Coast Guard Heroes to be Honored at Houston Event for Kerr County Rescues

Rescue Crews to Receive Recognition

U.S. Coast Guard aircrews from air stations in Corpus Christi and Houston will be honored at the upcoming Texas Salutes the U.S. Coast Guard dinner for their extraordinary rescue efforts during the deadly Kerr County flooding over the Fourth of July weekend. The heroic operation resulted in the rescue of more than 245 survivors.

Coast Guard Helicopter CG-6553 Crew Sets Rescue Record

Scott Ruskan's Historic Single-Mission Rescue Achievement

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan and the crew of helicopter CG-6553 faced extreme weather conditions during their mission to Camp Mystic. Despite dangerous flying conditions, the crew successfully:

• Rescued five campers from immediate danger
• Coordinated multi-agency helicopter operations to evacuate more than 200 survivors from the disaster zone
• Set an all-time Coast Guard record for most rescues on a single mission

Ruskan's ground coordination efforts proved crucial in directing helicopters from multiple agencies throughout the disaster zone.

Answering the Call Campaign Honors 

Coast Guard Heroes Who Responded to the Kerrville Tragedy 

The Coast Guard Foundation has launched a special fundraising campaign honoring the four crew members of Coast Guard helicopter CG-6553 – Lt. Ian Hopper, Lt. Blair Ogujiofor, Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Reeves. The Answering the Call Campaign will 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. Campaign proceeds will support the Foundation's mission including programs like:

• Emergency assistance programs
• Morale and wellness initiatives
• Educational programs for Coast Guard families

Texas Salutes the Coast Guard: Annual Fundraising Event

Supporting Coast Guard Families Since 2016

The Texas Salutes the Coast Guard dinner, which the crew of helicopter CG-6553 will attend, has been bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and Coast Guard personnel since 2016. This annual Houston event serves dual purposes:

• Celebrating Coast Guard missions and heroism
• Raising funds for programs supporting service members and families

ConocoPhillips Receives Industry Leadership Recognition

20 Years of Coast Guard Foundation Support

ConocoPhillips will receive special recognition for its decades-long support of the Coast Guard and local communities. In addition to supporting the Foundation, ConocoPhillips assists all military families through initiatives that benefit veterans, families, and military children.

Distinguished Coast Guard Leadership in Attendance

High-ranking Coast Guard officials scheduled to attend include:

• Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard
• Rear Admiral Will Watson, incoming commander the Coast Guard's Heartland District (formerly District 8)
• Captain Nicole Rodriquez, Sector Houston-Galveston commander
• Regional Coast Guard personnel

Event Details and Sponsorship Information

November 18 Houston Celebration

Date: Thursday, November 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (reception and dinner)
Location: Marriott Marquis Houston 

Major Event Sponsors

Special thanks to our major sponsors:

• Cheniere Energy
• Chevron  
• ConocoPhillips
• Kirby Corporation
• Talos Energy

And thank you to all who are sponsoring and attending the event!

Title Image: Lt. j.g. Jacob Grube, master of ceremonies, delivers remarks before individual award presentations for the aircrew of MH-65 rescue helicopter CG-6553, July 11, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. The individual honors were presented by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for the aircrew's bravery and support of numerous rescues in the wake of the catastrophic flash flooding near Kerrville. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Hillard)

Disclosure: AI was used to assist with the structure of this article.