Coast Guard heroes to be honored for Kerr County flood rescues

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem poses with personnel from Coast Guard Air Stations Corpus Christi and Houston, July 11, 2025, in Kerrville. Both air stations responded to a request for Coast Guard assistance in response to flooding © Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Hillard

The Coast Guard Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families all across the country.

Its annual Texas Salutes the Coast Guard event on November 18, 2025, will honor the U.S. Coast Guard aircrews from Air Station Corpus Christi and Air Station Houston for their extraordinary rescue efforts during the devastating Kerr County floods over the Fourth of July weekend, where they helped save more than 245 people from life-threatening conditions.

Among those being recognized is the Air Station Corpus Christi crew of helicopter CG-6553, which includes Lt. Ian Hopper, pilot; Lt. Blair Ogujiofor, co-pilot; Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Reeves, flight mechanic; and Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan, rescue swimmer. Petty Officer Ruskan played a critical role by coordinating multi-agency helicopter evacuations while operating in some of the worst flying conditions imaginable. His actions and those of his crew directly led to the rescue of five campers in immediate danger and helped evacuate over 200 others.

Since 2016, the Texas Salutes the Coast Guard event has brought together industry leaders, government officials, and Coast Guard personnel to celebrate the Coast Guard's critical missions and raise vital funds for programs supporting service members and their loved ones.

Answering the Call campaign honors Coast Guard heroes who responded to the Kerrville tragedy

At the same time, in recognition of these heroic efforts, the Coast Guard Foundation has launched the Answering the Call campaign to honor those who responded to the Kerrville tragedy with professionalism, compassion and courage. We remember those who were lost, and we stand with the heroes who answered the call when they were needed the most. Now, it's our turn to answer the call.

The campaign aims to raise $200,000 to support Coast Guard Foundation programs that strengthen the well-being of Coast Guard members and their families, including emergency relief, morale and wellness initiatives, education programs, and more.

Donate now at coastguardfoundation.org/answerthecall to support Coast Guard heroes.

Learn more about the Texas Salutes the Coast Guard event here

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org or call 860-535-0786.