View from the Cab: Saluting rural heroes

By Kent Casson

You likely know of a rural hero in your community.

Through June 30, enter for a chance to direct a $2,500 gift to a rural volunteer fire, rescue or ambulance department through Compeer. This is for rural first responders in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Winners will be announced on National Heroes Day, which is July 20, spotlighting the brave ones who keep all of our communities safe.

“Every day, volunteer firefighters, rescue teams and ambulance services work tirelessly to protect our rural communities,” said Compeer. “Their courage and commitment save lives, yet many of these local departments operate with limited resources.”

Simply fill out an online form at pages.compeer.com/National-Heroes-Day with your information, nominate a local hero organization and follow Compeer Home on social media to stay updated via Facebook or Instagram.

You’ll give your first name, last name, e-mail address and postal code before selecting which type of rural first responder organization you’d like to support, such as a volunteer fire department, rescue team or ambulance service. The form also asks for the name of the organization.

Through Compeer Home, the company is on a mission to support the growth and development of small towns by making rural living more accessible. They help champion the hopes and dreams of rural America by enriching agriculture.

Supporting rural first responders is one of the many ways Compeer invests in rural towns. They also provide grants and scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

Established in 2018, Compeer’s Fund for Rural America focuses on giving within Compeer’s three-state territory in five areas such as: agricultural advocacy and development, agriculture education, cooperative initiatives, rural development and community enrichment plus youth engagement.

The fund receives one percent of the annual net earnings, meaning $28.6 million has been reinvested in opportunities for rural residents and communities where clients live.

Compeer Financial has locations around us in Pontiac and Normal and is based in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. For more information, call 844-426-6733.