Brussels Attacks: Train Hero from Oregon Reacts

For Alek Skarlatos, it was all too familiar.

The 23-year-old from Roseburg, Oregon had been on vacation last August with two of his friends as they travelled on a train to Paris from Brussels.

Skarlatos, an active member of the Oregon National Guard, had been sitting in the window seat when he heard the bang. His first thought was that a window had broken.

It was clear that was not the case when he saw people running by, being pursued by a shirtless man with an AK-47.

Skarlatos, and his friends jumped into action and were able to stop the would-be terrorist before anyone else was killed.

This time, there was no Skarlatos to stop the coordinated attacks that rocked Brussels early Tuesday.

"It's awful," he told Patch from Utah where is undergoing regular National Guard training.

"You don't ever want to hear about this stuff," he said. "You have to hope enough is being done to prevent it.

"I'm not sure that there is enough."

Skarlatos has had a whirlwind since that day on the train.

He has been honored by the United States and French governments. He met President Obama at the White House. He did a season of Dancing with the Stars, finishing this.

He recently moved back to Roseburg where he bought a home and is writing a book.

From Utah, Skarlatos told Patch that the attack this morning speaks to broader issues that may never be fixed. But, he said, that doesn't mean you don't keep trying.

"I was surprised it happened again," he said. "I thought Europe did a lot after the last Paris attack to stop it for the time being.

"I think Europe needs to control its borders."