Heroic Rescue Highlighted in State of the Union Address

President Donald Trump has recognized the bravery of a Coast Guard swimmer credited with saving over 160 campers in Texas.

During the State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump honored U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, who played a key role in rescuing 165 campers during devastating flooding in Kerr County, Texas, back in July 2025.

He shared a poignant moment involving 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond, who thought she was on the brink of being swept away by floodwaters.

“You all remember that one when the waters threatened to sweep her away… 11-year-old Milly Cate closed her eyes and prayed to God – she thought she was going to die,” Trump recounted. “Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan descended from a helicopter above. Nobody knew where he came from.”

The President noted that this was Ruskan’s first rescue mission and described him as exceptionally brave.

“It was Scott’s first ever rescue mission,” he told the assembly. “He lifted not just Milly Cate, but 164 others to safety. People watched Scott from a distance and they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.”

Ruskan and McClymond attended the event where Trump awarded Ruskan the Legion of Merit for “exceptionally meritorious conduct,” prompting a lengthy standing ovation in the chamber.

The flooding at Camp Mystic was tragic, resulting in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors, including the camp’s director.