In a heart-stirring display of selflessness and heroism, Pete Hegseth, a prominent American media personality, personally presented a heroism medal and a reward of $150 million to the Coast Guard Rescue for their outstanding bravery during the catastrophic flooding in Texas. However, the Coast Guard Rescue team, in an inspiring act of humility, rejected the reward, choosing instead to emphasize the value of saving lives over material gain. Their actions and their refusal to accept the financial reward have sparked widespread admiration and moved people across the country.

The devastating floods in Central Texas, which began in early July 2025, led to a historic natural disaster. With more than 100 lives claimed and countless homes and businesses destroyed, the situation quickly became a dire emergency, with first responders working around the clock to save as many lives as possible. Among these first responders was 26-year-old Scott Ruskan, a Coast Guard Rescue swimmer, who was called into action on his very first official mission.

At the time of the flood, Ruskan had been in training for only six months. Despite his limited experience, he was thrust into the chaos of the situation, where his courage and dedication would be tested to the fullest. Ruskan’s mission was to rescue victims trapped in various locations, including Camp Mystic, a summer camp located along the flooded Guadalupe River. The camp was home to over 200 individuals, primarily children, who found themselves stranded in the face of rapidly rising floodwaters.

In a heartfelt interview with Good Morning America, Ruskan shared the emotional weight of his first mission, recalling that he was essentially the only first responder on the scene when he arrived at the camp. “I kind of discovered I was the only person there as far as first responders go,” Ruskan said. “So I had about 200, kids mostly. All scared, terrified, cold, having probably the worst day of their life. And I just kind of needed to triage them, get them to a higher level of care and get ‘em off the flood zone.”

Ruskan’s swift and decisive actions helped save the lives of 165 individuals, guiding groups of campers and adults through dangerous floodwaters to safety. Despite the overwhelming fear and chaos surrounding him, he remained focused on his mission, displaying calmness under pressure. “I just knew I had to stay strong for them,” he explained, recounting how he helped navigate the terrified campers to higher ground and out of the flood zone.

As Ruskan made his way through the camp, the gravity of the situation became all too clear. The children he was rescuing were not just frightened; many were facing some of the worst experiences of their lives. Yet despite their fear and distress, Ruskan was deeply moved by their resilience. “Those guys are heroic, and they were dealing with some of the worst times of their lives, and they were staying strong,” he said. “That helped inspire me to get in there and help them out.”

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, the Coast Guard Rescue team was invited to a public ceremony where Pete Hegseth awarded them a heroism medal and a staggering $150 million as a token of appreciation for their courage and sacrifice. However, in a remarkable display of humility, the Coast Guard team, including Ruskan, refused the monetary reward.

The team’s decision to reject the financial reward struck a chord with many people. In a statement, Ruskan explained, “We’re not here for the money. We’re here to save lives. That’s what really matters.” The Coast Guard Rescue team emphasized that the real reward for their efforts was not the financial compensation, but the satisfaction of knowing they had made a difference in the lives of those they rescued. “We’re just doing our job,” Ruskan said. “The money should go to the people who really need it—the victims, the families who lost everything.”

The response from the Coast Guard team has been nothing short of inspiring. Their refusal to accept the $150 million reward sends a powerful message about the true nature of heroism. It is not about seeking fame or fortune but about prioritizing the well-being of others above all else. The act of turning down the reward resonates deeply with people across the nation, reminding us that the essence of heroism lies in selflessness, sacrifice, and a commitment to others.

Ruskan’s actions, as well as the actions of his fellow Coast Guard Rescue team members, have elevated them to a status of true American heroes. Their bravery in the face of unimaginable danger has saved hundreds of lives, and their unwavering humility in rejecting the financial reward only serves to further solidify their place as role models for all Americans.

As the dust settles and the floodwaters begin to recede, the story of Scott Ruskan and the Coast Guard Rescue team will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. Their courage, their selflessness, and their refusal to seek reward for their actions will be remembered as a beacon of hope in times of crisis—a reminder that true heroism is not measured by accolades or riches, but by the lives we touch and the sacrifices we make for others.

Indeed, in a world often driven by materialism, Scott Ruskan and his team have shown us the true meaning of heroism.