Gov. Heineman’s Comment from Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp

Little Sioux, Iowa - Photos ) Gov. Dave Heineman is in Iowa today. Iowa emergency officials announced that three of the young men killed in last night’s tornado were from Omaha, Neb. They were attending a week-long Boy Scout leadership camp in western Iowa. Another 48 people were injured.

 Gov. Heineman said, “We lost three young men from our state last night and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured, and of course the families of those who were lost. This is a difficult day for them and we are saddened by the loss of these fine young men. I want to thank the scouts and the scout leaders who helped in the aftermath of the storm. They responded in true Boy Scout fashion.

 “I’ve been out to the site and the destruction from this storm is very, very difficult to see. You look at that bunk house and it’s amazing we didn’t lose more lives. We should feel blessed that so many survived. However, the loss of one young life is too many and that is something we are all going to be dealing with.

 “I want to thank Governor Chet Culver for hosting us this morning, and I’ve offered his team whatever assistance they might need, today and in the days to come.”

 This morning the Governor toured the site where the tornado struck with Iowa Gov. Culver, and met with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff upon his arrival in the state. Gov. Heineman is expected to return to Nebraska this afternoon and will get an update from Nebraska Emergency Management officials on flooding in the state.