[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H3036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING BERT SNYDER FOR HIS COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the anniversary of the 
Columbine shooting has been the focus of media attention the last few 
years. It has been difficult during this time not to be reminded of the 
two young men who devastated a small Colorado town and the entire 
Nation with violence. The picture of these young killers has been 
ingrained in many of our minds when we think about today's youth. This 
is an image that the media continues to foster, and one that I 
personally find unfortunate.
  While I recognize that we do live in a violent society, I also note 
that there are bright young men and women in every Congressional 
District across this country who are working to become active and 
productive members of society. Tonight, I am proud to tell my 
colleagues about one such individual from my district, the Third 
District of North Carolina.
  I recently attended the Annual Recognition Banquet of the East 
Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America. I had the honor of 
presenting a very special award to a young man whose bravery and 
courage in the face of danger should serve as an inspiration to us all.
  When I presented Bert his award, I could see the justified pride in 
his parents, Vern and Jessica Snyder's, eyes, as well as in the eyes of 
his scout leaders and his fellow boy scouts.
  Bert Snyder is a student at Rose High School in Greenville, North 
Carolina. On May 10 of last year Bert and his friend, Rice Godwin, were 
driving home from school when they encountered a multi-car accident at 
an intersection near the high school. The two young men stopped their 
car at a local convenience store and ran to the scene of the accident. 
It was evident, as they approached the accident, that one of the 
drivers involved had suffered a severe injury to her arm and her knee. 
The passenger in the car had sustained a head injury and appeared to be 
in a state of unconsciousness.
  By the time Bert arrived on the scene, as many as 30 people had 
already gathered, but, Mr. Speaker, nobody was making an effort to 
assist the victims. Bert stepped in and ordered a fellow student to 
call 911. He then assisted the female victim by providing comfort and 
assurance to help prevent her from going into shock. When he noticed 
that she was losing a significant amount of blood from the injury to 
her arm, he removed his own shirt and applied pressure to the site. 
Bert continued his efforts to stop the bleeding even after firemen 
arrived at the scene. Only when rescue personnel with the EMS unit 
arrived did Bert break from his efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, Bert Snyder placed himself in a potentially unknown and 
threatening situation to help someone in need. When onlookers did not 
take action, he stepped in and offered reassurance and emergency 
assistance. Mr. Speaker, I do not know, as an adult, if I would have 
been prepared enough or secure enough in my abilities to assist in a 
similar emergency situation with the same confidence and assertiveness 
as Bert.
  As a result of his courage and bravery, Bert was honored with the 
National Heroism Award at the award ceremony. The award was presented 
to Bert on the recommendation of the National Court of Honor because he 
demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life 
at risk to self.
  Mr. Speaker, it was an honor for me to present Bert with this 
important recognition. It was also a joy to attend the awards banquet 
and to be reminded of the number of young men and women who are working 
with organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to gain the 
values and leadership skills that will help lead this country into our 
future. Too often these bright young people do not receive the media 
attention they deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank Bert Snyder for 
his courage and his commitment to his fellow man. Bert exemplifies the 
young men and women in our society who have the character and 
leadership skills to lead this country and tomorrow's future.
  I want Bert to know how proud I am to have the opportunity to 
represent him and his family in the House of Representatives and to 
share his important story with this Nation. Bert Snyder is a member of 
today's youth who can make us all proud. I applaud his efforts and the 
efforts of every young person today who is working to make a difference 
within their communities.
  Bert Snyder, America's future is bright because of young people like 
you throughout this Nation. We thank you for your courage.

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