[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 11, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H194-H195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING PAUL BANDY, AIMEE JOHNS, AND HEATH BRADDOCK

  (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the heroism of 
Paul Bandy; his wife, Aimee Johns; and Heath Braddock.
  On a clear summer day last year, Steve Breummer, a triathlete, was 
doing his routine swim about 150 yards off the coast in Monterey Bay 
when he was attacked by a great white shark. Pulled under water, bitten 
across his thigh and abdomen, and bleeding profusely, Steve saw the 
cold black eye of that predator, fought him off, and yelled for help.

[[Page H195]]

  Paul, a police officer, and Aimee, a nurse, heard the cries and 
paddleboarded to the victim. Heath, who was onshore, grabbed a 
surfboard and joined in the rescue. Even though there was blood on top 
of the water and a shark lurked under the water, all three heroes were 
undeterred, got to Steve, got him out of the water, and saved his life.
  For their actions, the rescuers have been honored by the Red Cross 
and the Carnegie Commission.
  Steve, although not yet doing triathlons, is walking and swimming 
again.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I honor all of them for the determination to 
fight in the face of danger; for their will to act, despite it being to 
their detriment; and fulfilling what it means to be a hero in our 
community on the central coast and in our country.

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