[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20341]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MINNESOTA BOY SCOUTS AND LEADERS ON THEIR RECEIPT OF THE MEDAL 
             OF MERIT AND THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor five 
Minnesota Boy Scouts and their two adult leaders as they receive the 
Medal of Merit and the National Certificate of Merit from the Boy 
Scouts of America. On September 18, 2005, Michael Daw, Eric Erfanian, 
David Fink, Derek Rossberg, Jim Spohn, John Spohn, and Tim Spohn will 
receive these awards for their heroic efforts to help save the life of 
another adult leader, Laurie Jedamus. An additional adult leader, 
Emilie Entrikin, will receive the National Certificate of Merit.
  On August 18, 2004, the five Boy Scouts and four adult leaders began 
a week-long trek into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in northern 
Minnesota. On the third night of the trip, Laurie Jedamus developed 
epiglottitis, a very dangerous throat infection that progressed to the 
point that, by the next morning, Jedamus had difficulty breathing. The 
Scouts and their leaders decided that medical attention was necessary 
and began the difficult expedition back out of the BWCA. The weather 
started to deteriorate, with 40 mph winds, two-foot waves and trees 
blowing down, but the Scouts and their leaders made the 11-mile trip, 
crossing 14 lakes and 13 long, steep portages (where they had to carry 
their 50 pound bags and 70 pound canoes) in six hours; usually a two-
day trip. Jedamus stayed in the hospital for two days and made a 
complete recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, these Scouts and their leaders exemplify the outstanding 
act of service and exceptional character that embody the Medal of 
Merit. Their courage and perseverance under trying conditions helped 
save the life of one of their leaders. On behalf of the Sixth District 
of Minnesota, I would like to extend my congratulations on receiving 
this most deserving award. It is community members like these Scouts 
and their leaders who help make Minnesota great.

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