Thomas H. Kean: “I rise today to honor U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a native of Oxford, New Jersey, who displayed…”

“I rise today to honor U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a native of Oxford, New Jersey, who displayed extraordinary bravery during the devastating flooding in Kerr County, Texas. On his very first rescue mission, Petty Officer Ruskan saved 165 people, many of them children, including campers and staff from Camp Mystic. Serving as the only triage coordinator on the scene, he played a critical role in one of the largest rescue efforts in recent Coast Guard history. Scott grew up in Warren County, attended Rider University, and answered the call to serve by enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he trained as a rescue swimmer before deploying into action with courage far beyond his experience. I am grateful to the first responders and to volunteers, especially heroes like Petty Officer Ruskan, who risk their lives to protect others in need. I thank them for their service and for their sacrifice.”