Boy Scout to receive high honor for act of heroism

El Paso Times ^ | Sept. 6, 2010 | Maria Cortez Gonzales

[RonF]

EL PASO — Fernando Espinosa always thought of his Boy Scout experience as a way to learn about leadership and helping others.

But he never expected his 10 years of scouting to help him become a hero.

On Jan. 22, without thinking twice, Espinosa pushed teacher Glenda Tanner, 47, out of the way of a car at a crosswalk in front of Franklin High School. The car struck Espinosa, who received a head injury from the windshield and hurt his left knee.

...

For his bravery, Espinosa, 17, will be awarded the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms on Friday at the Centennial Scouting Alumni Dinner.

Officials with the Yucca Council of the Boy Scouts of America said Espinosa's award is significant. Only three or four boys across the nation receive such a medal each year.

"This is the only one ever given to any scout in El Paso," said Bill Spears, vice president for marketing for the Yucca Council. "While Boy Scouts of America have other hero awards, this one is given out with the crossed palms for extreme risk to personal life and safety."

Sixty to 90 Eagle Scout awards are given out each year in the Yucca council area.

[RonF]

The BSA awards it's Heroism Medal for saving someone's life at risk to one's self. Awarding it with crossed palms is extremely rare, but letting yourself get hit by a car to push someone else out of the way qualifies.

[ConorMacNessa]

Boy Scout ping!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[2banana]

I would put him in a Bronze Star too!

[The Great RJ]

This is what scouting is all about duty, honor and country.

[ElayneJ]

A true hero

[Young Werther]

Gives a whole new meaning ofr Boy Scouts helping old ladies to cross the street!

SAFELY!

[Waverunner]

Yesterday I was talking to an 84 yr old Eagle Scout on his birthday. He counted scouting as one of his great life experiences. A salute to this brave young scout, who didn’t think twice about saving someone else. The tradition lives.
The one that starts, I Promise on my honor...

[NonValueAdded]

Bravo Zulu

[UCANSEE2]

Excellent.

[not2worry]

Something Obama could have learned if he went to the Jamoboree!

[Zakeet]

Outstanding! Your parents have to be proud ... as are old Boy Scouts such as myself.

[Onelifetogive]

He counted scouting as one of his great life experiences.

I'm 43 years old. I still have my Eagle Scout card in my wallet. I got it when I was 14.

[BenKenobi]

Wasn’t good enough to make eagle scout, but congrats to the kid!

[SandRat]

[SmithL]

He’s a Life Scout and he’s 17. He can probably still make Eagle.

[headofhouseful]

Great story, RonF, thanks - This kind of thing gives hope that chivalry and heroism aren’t dead. Really liked his call for younger Scouts to be gentlemen, help others, and recognize that life is short and uncertain ... teens don’t get that ...