One Scout’s memorable Father’s Day

What greater gift can a young man give his father than the gift of life?

Last November, Daniel Domagalski was driving through Jonesboro, Arkansas when he suddenly suffered a seizure. His quick-thinking son, Michael Jones, was able to take the wheel and steer their vehicle through two busy intersections before safely stopping on the side of the road. Michael called 911 and provided first aid treatment until paramedics arrived.

Michael Jones is a Boy Scout with Troop 890 in nearby Brookland, Arkansas.  And this will be the first Father’s Day since that heroic act that saved his father’s life.

Earlier this month, local media covered Michael receiving Scouting’s Honor Medal, awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has “demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self.”  (See Scouting Newsroom for more details). Rick Wise, field director for the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, made this observation about Michael’s honor that I think is spot-on when it comes to how we prepare our Scouts for life:

“The skill set that the boys learn, it teaches a degree of self-confidence that when there is a situation that you don’t necessarily know the outcome of the situation, they are able to keep a cool head and take control of the situation and do what needs to be done.”

Great job, Michael, and all the best to you and your Dad for Father’s Day!  And congratulations to Troop 890 and the Quapaw Area Council for your training and mentoring that gave Michael the skills he needed at a critical point in his — and his father’s — life. Let’s all reflect this Father’s Day on why these skills expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law are so important for America’s young people, their families and communities.

Wayne