “just doing his job.” We call it heroism.

We are calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard to recognize Ruskan with a Distinguished Flying Cross, Homeland Security Medal of Valor, or the Coast Guard Commendation Medal—whichever best reflects the extraordinary magnitude of his lifesaving actions.

In moments like these, America needs to celebrate the people who remind us what courage and public service truly mean.

Sign now to honor a true American hero.