Calling all heroes
2012 edition
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"Hero." Just hearing the word can conjure up images of mythological warriors, comic-book protagonists or handsome stars from summer blockbusters. But for us, one story instantly comes to mind when we hear the word "hero." The story takes place in a small town in northeast Nebraska. A woman was battling cancer, and the disease was progressing rapidly. As a last resort, she temporarily moved to Omaha for treatment. She'd been away only a month when her house in northeast Nebraska caught fire and burned to the ground.
Pretty tragic story, right? Well it sure could have been, but it wasn't - thanks to a town full of heroes. The townspeople banded together and rebuilt the woman's house. She came home to a brand-new house and a warm welcome from her heroic neighbors.
To us, the townspeople are heroes because they responded unselfishly, in someone's time of need. And the woman's life and their entire community are better.
This is just one story. We know there are more heroes all around the state, and we want to give them the credit they deserve. That's why we need your help - we'd like you to nominate your Nebraska Hero.
Your nominee must be someone currently living in Nebraska whose unselfish service has positively impacted the quality of life in Nebraska. Nominations should be based on the following categories:
Community Hero - A hero who has made a big impact on any one or more of Nebraska's communities through preservation, development, volunteerism or any other way. This person may be part of an organized group or may be an individual who improves life in Nebraska on a community level.
Nature Hero - A hero who is devoted to improving, preserving or protecting Nebraska's land, water, wildlife, vegetation or any other part of the state's natural environment.
Heroic Role Model - A hero who not only impacts the quality of life in Nebraska, but makes an impact on everyone he or she meets, and in doing so, inspires others to follow his or her example.
Hero for a Cause - A hero who is devoted to improving life in Nebraska by focusing on a specific cause.
Neighborhood Hero - A hero who, like the townspeople in the story, unselfishly devotes time to improving the lives of fellow Nebraskans through thoughtful deeds.
All nominations will be considered for inclusion in a future "Nebraska Heroes" feature story.
Nominations can be mailed to Nebraska Heroes, c/o Nebraska Life Magazine, PO Box 819, Norfolk, NE 68702 or emailed to publisher@NebraskaLife.com. Please include your name and contact information, your nominee's name and hometown, the category in which your nominee's service best fits, the reason(s) you feel he or she should be featured in Nebraska Life Magazine, how your nominee's service specifically impacts life in Nebraska and any photos or other details you feel would help us understand more about your Nebraska Hero.
The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1, 2011.
Nebraska is full of heroes who continue to make our state extraordinary, and we're looking forward to hearing all about them.
Click here to purchase Nebraska Life Magazine, (1 Yr • $21, 2 Yrs • $38).
