[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 200 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF THE RUSH CREEK YACHT CLUB

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                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the youth sailors of 
the Rush Creek Yacht Club of Heath, Texas, for their role in rescuing a 
windsurfer in distress.
  On July 16, 2021, Bob Cummings was windsurfing on Lake Hubbard near 
Dallas, Texas, when he lost his foil board in strong winds. Mr. 
Cummings was stranded in the middle of the lake and located two miles 
from the nearest shore. He was tired, cold, and anxious about his fate. 
To his good fortune, youth sailor Leon van Os was sailing on the same 
lake and spotted Mr. Cummings struggling in the water. Leon quickly 
notified the rest of his crew and utilized their ``man overboard'' 
training to rescue Mr. Cummings.
  In recognition of their efforts, the U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea 
Committee has awarded the Rush Creek Yacht Club the Arthur B. Hanson 
Rescue Medal for the crew's actions. This Medal was established in 1990 
to recognize those who have rescued fellow sailors from danger and made 
significant contributions in improving rescue efforts nationwide. The 
crew of young heroes includes Leon van Os, Mercedes Porter-Via, Alex 
Deaton, Genevieve Young, Ian Park, Ally Ravji, and Elizabeth Cleaves.
  I have requested a United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol in recognition of each of these individuals for their bravery 
and heroic action. I thank them for their efforts and may God Bless 
them all.

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