12/18/2024
Concrete proof the Scouting program can still make a difference in this world!
On July 22, 2023, Scout Jackson Wethington, who lives in the Danville, Virginia area, was fishing at the Staunton River when he heard people yelling for help. Upon looking, he saw two people splashing in the water. Jackson and his lifelong friend, Jayden Hall, jumped into the river to assist. Jackson managed to bring one of the girls to safety. However, looking back, he noticed that Jayden had become overwhelmed by the currents while trying to rescue the second girl and was in trouble.
At that moment, Jackson jumped back into the water to help the second girl reach the shore. Jayden had been swept underwater, but after two attempts, Jackson reached him and pulled him to safety. Once on shore, Jackson found Jayden unresponsive and immediately began performing CPR, a skill he had learned just a few months prior while working toward a merit badge. Jayden was revived and later recovered at the hospital. Both girls received treatment from emergency workers at the scene.
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Like Jackson, every Scout pledges to "be prepared" and "to help other people at all times."
District Commissioner Bill Smith, the American Legion Memorial Post 325 historian, helped present Jackson with the American Legion Heroism Medal.
