Union College students to help Iowans nearly a week after derecho

The Union College International Rescue and Relief program leaves Lincoln Monday to help cleanup storm damage in Iowa.

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) – Thousands of Iowans are still without power after a storm hit the state last Monday. Now, Nebraskan’s are stepping up to lend a helping hand.

The Union College International Rescue and Relief program is headed to Belle Plaine, Iowa on Monday. The group made up of 23 students, one graduate and two staff members will help assist with storm cleanup. Homes in eastern Iowa are still without power after a derecho brought 100 mph winds. Cornfields and soybean crops were flattened. Grain elevators, churches and banks were all damaged.

“Parks, a lot of personal homes, private property are still just covered with debris,” said rescue coordinator Andrew Saunders.

IRR is a bachelor’s degree program designed to prepare students for careers in public safety, emergency management and community development. Students go through EMT training, earn FEMA certifications, train in wilderness survival and rescue, and study global medicine. They also go through training in disaster response.

From helping Nebraskan’s cope with flooding, to assisting people in Africa and the Philippines, senior Ryan Haakenson enjoys the opportunity to help people.

“We start by serving each other, so that we can serve the people around us,” Haakenson said.

For Haakenson, this particular trip hits close to home. He grew up just 45 minutes from Belle Plaine.

“Everyone around us is our neighbor, so we’re going to help out our neighbors,” he said. “It really gives us a way to view people with dignity and respect as them being our neighbors, and we’re just here to help them however they can use the help.”

If you are interested in donating to the Union College IRR Disaster Response Fund, head on over to the college’s website. Select “International Rescue and Relief Disaster Response” for the designation.