[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 9, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H5857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SACRAMENTO HEROES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Matsui) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
heroism of Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, Army National Guardsman Alek 
Skarlatos, and college student Anthony Sadler.
  These three courageous young Americans drew the attention of the 
world on August 21 when they bravely took action to prevent a terrorist 
attack that could have taken the lives of dozens, if not hundreds, of 
innocent people on a passenger train in France. By now, most of the 
country and the world have heard about the heroic actions of these 
young men.
  Spencer, Alek, and Anthony were on a train from Amsterdam to Paris as 
part of a European vacation. A terrorist, intending to murder 
passengers, boarded their train. When the attacker, armed with at least 
two firearms, including an assault rifle with hundreds of rounds of 
ammunition, entered the train car, the three young Americans, without 
hesitation, responded.
  Witnesses say that Alek prompted action by yelling, ``Go get 'em.'' 
Spencer charged and tackled the gunman, with Alek and Anthony close 
behind. The three men, with the help of another passenger, tackled, 
subdued, and disarmed the attacker before anyone else was seriously 
injured. The attacker managed to wound Spencer with a box cutter during 
the struggle. Despite his injuries, Spencer used his Air Force medic 
training to treat the wound of another passenger, likely saving his 
life.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that all three of these heroes are from 
the Sacramento region. They met at a local middle school and have 
maintained a close friendship ever since. Their friendship and loyalty 
to each other is part of what makes Sacramento and this Nation great.
  Spencer grew up in Carmichael, which is just outside of Sacramento--a 
suburb, in fact--and attended Del Campo High School. He currently 
serves as a U.S. Air Force medic.
  Alek is also from Carmichael and had moved to Oregon. He serves in 
the Oregon National Guard and had just finished a 9-month deployment in 
Afghanistan.
  Anthony is studying kinesiology at California State University, 
Sacramento. He grew up in Sacramento. His father is a pastor at Shiloh 
Baptist Church, a historical church in our community, and he has been a 
friend of the Matsui family for many, many years. As he related to me, 
he always told Anthony to always watch each other's back. That is what 
friends do.
  Mr. Speaker, Spencer's, Alek's, and Anthony's actions were nothing 
short of extraordinary. These young men, who call themselves just 
regular guys, have given all Americans a reason to celebrate. They have 
been awarded the French Legion of Honour. My city of Sacramento, which 
is also the State capital, will be throwing them a parade on Friday--
significantly, on 9/11--and I am sure more accolades will follow.
  However, more important than any accolade is that they have reminded 
us about the importance of service, sacrifice, and selflessness. All 
three men deserve commendation for the manner in which they have 
represented our Nation and have put themselves in harm's way to save 
the lives of others.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler as we honor their 
bravery.

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