Nebraska And Iowa Celebrating Community Heroes

     Today’s Nebraska-Iowa football game in Lincoln is the 11th annual Heroes Game with each state honoring one resident as a symbol of all community heroes.

       Cara Loken of Nebraska and Rusty Boruff of Iowa were selected for their positive impact on their communities and the inspiration they provide to others. Both will be recognized at halftime and have their names inscribed on the game trophy.

     Cara Loken is a Lincoln native and a yellow ribbon support specialist and event coordinator for the National Guard. In those roles, she directs servicemembers and their families to the appropriate people to help them with their needs.

      Loken is also the founder of heARTS for Healing and the coordinator for the Refuel You! Retreat, which focuses on health and wellness for caregivers of military members and veterans.

      Loken says she loves the military, their families, and their kids – adding that she hopes the things she’s done have helped them and made a difference in their lives.

      This isn’t the first time Loken’s work has been recognized. The wife of Lt Colonel John Loke of the 155th Air Refueling Wing, she was the 2016 Armed Forces Insurance National Guard Military Spouse of the year. 

      Rusty Boruff is an Iowa native, veteran, and author. He’s also the founder and director of One Eighty, a charity that brings hope, love, and opportunity to people and communities impacted by crisis, poverty, and addiction. Earlier this year, Boruff received the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for outstanding public service.