[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25052]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PIRAN TALKINGTON OF WOODBRIDGE, VA

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
twelve-year-old Piran Talkington of Woodbridge, VA. On June 24, 2007, 
Piran successfully executed the Heimlich maneuver to save the life of 
his four-year-old sister Caitlyn. Just 10 years old at the time, Piran 
showed remarkable composure by calmly employing this life saving 
technique.
  As a Cub Scout in Pack 289 of Woodbridge, Piran learned basic life-
saving skills as part of his training to become a Boy Scout. Piran's 
attentiveness during these lessons proved invaluable when he was able 
to unblock his younger sister's airway during a family dinner. After 
Caitlyn regained her breathing and recovered her color, she tearfully 
hugged Piran.
  Piran has continued his participation in Scouts and is now a Star 
Scout in Troop 1367. The Boy Scouts of America, upon recommendation of 
the National Court of Honor, has awarded Piran the Medal of Merit. This 
is the Boy Scouts' fourth highest national award. The award recognizes 
Piran for demonstrating the finest Scouting skills and ideals.
  For nearly 100 years, the Boy Scouts have developed upstanding youth 
with the character and maturity to handle tough situations. Piran is an 
exceptional example of a young Scout. He also is an Honor Roll student 
and winner of the Fifth Grade Science Fair for Physical Sciences. 
Piran's life-saving measures were not an isolated instance of 
distinction. He works hard to reach the highest levels of achievement 
in everything he attempts.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding Piran's 
accomplishments. The decisiveness and skill with which he acted to save 
his sister can be attributed to his scouting background. This training 
will serve him well throughout his life, and I am confident that his 
future will be full of success and outstanding accomplishments.

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