Lenny Skutniks " is a generic term for notable people who are invited to sit in the gallery at a State of the Union address or other joint meeting of the United States Congress . Lenny Skutnik was the first such guest , who was celebrated for his heroism following the crash of Air Florida Flight 90 on January 13 , 1982 . Skutnik dove into the icy Potomac River , saving the life of a passenger . For this act he was commended by U.S. President Ronald Reagan during the annual State of the Union speech held later that month . Since then , the term " Lenny Skutniks " has been used to refer to individuals invited to sit in the gallery , and often cited by the President , during the speech . President Reagan 's invitation , and the reference to Skutnik 's heroism within his speech , may have been an attempt to include a human interest story within the speech . The practice fell out of favor during the presidency of George H. W. Bush . Bill Clinton restored the practice upon assuming the Presidency , and it has continued under George W. Bush , Barack Obama , and Donald Trump
Air Florida Flight 90
Air Florida Flight 90
List of Lenny Skutniks