[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING ETHAN JOSEPH WINSLOW MONAGHAN FOR HIS HEROISM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Ethan Joseph Winslow Monaghan, a hero, upon earning the Boy Scouts of 
America National Heroism Medal for Lifesaving.
  Ethan Monaghan, of Plymouth, Michigan, a nine-year-old and first year 
Webelos Cub Scout saved his younger brother's life on August 23, 2007. 
Five-year-old Steven D. Monaghan II had flipped off an inflatable pool 
tube into five feet of water. Too short to touch the bottom and unable 
to swim, Steven started to scream for help before going under the 
water. Ethan heard the cries of help and bravely dove into the pool, 
wrapped his arms around Steven's waist, and pulled his head above the 
water. Ethan, also unable to touch the bottom of the pool, was able to 
swim his brother over to adults. Thankfully, Steven did not require 
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or other medical attention because of 
Ethan's rapid response and instinct.
  Although Ethan has never received any formal lifesaving training, the 
skills he learned as a Cub Scout helped to avert a tragedy. Subsequent 
to a thorough review of his actions by the Detroit Area Council of Boy 
Scouts, Ethan was presented the Boy Scouts of America National Heroism 
Medal for Lifesaving, which, on average, fewer than three hundred boys 
receive a year. To his brother, Steven, and parents Dr. and Mrs. Steven 
and Audrey Monaghan, Ethan will be a triumphant hero for years to come.
  Madam Speaker, Ethan Joseph Winslow Monaghan should be recognized for 
his courage, determination, and selfless action. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Ethan Monaghan for obtaining the Boy Scouts 
of America National Heroism Medal for Lifesaving and honoring Ethan's 
devotion to his community and our country.

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