McMorris Rodgers Statement on WSU Alum Receiving Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2018) — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement before Washington State University (WSU) alumnus, Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II, received the Medal of Honor from President Trump at the White House.

“Staff Sergeant Shurer’s courage and bravery saved the lives of many Americans,” McMorris Rodgers said. “His actions were nothing short of heroic and our nation owes him a debt of gratitude. It’s humbling to know his journey to receive the Medal of Honor began in Spokane, where he enlisted in the Army one year after our nation was attacked on September 11. Together, as a grateful nation, we thank Staff Sergeant Shurer for his remarkable service.”

Background from the White House:

On Monday, October 1, 2018, President Donald J. Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Ronald J. Shurer II, for conspicuous gallantry for actions he took in 2008 as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.

Ronald J. Shurer will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 2008, while serving as a Senior Medical Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, Special Operations Task Force-33, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Then-Staff Sergeant Shurer and his team were engaged by enemy machine gun, sniper, and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The lead portion of the assault element sustained several casualties and became pinned down on the mountainside. Then-Staff Sergeant Shurer braved enemy fire to treat an injured Soldier. After stabilizing the Soldier, he fought his way across a barrage of bullets and up the mountain to the lead element. Once there, he treated and stabilized four more Soldiers. After treating the wounded, then-Staff Sergeant Shurer began evacuating them, carrying and lowering the casualties down the mountainside, using his body to shield them from enemy fire and debris. After he loaded the wounded in the evacuation helicopter, he retook control of his commando squad and rejoined the fight. Then-Staff Sergeant Shurer’s heroic actions saved the lives of his teammates.

On September 18, 2002, Ronald Shurer enlisted into the United States Army in Spokane, Washington, and entered initial training in November 2002. He was promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant on December 1, 2006. He served with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan from November 28, 2007, to May 31, 2008. He was honorably discharged on May 21, 2009. He began his career with the Secret Service as a Special Agent assigned to the Phoenix Field Office on September 14, 2009. He was selected for the Secret Service’s Counter Assault Team and assigned to the Special Operations Division on June 1, 2014. He resides in Burke, Virginia, with his wife Miranda and sons Cameron, 10, and Tyler, 7.

For more on Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II’s story of service and details of his ceremony, please click here.