[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14]
[EXTENSI]
[Page 20042]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JASON THORSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of a 
Mason City, Iowa resident, Jason Thorson, in rescuing a young woman 
from Willow Creek.
  On August 5, just after 9:30 p.m., Jason Thorson and a group of 
friends were walking to a convenience store when they noticed a young 
woman standing on the bridge, just staring at the water. When he came 
out of the store, it was apparent that the woman jumped off the bridge. 
Thorson ran to the north side of the bridge, through some weeds and 
into the water. The young woman was not breathing and he held her head 
out of the water until the Mason City Police Department and the Fire 
Department ambulance arrived. Although Thorson had never met the woman, 
he said, ``I just wanted to help her out. It was like a godsend that I 
was here and able to help.''
  The diligent effort of this young man is a testament to the bravery 
and compassion of Iowans; willing to do whatever is necessary for a 
neighbor in need. I commend Jason Thorson for his heroism and 
cooperation. I am honored to represent him in the United States 
Congress, and I wish him health and happiness in the future.

                          ____________________