In a heartwarming display of bravery and compassion, a little-known Coast Guard officer has emerged as a true hero, rescuing 165 individuals from the recent floods in central Texas. Petty Officer and rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, originally from New Jersey, sprang into action when the Guadalupe River swelled dramatically after a sudden downpour of 5 to 11 inches of rain.

This was Ruskan's inaugural rescue mission, and he approached it with remarkable calmness and determination. He quickly responded to distress calls from Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp situated right in the flood's path.

Upon arriving by helicopter, Ruskan was greeted by the sight of a large gathering—about 200 kids at the campsite. He recalled thinking, “Cool, that’s where we’re going to go and get out as many people as we can.”

In an interview with CNN, Ruskan recounted the challenging conditions created by Tropical Storm Barry, noting that the weather made flying particularly difficult. The pilot had to make four attempts to land the helicopter safely.

With bridges washed away and roads submerged, Ruskan knew that the situation was dire. “There was no other way to get them out,” he explained. The water was rising too quickly for boat rescues, and communication was a struggle, as both cell service and radio reception were compromised for about three hours.

Despite the chaos surrounding him, Ruskan kept his focus, expertly directing groups of 10 to 15 people—primarily children—toward the helicopters, which were poised to airlift them to safety. His leadership in this challenging situation was truly commendable.

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, recognized his extraordinary efforts, calling him "an American hero." Yet, in the spirit of humility that defines true heroes, Ruskan remarked that he was simply doing his job, a task that "anyone" could have undertaken.

This inspiring story serves as a beautiful reminder of the good in humanity, highlighting how courage and kindness shine brightly even in the most trying circumstances. Let us celebrate the heroic actions of Scott Ruskan and the spirit of community that brings people together in times of need.