[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1277-E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   STATEMENT RECOGNIZING TRAIN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AMI BERA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2015

  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend the bravery of three 
young men with ties to Sacramento County. While on a train to Paris, 
childhood friends Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler, and Spencer Stone 
sprang into action to stop a man storming through their cabin carrying 
an automatic weapon and a box cutter. Their quick action saved the 
people onboard that train and their bravery has inspired our country.
   As we recognize their heroism, the incident is also a reminder that 
terrorist threats are everywhere. These three men took bold action to 
protect others from harm and I commend the sacrifice they were willing 
to make to protect those around them.
   The three met while attending Freedom Christian School in Fair Oaks. 
Sadler and Stone attended Del Campo High School and

[[Page E1278]]

were active in their community. Skarlatos moved to Oregon, but the trio 
stayed in touch. They were on a European vacation when the gunman burst 
into their cabin.
   As an Oregon Army National Guardsman, Army Spc. Alek Skarlatos had 
recently returned from Afghanistan. He was first to sound the alarm, 
telling his friends, ``let's go'' as they moved to subdue the gunman.
   Anthony Sadler, a senior at Sacramento State University, said his 
first instinct was to help and he rushed toward the man.
   And Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone of the U.S. Air Force was the 
first to get to the gunman. He was slashed while trying to disarm the 
man. As a trained Emergency Medical Technician, his injury didn't stop 
him from administering care to some of the passengers who had been 
wounded. Stone has been nominated for the Airman's Medal, the Air 
Force's highest non-combat award.
   These men were faced with a dangerous threat and in that moment 
chose to act. It is a testament to their bravery and their service to 
their country. It is my pleasure to formally recognize the actions they 
took to save others.
   The parade in their honor will be held on September 11, 2015 in 
Sacramento. It's a fitting date to welcome them home and honor their 
heroism. The story of these three men is a reminder that everyone can 
be a hero. Thank you Alek, Anthony, and Spencer: you have made your 
hometown proud and inspired our country.

                          ____________________