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The Boy Scouts of America has awarded an Avondale scouting veteran and Cubmaster its Medal of Merit for his 15 years of outstanding service.
Steven Brunasso, the current Cubmaster of Pack 64 in the West Valley, was awarded the medal in April for his swift action in applying the Heimlich maneuver on one of his co-workers.
While out to lunch with a few friends for his birthday, one of the coworkers became silent and appeared to be panicking. Mr. Brunasso asked if the man could breathe and the coworker shook his head “no." Mr. Brunasso immediately applied the Heimlich maneuver two times, dislodging a piece of food, and allowing him to breathe again.
The Medal of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others, according to a news release.
“The National Council of the Boys Scouts of America presents four awards to outstanding Scouts or Scouters who have rendered special service to others,” said Gary Vaughan, vice president of Area 6 western region for the Boy Scouts, in a prepared statement.
Mr. Vaughan added, “All of these awards are presented in the name of the Boy Scouts of America. For a Scout to be honored with such an award, application must be made and approved by the BSA’s National Court of Honor.”
Mr. Brunasso previously was awarded his Eagle Scout in 1984.
“I didn’t do anything unusual for a Scout,” said Mr. Brunasso. “I was just prepared by my time in scouting to be helpful. This is the same reason I am a cubmaster now, to pass on the Scout Oath and Scout Law, develop character and give back what I got from Scouting.”
Lindsay is a Phoenix native and is thrilled to be reporting in her hometown.
After spending several years in advertising after college, she switched gears and graduated with her master’s degree in journalism at Arizona State University in 2019.
When she’s not writing, you can usually find her reading a book or playing with her family’s dogs.