[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 71 (Monday, May 11, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GREGORY LEACH

 Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President. I wish to commend the courageous 
actions of Gregory Leach, a transportation security specialist-
explosives at Lihue International Airport and a resident of Hawaii. Mr. 
Leach helped to rescue three swimmers who were in danger of drowning. 
His heroism and selflessness deserve to be recognized on the Senate 
floor today.
  Mr. Leach moved to Hawaii from Arkansas earlier this year to work as 
a transportation security specialist-explosives at Lihue International 
Airport. As a transportation security specialist-explosives, he 
supports screening operations to protect our transportation system from 
explosive threats.
  This past March, on the beach in Wailua, Kauai, Mr. Leach noticed 
three swimmers who were struggling to return to shore. He acted quickly 
and decisively, grabbing a rescue buoy and swimming out to the group. 
One of the swimmers was unconscious, and Mr. Leach brought the man back 
to shore. He returned to the water to help the remaining two swimmers, 
and once all the swimmers were safely on the beach, Mr. Leach conducted 
chest compressions on the unconscious man until rescue personnel 
arrived. Mr. Leach's selfless efforts ensured that two of the swimmers 
survived. Unfortunately, the unconscious man later passed away.
  According to Mr. Leach's supervisor, lead transportation security 
specialist-explosives Duane Samiano:

       Transportation Security Specialist-Explosives Leach did not 
     hesitate to render aid in a life threatening situation to 
     individuals he did not know. His actions speak greatly to his 
     courage, selflessness and dedication to others. I am very 
     proud to have him on my team. He is a great asset as a 
     Transportation Security Specialist-Explosives and represents 
     himself and this agency with excellence.

  I commend Mr. Leach for his actions, and I hope that his courage 
serves as an example for others.

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