Talkington awarded Scout's Medal of Merit

Piran Talkington, left, was awarded the Scout's Medal of Merit. His sister, Caitlyn, center and Scout Masater Stephen N. Heinz pin on his medal.

By: Julia LeDoux | Inside NoVA
Published: October 05, 2009

A young Boy Scout who saved his sister’s life was awarded the National Boy Scouts of America Medal of Merit Wednesday during a Court of Honor ceremony at American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge.
Piran Alexander Talkington received the Medal of Merit, the Scout’s fourth highest award, for saving his then 4-year old sister’s life two year’s ago.
“When you do the right thing when no-one is watching, that says a lot about you as a person,” said Del. Scott Ligamfelter, Va-31, who presented Talkington with the medal. “We’re here to honor a young man because he exhib-ited uncommon courage.”
Piran, 12, the son of Brigit and Adam Talkington, is a Star Scout in Troop 1367, which is sponsored by Post 364.
On July 24, 2007, Piran and his family were enjoying a pizza dinner at home when Brigit Talkington left the dining room table to answer the telephone. During her brief absence, Caitlyn Talkington began choking on a piece pizza. Piran quickly moved behind his sister’s chair and performed the Heimlich maneuver, causing her to cough up a too-large piece of pizza on her plate.
“Piran’s quick action in applying a skill he had learned in Cub Scouting demonstrated his preparedness and concern for the well-being of his sister,” said a statement released by the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Ligamfelter also presented Piran with a flag that had been flown over the state capitol in Richmond. Collin Daven-port, Prince William County director for Congressman Gerald Connolly, D-11, presented Piran with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor. Connolly also read news of the medal presentation into the Congressional Record. Piran also received certificates from Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.
Piran said he was unfazed by all the attention.
“Well, that’s really nice, but I’m glad Caitlyn is okay,” he said.
Scouts Andy Blevins, Ian Leathers, Chris and Kenny Lindelof, Jason Nash, and Darien Talkington also received badges and special awards during the ceremony.

Talkington awarded Scout's Medal of Merit

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