OMAHA, NEB., Monday, November 24, 2014 — A bank president from Pilger, Nebraska and a Winterset, Iowa teenager will be recognized for their remarkable acts of courage on Friday, November 28, 2014. 18-year-old Austin Benson and Gene Willers will represent their home states as “citizen heroes” when the University of Iowa Hawkeyes host the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Hy-Vee Heroes Game.

“The actions of both Gene and Austin represent what the American Red Cross is all about; providing compassionate care to those in need,” said Jill Orton, Regional Executive. “We are thrilled to partner with the Universities of Iowa and Nebraska, and of course, Hy-Vee, to celebrate these two exceptional individuals and their achievements.”

Gene Willers, Pilger, Neb. On the afternoon of June 16, 2014, Midwest Bank President, Gene Willers put the lives of his bank family first. Around 4:00 p.m., a large tornado touched down southwest of the Village of Pilger. After storm spotters called the bank to alert them of the danger, Gene ushered eight people, including several employees, into the bank vault and locked them inside minutes before the deadly tornado ripped through Pilger. Unfortunately, the vault could only be locked from the outside, so Gene sought shelter in a cellar below ground. The EF4 Tornado destroyed the century old Midwest Bank building. Thankfully, Gene emerged safely from below ground and the vault withstood the powerful winds, making Gene Willers a Hero.

Austin Benson, Winterset, Ia.  On the fourth of July, Austin Benson remained calm and was very brave when he rushed to help his friend, Rachel Riley, after she was thrown from her horse. The saddle horn punctured her leg causing traumatic injuries. As Rachel’s mom called for help, Austin used his shirt to apply pressure to the wound. He held Rachel’s hand and talked to his friend; trying to keep her calm while they waited for the ambulance. Rachel’s family wouldn’t know until later, but the injury to Rachel’s leg was a severed artery. The pediatric LifeFlight nurse said Austin’s actions and ability to stay calm saved Rachel’s life.

At halftime, Athletic Directors Gary Barta of the University of Iowa and Shawn Eichorst of the University of Nebraska will make a special presentation to the Hy-Vee Heroes Game honorees, whose names will be inscribed on the Heroes Game trophy. Benson, Willers and members of their families will be guests of the Hawkeyes and the Huskers at the game and will participate in a variety of special pregame activities. Randy Edeker, chairman, CEO and president of Hy-Vee, the presenting sponsor of the Heroes Game, will present a check to the Red Cross just before kickoff to show support for the Heroes recognized and the important work of the American Red Cross in Nebraska and Iowa.

Fans of both schools were invited to nominate residents of Iowa and Nebraska who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism and service in their communities. Staff and volunteers from the Red Cross selected the winners.

The Red Cross invites the public to be heroes in their communities and sign up to volunteer and be a part of the lifesaving work it does. The Red Cross is looking for diverse volunteers of all ages and skill levels. People can go to redcross.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

The Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people to fulfill its mission.  Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and home fires­ can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

Contact Information:
Nebraska Hero Contact                       Iowa Hero Contact                     Hy-Vee, Inc.

Liz Dorland                                         Kara Kelly                                  Tara Deering-Hansen
Communications Manager                   Communications Officer             Director, Communications

Nebraska/Kansas Region                     Iowa Region
American Red Cross                           American Red Cross                  Office (515) 559-5770

Cell: (402) 689-3683                                    Cell: (515) 664-6326                         Cell: (515) 778-7865