[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 170 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF NATHAN PRATT JENNINGS'S HEROIC ACTIONS

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                          HON. ADAM KINZINGER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2018

  Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize 
Nathan Pratt Jennings, a Corporal in the Illinois Army National Guard 
and my constituent from Machesney Park, for his heroic actions in 
saving the life of his fellow citizen.
  On August 3, 2018, Mr. Jennings was driving home from work along 
Interstate 90 when out of the corner of his eye, he saw a big splash in 
a retention pond by the side of the road. Being an avid duck hunter, he 
knew that something was wrong. He pulled his car over and ran to the 
pond where he saw an upended vehicle, rapidly sinking into the water.
  Mr. Jennings' military training kicked in and he acted decisively, 
taking off his suit and jumping into the muddy water. After his first 
attempt to find the driver failed, he asked another individual to hold 
his feet while he dove into the submerged vehicle. After what felt like 
an eternity, he managed to find the driver and pulled her limp body 
from the car.
  As Mr. Jennings brought her to shore, he was certain she had drowned. 
Luckily, a group of Good Samaritans were waiting and ready to 
administer CPR until the paramedics arrived. While the others worked to 
save the life of the female driver, Mr. Jennings went back into the 
water to ensure that no one was left behind.
  Mr. Speaker, had it not been for Mr. Jennings' quick actions, August 
3rd could have ended tragically. I am glad to say that the driver of 
that car is alive and well thanks to Mr. Jennings and the other Good 
Samaritans who helped in her rescue. On behalf of Illinois' 16th 
Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. 
Nathan Pratt Jennings for his heroic actions in saving the life of his 
fellow Illinoisan.

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