[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 21, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING MARCOS GIL

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I rise in memory of Marcos Gil of 
Arimo, ID, who gave his life on April 28, 2018 rescuing a young woman 
from drowning.
  When 17-year-old Marcos Gil saw his girlfriend caught in a circular 
current downriver from a waterfall, he rushed to her aid. Despite being 
a poor swimmer, Marcos jumped into the Portneuf River to save the 14-
year-old girl as she called for help, submerging himself in the 
powerful current and pushing her toward the bank of the river. With 
Marcos' help, the young woman was able to grab hold of a branch at the 
edge of the riverbank and swim to safety. Tragically, Marcos was unable 
to extricate himself from that same current, drowning in the process of 
saving the young woman's life.
  Those who knew Marcos described him as friendly, deeply caring and 
eager to serve, and the story of his courage and sacrifice continues to 
resonate throughout eastern Idaho and beyond. Members of the community 
have rallied around the Gil family, including the Bannock County 
Sheriff's Office, which honored Marcos posthumously with the first ever 
lifesaving award presented to a civilian, and the Red Cross of Greater 
Idaho, which recognized Marcos with its East Idaho Real Heroes award. 
This year, Marcos was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal by the 
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. The award, which is given to recognize 
those who have risked their lives to save others, will be presented to 
his parents, Margarito and Silvia Gil.
  At just 17 years old, Marcos Gil left the world far too soon. He is 
deeply missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know 
him, and his bravery and heroism will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________