[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H5504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE COURAGE AND BRAVERY OF OUTSTANDING STUDENTS AT THURSTON 
                     HIGH SCHOOL IN SPRINGFIELD, OR

  (Mr. BARR of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jake and Josh 
Ryker, Adam Walburger, and Doug and David Ure for their courage and 
bravery.
  On May 21, 1998 these students witnessed a fellow classmate walk into 
the Thurston High School cafeteria in Springfield, Oregon, and begin 
shooting. Jake Ryker, after being shot through the chest, grabbed the 
suspect around the waist and threw him down, knocking the rifle out of 
his hands. His brother Josh and three other students followed Jake's 
lead and jumped on the suspect and held him on the floor until teachers 
arrived to provide assistance.
  The Ryker brothers and their family attribute these boys' confidence 
and quick thinking to their familiarity with firearms and the training 
they received as Boy Scouts. I would add to this a strong family that 
taught these brothers courage, integrity and compassion for their 
fellow man.
  Clearly, the actions of Jake and Josh Ryker, Adam Walburger, and Doug 
and David Ure saved more lives and prevented more students from being 
injured or killed.
  Mr. Speaker, I take this moment to honor the courage and bravery of 
these fine young men for acting above and beyond the call of duty in 
defense of their fellow classmates at Thurston High School in 
Springfield, Oregon.

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