[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING ZACK GOLDITCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 9, 2022

  Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Zack 
Golditch, a survivor of the Aurora Theater Shooting, who now finds 
purpose in serving our community as a firefighter for South Metro Fire 
Department.
  A 17-year-old high school football player in Aurora, with his sights 
set on the NFL, Zack spent his evening on July 20, 2012, as many other 
young people did: at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises. What 
began as a night with friends turned deadly as a gunman open fired in 
an adjacent theater to the one Zack was in, killing 12 and wounding 70. 
However, the injuries were not confined to Theater 9, as a bullet 
traveled through the wall into Theater 8 and struck him in the neck.
  Zack was forced to grow up too soon that day--his perspective on life 
changed forever as a night out with friends was almost his last. 
Recognizing the unpredictability of life, he believes that life isn't 
just about seizing the opportunities presented to him, but to slow down 
and enjoy them. Zack went on to play college football at Colorado State 
University, before fulfilling his childhood dream of being drafted into 
the NFL in 2018.
  After two years in the NFL, Zack returned home to Colorado where he 
now serves our community as a firefighter for South Metro Fire and 
Rescue in the Denver Metro area. Alongside his work at South Metro, 
Zack is involved in efforts to support victims of the theater shooting 
by lending his name to the Zack Golditch Opportunity Scholarships, 
established by the 7/20 Foundation, and managed by the Aurora Public 
Schools (APS) Foundation, to help APS students attend college.
  Zack is a shining example of turning pain into purpose. He read a 
quote once that resonated with him: ``If you're not inspired by your 
own story, then maybe you need to start writing and there's something 
you need to start doing.'' So Zack became a first responder--fully 
prepared to respond to the next tragedy, just like those that saved him 
did on that night ten years ago.
  Out of tragedy and unspeakable darkness, there are always heroes who 
rise up and answer the call to service. I can think of no better 
example than Zack, who, despite being haunted daily by the memories of 
July 20th, shows up to work every day aiming to be better than the day 
before.
  I am honored to recognize Zack for his dedication and commitment in 
service to making our community a better place to call home. I thank 
him for continuing to serve with gratitude, empathy, and a smile--all 
while inspiring us to be better versions of ourselves.

                          ____________________