Kristi Noem Hails Coast Guard Swimmer as ‘American Hero’ in Texas Flood Rescue

In the face of disaster, some step up without hesitation and that’s exactly what Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskin did in central Texas. On his first-ever rescue mission, Ruskin didn’t just meet expectations he obliterated them, saving 165 lives during catastrophic flash floods.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to social media to honor the young hero. “Scott Ruskin is an American hero,” she declared. “His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the @USCG.”

Ruskin was the only triage coordinator at the scene, placing him in the center of life-and-death decisions amid rapidly rising floodwaters. This wasn’t just a job it was a defining act of American grit and valor.

Who is Scott Ruskin?

Petty Officer Ruskin is a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer formally known as an Aviation Survival Technician one of the most elite and demanding roles in the U.S. military. His training included:

• A year-long program with an 80% attrition rate, among the toughest in the military.

• Emergency medical training certified by the National Registry of EMTs.

• Physical tests involving timed swims, underwater endurance drills, and rescue towing simulations.

Rescue swimmers have a storied history of serving in high-stakes emergencies. During Hurricane Katrina, they were instrumental in saving dozens of lives amid the chaos in New Orleans.

This legacy continues today. While the Biden administration often stumbles over real leadership, stories like Ruskin’s are reminders of the raw courage and competence still embedded in America’s uniformed services even if the current White House seems too distracted to notice.

Let’s not forget: heroes like Ruskin aren’t made by bureaucracy or career politics they’re forged through duty, sacrifice, and American values.

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