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Marthasville Boy Scout earns medal of merit; Saved his grandfather from choking

By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
Posted 11/7/19

One of the first things a Boy Scout learns is the Scout motto: “Be Prepared,” which means a Scout is “always ready to do what is necessary to help others.” Jacob Guenther, 14, of …

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Marthasville Boy Scout earns medal of merit; Saved his grandfather from choking

Posted
By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
One of the first things a Boy Scout learns is the Scout motto: “Be Prepared,” which means a Scout is “always ready to do what is necessary to help others.”Jacob Guenther, 14, of Marthasville, received the Medal of Merit Dec. 15, for using his Scouting skills to save his grandfather from choking.Guenther is the grandson of Toni and John Guenther and a member of Boy Scout Pack 359.Ken Etter, Osage District executive, presented the lifesaving medal to Guenther during the Troop’s annual Court of Honor.“In 10 years, this is only the third time I have presented this award,” said Etter. “It is rare.”In January, John Guenther was enjoying a meal of pork chops with his wife Toni and grandson Jacob when he felt the urge to cough.“I inhaled a little bit to cough and it was like closing off a pipe,” he said. “I couldn’t take in any more air.”Toni Guenther said her husband had been struggling with a winter cold, so she didn’t notice he was choking. I just remember looking at him and saying, “What’s wrong with you?”Jacob didn’t hesitate. He immediately understood his grandfather was choking and put his Boy Scout training to work. Jacob reached behind his grandfather and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food.“The whole thing probably took less than a minute,” said Toni. “I felt bad because I didn’t know what was going on.”“A lot of people panic,” said John. “Jacob didn’t. He just moved.”Guenther has completed at least 24 of his Scout badges and hopes to start working toward his Eagle Scout rank in 2017. His favorite badge earned so far is the ham radio badge.“There is so much to learn in Scouting,” said Toni. “And they are always repeating the skills.”John Guenther, an assistant scoutmaster, said he attributes this method of training to Jacob being able to act quickly and decisively. Jacob has learned skills in first aid, taking shelter, swimming and many others.Coincidentally, during the next annual Klondike Derby competition, the Marthasville Troop will man the first aid station.Larry Hale, Troop 359 scoutmaster, was thrilled to surprise Guenther with the special honor.“Jacob is always fun-loving, ambitious and he loves being outdoors,” said Hale. “He quickly and calmly saved a life.”

John Guenther, right, is crediting his grandson, Jacob Guenther, with saving him from choking using skills learned as a Boy Scout. Jacob received the Medal of Merit Lifesaving Award Thursday, Dec. 15. Pictured, from left, is Toni, Jacob and John Guenther. Cindy Gladden Photo. 

Ken Etter, Osage District Executive of the Boy Scouts, back, awarded Jacob Guenther with the Medal of Merit for saving the life of his grandfather, John Guenther during the annual Court of Honor Thursday, Dec. 15. Pictured, from left, are Jacob and John Guenther. Cindy Gladden Photo. 

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